Sarah Ellen Middleton Risner, 96, of Verda, passed away on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at her home with her family by her side. Born August 4th, 1927 to the late John and Bertha Howard Middleton, she was a lifelong resident of Harlan County. Sarah was a homemaker and believed in the Holiness Faith.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Andrew Risner; four children, Dave, Barbara, Mack and Walter Risner; twograndsons, Andrew Walter Risner and Daniel Risner; five brothers, Johnny, Abner, Walter, Jim and Henry Middleton; six sisters, Pheby Dean, Belle Payne, Rhoda Fritts, Polly Goddard, Lillian McMillon and Bobbie Starks; and two sons-in-law, Bill Middleton and Jim Stokes.

Survivors include 10 children, Ann Middleton, Verda; Dewey Risner and wife, Lana, Verda; John Risner, Verda; Bertha Stokes, Evarts; Joyce Rowe and husband, Joe, Dartmont; Ben Risner and wife, Linda, Dartmont; Venice Risner, Verda; Andrew Risner, Dartmont; David Risner and wife, Sarah, Kenvir; Steve Risner and wife, Gail, Verda; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Visitation will be held Friday from 5 until 8 pm at the Turner Missionary Baptist Church at Verda.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, November 18, 2023, at 2 PM at the Turner Missionary Baptist Church at Verda with the Reverend Jerry Kirby officiating.

Burial will follow in the Evarts Memorial Gardens with her sons serving as pallbearers.

Evarts Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Sarah Ellen Middleton Risner.