2026 Sunflower Fair Sensational Sunflowers
Each year NC-FHAAA and county aging groups in our region honor older Kansans who brighten the lives of others and make their communities better places! We are pleased to recognize our 2025 Sensational Sunflowers who represent the many generous volunteers in the Kansas heartland who make others’ lives better and brighter!
-
Nancy L. Brock has devoted her life to teaching, serving, and connecting with others. Whether in the classroom, at church, or through the Chase County Senior Center, she brings people together with kindness, enthusiasm, and a welcoming spirit.
-
Linda Underwood has served Clay County for more than 30 years through volunteer leadership, fundraising, and support for individuals facing serious health challenges. As chair of Clay Center's Relay for Life and coordinator of People Helping People, she has connected countless residents with care and encouragement.
-
Known as a true helper, Blanche Wilson has devoted her life to supporting her family, friends, and neighbors. Her leadership, volunteerism, and commitment to the Clyde Senior Center exemplify the spirit of service that makes communities stronger.
-
Linda Jark-Stoffer has enriched her community through her compassion for people and animals, her willingness to lend a helping hand, and her gift for bringing people together. From caring for pets to sharing stories and tending gardens, she makes life brighter for everyone around her.
-
Ron Etchison has dedicated his life to serving others through education, military service, and community leadership. His lasting commitment to helping students, seniors, and fellow citizens makes him a truly deserving Ellsworth County Sunflower Honoree.
-
Gerald Gerloff is a retired Army veteran and long-time Kansas resident who has dedicated his life to service. For the past 13 years, he has volunteered with the Geary County Senior Center delivering meals and supporting local seniors. The former farmhand said he’s grown because of his service to the Geary County community.
-
A devoted public servant and compassionate community member, Mary Rothchild spent more than three decades helping others as a dispatcher for the Jewell County Sheriff’s Department. Her dedication, kindness, and commitment to serving her neighbors have left a lasting impact on Jewell County.
-
A dedicated volunteer and trusted leader, Wilma Burger has devoted her time and talents to strengthening her community through service, organization, and compassion. Her willingness to step in wherever help is needed has made her an invaluable part of Lincoln County.
-
A lifelong educator, mentor, and volunteer, Sally Anderson has dedicated her life to serving others through teaching, leadership, and community involvement. Her commitment to helping students, supporting seniors, and strengthening her community has left a lasting impact on generations of Lyon County residents.
-
Barbara Smith’s lifelong commitment to serving seniors and helping others has made a lasting impact on her community. Through decades of volunteerism, leadership, and compassionate service, she exemplifies the belief that helping one person can truly make a difference.
-
Dee Daugherty’s generous spirit and dedication to serving others have made a lasting impact on her community. A talented seamstress who has handcrafted more than 125 walker bags for occupational therapy patients, Dee combines compassion, creativity, and volunteer service to improve the lives of others and exemplify the true meaning of community care.
-
A dedicated volunteer, veteran, and community servant, Vance Hight has spent his life helping others through acts of service both large and small. From delivering meals and donating blood to assisting neighbors with electrical repairs, his generosity and commitment have strengthened the Morris County community.
-
George Powell’s steadfast dedication and servant heart have helped make Ada a welcoming and vibrant community for generations. Through his leadership, volunteer service, and care for cherished community traditions and spaces, George exemplifies the spirit of kindness, commitment, and neighborly support that strengthens Ottawa County.
-
A passionate community volunteer and hometown advocate, Michelle Crisler has dedicated countless hours to supporting Wamego through service, creativity, and leadership. Her commitment to making her community a welcoming and vibrant place has enriched the lives of residents and visitors alike.
-
Betty Bouray’s unwavering faith, servant leadership, and dedication to helping others have strengthened her community for decades. Through her ministry, volunteer service, and compassionate care for those around her, Betty exemplifies the spirit of kindness, commitment, and selfless service that makes a lasting difference in the lives of others.
-
Lori Bishop’s 41-year career reflects an extraordinary commitment to serving older adults and strengthening communities through volunteerism. Through her visionary leadership, dedication to service, and passion for connecting people with meaningful opportunities to give back, Lori has left a lasting legacy across the Flint Hills and beyond.
-
Cleo Plaggerman’s nearly two decades of dedicated service have brought nourishment, companionship, and comfort to countless individuals throughout Saline County. Her compassion, reliability, and commitment to helping others make her a truly deserving honoree.
-
A lifelong volunteer and community leader, Linda Raine exemplifies resilience, service, and compassion. Her commitment to supporting local organizations and helping others has strengthened Wabaunsee County and inspired those around her.