Karen Ruth Sustaita, 63, passed away June 19, 2013, at Golden Plains Health Center in Hutchinson, Kansas. The daughter of Edward and Ulcie Phillips, she was born February 4, 1950, in Pampa, Texas. A graduate of Phillips High School in Phillips, Texas, she was a homemaker.

A member of Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church, she also enjoyed arts and crafts, loved to paint, go to garage sales, and loved her animals.

On July 3, 1993, she married Juan Sustaita in New Orleans, Louisiana. He survives. Other survivors include: two sons, Eddie Scott (Missy) of Buhler, Mickey Scott (Tanya) of Hutchinson; two sisters, Shirley Wolfe of Bedford, Texas and Tish Poe of Dallas, Texas; and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial celebration will be announced at a later date. The family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Reno County Animal Shelter, in care of Old Mission-Heritage Funeral Home, 528 North Main, Hutchinson, Kansas.

Old Mission-Heritage Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.