Lynda Jean (Faulkner) Varner, 80, of Russell, Kansas, and formerly of Towanda, Kansas, died Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at her home in Russell, Kansas.
Lynda was born February 29, 1944, in El Dorado, the middle of three children born to Edward “Buck” and Frances Faulkner. She grew up in El Dorado and graduated from El Dorado High School in 1962. She was united in marriage to Donald L. Varner, Sr. on September 16, 1962, and they were married for 51 years. This union was blessed with two children, Tammy and Donny.
Lynda was extremely creative and artistic. She enjoyed many different arts and crafts including painting, ceramics, and cross-stitch. She was also a vociferous sports fan and enjoyed watching almost any sport, but any game played by her children, grandchildren, nieces, or nephews were her favorites as well as KU basketball and baseball.
She was an avid reader all her life and enjoyed word puzzles of any type. In the late 1980’s through the mid 1990’s, Lynda wrote and published twelve books, seven historical novels under the pen name of Scotney St. James and five contemporary romance novels under the pen name Jessica St. James, many of which were published internationally.
Another of Lynda’s favorite things to do was to travel. She traveled with her family growing up, with her own family when they could get away from the farm, with her school friends, with her writing friends, and even with Don’s old army friend. In fact, Lynda was always up for an adventure. She was ready to go anywhere at any time with just about anybody! And this never changed. She traveled throughout the majority of the United States over her lifetime and visited Canada, Great Britain and Europe numerous times as well.
Surviving family include her daughter, Tammy Reichenberger and husband Greg of Wichita, Kansas; son Donny Varner, Jr. and wife Audrey of Russell, Kansas; grandchildren Andrea French and husband Sam of Towanda, Kansas; Donald “Trey” Varner III of Russell, Kansas; Scotney Reichenberger of Manhattan, Kansas; and great granddaughter Raylie Varner and great grandson Rhett French. She is also survived by her brother Larry Faulkner and wife Carol of Ft. Scott, Kansas. She was preceded in death by Don, Sr. in 2014, father Buck and mother Frances, both in 2001, and sister Joy Howrey in 2023.
A Graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, October 24, 2024 at the Towanda City Cemetery in Towanda, Kansas. A reception will be held at the Towanda Community Center following the services.
In Lieu of flowers, a Memorial has been established with the El Dorado Public Library. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.