Richard "Rick" Wayne Sturdy
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1955 - 2026
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Richard “Rick” Wayne Sturdy passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at the age of 70 in Hays, Kansas.
Born on September 8, 1955, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to John Vestal and Dorothy Lou (Sandage) Sturdy, Rick spent his youth in North Little Rock and graduated from Sylvan Hills High School in 1973. He went on to pursue Theology at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and channeled his passion for ministry and music into traveling with the international missionary singing group "Living Sound" from 1975 to 1976, bringing the Good News of Jesus to people across Northern Ireland, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Israel, and Canada.
It was in late September 1975 when Rick met Mary. The two were married on September 18, 1976, in Stockton, Kansas, and were weeks away from celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.
Rick was a constant, active presence in the community. He worked as a Driver’s License Examiner for six years, proudly served his country in the Army National Guard from 1990 to 1994, and owned Sturdy Bodies Fitness Center from 1991 to 2009. Rick generously volunteered with the Wellness Program at HaysMed for 8 years, helping others continue to build their strength and health after completing the cardiac rehab program.
As a member of New Life Center Assembly of God, Rick was always ready to serve — teaching adult Sunday School classes, ministering as part of the Christmas and Easter Productions, and serving as a drummer on the worship team. Beyond his active professional and public life, Rick enjoyed hunting with friends and found great joy working alongside his family at RMH Ranch breeding and raising horses. Above all else, Rick was a devoted family man who put his wife, children, and grandchildren second only to his faith, ministry, and love for Jesus.
He is survived by his wife, Mary G. Sturdy, RPh, of Hays; his son, Dr. Benjamin D. Sturdy and wife, Dr. Ashley E. Laing Sturdy, and his four grandchildren, Everett Lee, June Elizabeth, Vera Ann, and Edith Mae, all of Centennial, Colorado; his daughters, Hannah M. Sturdy and Sarah E. Sturdy, both of Hays; and his brother, Phillip Sturdy and wife, Susan, of Lamar, Arkansas.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dorothy Sturdy; his brother, John David Sturdy; and his sister, Mary Lou Fromm.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, September 5, 2026, at New Life Center Assembly of God, 1701 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas, with Pastor Brad Good officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until service time. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Rick’s passion for music ministry may be made to New Life Center and designated for "Sound Equipment". These contributions may be sent in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock’s Chapel, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.
Memories and condolences may be shared on Rick’s tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com
Born on September 8, 1955, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to John Vestal and Dorothy Lou (Sandage) Sturdy, Rick spent his youth in North Little Rock and graduated from Sylvan Hills High School in 1973. He went on to pursue Theology at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and channeled his passion for ministry and music into traveling with the international missionary singing group "Living Sound" from 1975 to 1976, bringing the Good News of Jesus to people across Northern Ireland, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Israel, and Canada.
It was in late September 1975 when Rick met Mary. The two were married on September 18, 1976, in Stockton, Kansas, and were weeks away from celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.
Rick was a constant, active presence in the community. He worked as a Driver’s License Examiner for six years, proudly served his country in the Army National Guard from 1990 to 1994, and owned Sturdy Bodies Fitness Center from 1991 to 2009. Rick generously volunteered with the Wellness Program at HaysMed for 8 years, helping others continue to build their strength and health after completing the cardiac rehab program.
As a member of New Life Center Assembly of God, Rick was always ready to serve — teaching adult Sunday School classes, ministering as part of the Christmas and Easter Productions, and serving as a drummer on the worship team. Beyond his active professional and public life, Rick enjoyed hunting with friends and found great joy working alongside his family at RMH Ranch breeding and raising horses. Above all else, Rick was a devoted family man who put his wife, children, and grandchildren second only to his faith, ministry, and love for Jesus.
He is survived by his wife, Mary G. Sturdy, RPh, of Hays; his son, Dr. Benjamin D. Sturdy and wife, Dr. Ashley E. Laing Sturdy, and his four grandchildren, Everett Lee, June Elizabeth, Vera Ann, and Edith Mae, all of Centennial, Colorado; his daughters, Hannah M. Sturdy and Sarah E. Sturdy, both of Hays; and his brother, Phillip Sturdy and wife, Susan, of Lamar, Arkansas.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dorothy Sturdy; his brother, John David Sturdy; and his sister, Mary Lou Fromm.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, September 5, 2026, at New Life Center Assembly of God, 1701 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas, with Pastor Brad Good officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until service time. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Rick’s passion for music ministry may be made to New Life Center and designated for "Sound Equipment". These contributions may be sent in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock’s Chapel, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.
Memories and condolences may be shared on Rick’s tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com
