Bernice (Berry) Hanson of Newton, KS passed away June 14th, 2024.
She was born December 8, 1932, in Zenda, KS, and at the age of 10 months, was adopted by Ann (Harrison) & Ernest Berry of Newton, KS. Bernice attended and completed Newton grade school and high school, and continued her education with two years at Baker University in Baldwin City, KS and Floral Design School in Denver, CO.
She met Juell “Jay” Hanson while in CO, and they married June 12, 1955 and shared 61 happy and productive years together until his passing in 2016.
Bernice & Jay started their life together in Colorado, where she operated a flower shop out of their home. In May 1963, they moved to Lindsborg, KS, along with first son, Bill. There they owned and operated Hanson Drug Store until retirement in December 1991. After retiring, they enjoyed traveling across the USA in their RV and spending their winters in south Texas. As a child, Bernice was very active in 4H and had a love of horses. During her most productive years, she not only raised three children and kept the books for Hanson Drug Store, she was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and a Mary Kay representative. She and Jay were most recently members of First United Methodist Church in Newton.
Bernice is survived by sons, William (Barb) Hanson of Wichita, KS, Larry Hanson of Maize, KS; daughter, Kathleen Barker of Cottonwood, AZ; and grandchildren, Brandon and Tatum. She was preceded in death by her husband Jay Hanson; parents Ann & Ernest Berry; and brothers, J. David and Gerald Berry.
Family internment will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton, KS.
Memorial contributions in honor of Bernice may be made to Caring Hands Humane Society in Newton, Kansas.