Gregory Cellestine Ruder, 71, Lawrence, died April 22, 2024 at his home. As per his request, no services are planned.
Category: Obituaries
Linda Kay Patterson
A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date and will be announced by Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home for Linda Kay Patterson, 75, of Lawrence. She died April 23, 2024.
A full obituary will appear here at a later time.
Grace Elizabeth Cooper
Grace Elizabeth Cooper died Thursday, April 18, 2024 at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living in Lawrence, Kansas.
Grace was born February 27, 1928 in New York City, New York, the daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth (Cimszak) Peto.
Grace graduated from Walton high School in 1945. She attended Catawba College in Salisbury North Carolina where she met and married Peter Penn Cooper II on September 28, 1947 at St Luke’s Episcopal Church in Salisbury. She and Pete raised three children.
Grace worked as a credit manager for Zimmerman’s Department Stores, served as the executive director of the American Freedom Association, executive director of H.S. World Peace Study and Speaking program, and taught at Salisbury Business College. She studied business courses and management skills with New York University School of Business, Wake Forest University, and the American Management Association. She earned her BA in English from Catawba College in 1977.
She joined Ingersoll Rand in 1975 as Executive Secretary/Editor. In 1981 she was awarded the Ingersoll Rand Davidson Management Award of Excellence for her outstanding work as a published writer, structuring the Ingersoll Rand newsletter, the Rand-O-Rama, into one of the finest publications in the Ingersoll Rand network. She retired in 1986.
Grace’s husband Pete preceded her in death November 3, 1982. Upon retiring from Ingersoll Rand she moved to Lawrence Kansas where she worked as an Administrative Aide to Senator Wint Winter Jr. of the Kansas Legislature.
Grace was active in the Kansas Authors club, Lawrence Men and Women Widowed Group, Lawrence Community Theatre, Women’s Transitional Care Services Advisory Board, American Association of University Women, Kaw Valley Quilter’s Guild, Plymouth Congregational Church Peace Committee, and St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church.
Grace was a talented seamstress, quilter, and cook. She loved and appreciated classical and jazz music, fine art, thought-provoking literature, world-wide travel, photography, spirited debates concerning world events, politics, education, and religion. She loved the outdoors and animals, especially horses and dogs. She was the best horse groomer her horse-crazy daughter could ever wish for, and bravely pulled a rented two-horse trailer behind her Chevy station wagon so they could attend local horse shows. She loved her dogs, who lived royally under her love and care. She was a member of the National Arbor Day Foundation and loved growing things. She was a master at maintaining a beautiful yard and happy house plants.
Grace’s brother, Walter Peto, also preceded her in death. Survivors include her daughter, Alexis Chambers (Dean) of Kansas, sons Peter P. Cooper III of North Carolina, Mark R. Cooper (Cindy) of North Carolina, grandson Dylan P. Cooper of North Carolina, and her beloved nieces and nephews and their families.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Pioneer Ridge Independent Living, Rapid Recovery, and Assisted Living, Dr. Gregory Schnose and his staff, Cardiovascular Specialists of Lawrence, the angels of Ascend Health Lawrence, and our friends, acquaintances, and extended family whose friendships, compassion, and support is deeply appreciated.
Grace will be interred in the National Cemetery in Salisbury North Carolina with her late husband.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Lawrence Humane Society or Prairie Paws Animal Shelter in Ottawa, Kansas, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence KS 66044 or, to contribute to “A Tree To Remember” at www.memorialtree.com where trees are planted in national forests as a living memorial to loved ones. Online condolences may be sent as www.rumsey-yost.com. Cards may be sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
Dr. Paul Kendall Kincaid Jr
Memorial Services for Dr. Paul Kendall Kincaid Jr, 79, Lawrence, will be 2 pm, Sunday, April 28, 2024 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
In 1945, Paul Sr. and Mary moved with little Paul Jr. to a house down from the old Turner Hall on Rhode Island Street. It was a great place to be at the age of 3, as you had protective neighbors, lots of alleys to explore, and all the popcorn (that was swept up from the floors of the Granada and Varsity Theater) you could eat.
After moving to 50 Winona, all of Haskell became Paul’s playground. With many steam tunnels to explore, tons of army surplus sitting around outside, and a working dairy farm all the way to the Wakarusa River. While at Cordley Elementary, Paul and his little brother Charles could have been the poster children for ADHD, but it was Paul’s sense of humor that would keep them out of trouble…most of the time.
After graduating from LHS, Paul got lucky and married Nancy Altic. He worked nights, went to Baker University, and he and Nancy were blessed with a little boy, David. After graduating from Baker, Paul sold real estate for 10 years before deciding to become a chiropractor. As a chiropractor, Paul worked in Oskaloosa for thirty happy years. His ability to diagnose and his willingness to refer patients to the right place saved many lives.
Paul’s true passion has always been to fix things. Whether it was rebuilding a 1966 Mini Cooper, a Volkswagen “Bug,” or a truck, the finished product was always immaculate. Paul would be upset if Don, Bob and Tim Baxter weren’t given credit for showing him the right way to do things and where to go to get things done right.
The last few years of Paul’s life were filled with cancer, “defective” body parts, and atrial fibrillation, but it never stopped Paul from donning his signature headband and making sure he got his steps in for the day. Paul’s resilience was partly due to his unwinding ritual that had to be done at 6:00 p.m. sharp, where he would drink his “libation” (usually a cold IPA), followed by reading a book (his favorite being Moby Dick, which he had read about nine times). Saturday nights were a special occasion where Paul would watch Svengoolie until it was time for bed.
Paul’s son David Kincaid, his wife Sherrie, and their daughter Clarus would like to thank some of the many people who helped Paul to the finish line: the Baxters, David Griffith, Paul Claypool, and especially Jane Getto. We would also like to thank Zen Zero for all the good times Paul spent sitting at their bar, Lawrence Memorial Hospital, for always being there for Paul. We would also like to thank Meals on Wheels and Lawrence Presbyterian Manor for being his home as he made the pass to heaven. For all these people and institutions, we are grateful.
Paul Jr. is preceded in death by his parents, Paul Sr. and Mary Kincaid. He is survived by his son David, David’s wife Sherrie, and his granddaughter Clarus. Paul Jr. also leaves behind his younger brother, Charles, a sister-in-law, Claudia, and six nieces and nephews: Jeff, Elizabeth, Benjamin, Ivan, Aurora, and Charles Jr., as well as a grandnephew, Owen.
Memorial contributions may be made to his granddaughter Clarus Kincaid’s 529 education fund sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.
Anne L. Locke
No services are planned at this time for Anne L. Locke, 87, of Lawrence.
Mrs. Locke died April 22nd, 2024 surrounded by loved ones, including her husband, Arden Kay Locke.
She was born August 19th, 1936, in Atchison, Kansas, the daughter of Lloyd Norman Cooley and Dorothy Louise Cooley (Harris).
Survivors include her husband, Arden Kay Locke, her son, Michael Locke, her sister, Evelyn Burkheart, her brother, Ralph Cooley, her brother-in-law, Tom Locke (wife Linda), her sister-in-law, Twyla Arlington, and many nieces and nephews.
Keith Michael “Mike” Shoemaker
Keith Michael “Mike” Shoemaker, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend, died April 22, 2024, in Lawrence, KS, of complications from pancreatic cancer at the age of 68.
Mike was born Oct. 4, 1955 in Webb City, MO, to Howard and Joan Clyma Shoemaker. He grew up in Kansas City and graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a bachelor’s in education. He received a master’s and a doctorate in pharmaceutical science from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he met his future wife, Kelley Schafer, a fellow pharmacy student. Mike and Kelley were married in 1985 in Salem, MO. They lived in Lee’s Summit, MO, until 1996, when they and their two sons moved to Long Valley, NJ.
Mike had a 35-year career in the pharmaceutical industry before retiring from Sanofi Pharmaceuticals, where he was a team leader in clinical quality and compliance. Mike’s career took him all over the world, including frequent trips to Japan, France, and Germany.
He belonged to Valley View Chapel in Long Valley, where he played guitar in the church’s praise band. He was an avid golfer who enjoyed fishing and grilling. His barbecued brisket, ribs, and pork belly were legendary. After retiring, Mike and Kelley moved to Lawrence in 2021 to be closer to family.
Survivors include sons, John (Casey Boyles) of Alexandria, VA, and Joe of Philadelphia, PA; a granddaughter, June Kelley; a sister, Karen Goodell of Lawrence; two nieces; seven nephews; four great-nieces; four great nephews; and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kelley; his parents; and a sister, Kathy.
After cremation, a memorial service will be held 3 p.m. April 27 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Douglas County Visiting Nurses, 200 Maine Street, Suite C, Lawrence, KS, 66044 or donated directly at https://www.kansasvna.org/donate
Darryl Lawrence Stone
Darryl Lawrence Stone, 80, Lawrence, died April 20, 2024 at Parkway Rehab in Edwardsville. Services are pending and will be announced at a later date.
Grace Elizabeth Cooper
Inurnment for Grace Elizabeth Cooper, 96, of Lawrence, will be at Salisbury National Historic Cemetery in Salisbury, North Carolina. She died April 18, 2024.
A full obituary will appear here at a later time.
Carol Lynn Jones Amsberry
Carol Amsberry passed away peacefully with her family at her side on February 26 after a long bout with cancer. She was 64 years old. She is survived by her husband, Kent, and son Grant of Lawrence, KS, son William of Lenexa, KS and brother William Jones and sister-in-law Sandra of Reading PA. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Carol was born on January 4th, 1960 in Muskegon, MI to John Daniel Jones and Patricia Tait Jones. She grew up in Port Clinton Ohio attending elementary school and high school there. After completing high school, she attended Ohio State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 1982. Following graduation, she entered the workforce as an Assistant Manager at a Kroeger’s grocery store in Columbus, Ohio. After a few years in that position, she joined State Farm Insurance as an underwriter and eventually moved to Fire Claims Adjustor. She worked in that role for the remainder of her 14 year career at State Farm leaving in 1999 after starting a family. While working for State Farm, she lived in Columbus, Ohio, Saratoga Springs, New York and Rye, New Hampshire. She frequently volunteered for storm duty which took her to Florida for Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and Los Angeles for the 1994 Northridge earthquake. While working the Northridge earthquake, she was part of a team managed by Todd Osborne who had a high school friend named Kent Amsberry. Since Carol lived in New Hampshire and Kent in Boston, MA, Todd thought it would be good if they met each other. After dating for a while, they married on October 21, 1995 at Carter Memorial United Methodist Church in Needham, MA and took up residence in a beautiful 1899 Victorian home in Newton, MA. They had two boys, William Todd born in 1997 and Grant Talmon born in 1999. In 2000, the family moved to Kansas City for a new job opportunity and to be closer to family. Over the next 24 years, the family lived in Kansas City, Indianapolis, and Seattle before returning to Kansas City in 2016. In Indianapolis and Seattle, Carol re-entered the workforce as a para-educator in various school systems allowing her to work while being close to her boys. She mainly worked with special needs children that being her particular passion.
Carol played the piano and flute and enjoyed music. Chicago was her favorite rock band. She enjoyed gardening and loved her many dogs and cats over the years. She was an avid reader and particularly enjoyed Romance novels. She liked playing board games and doing puzzles with her family. She also enjoyed cooking, and hosting various kinds of gatherings in her home. The HGTV channel was a favorite of hers and she applied her knowledge from home claims adjusting to the renovation of two homes with Kent. She was a devoted wife and mother spending countless hours helping her boys in any way that she could.
A visitation will be at 1:00 P.M. with a memorial service to follow at 2:00 P.M. Friday, May 17 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence, KS. Memorials to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation are suggested.
Joann Robertson Wiley
Joann Robertson Wiley died on April 19th, 2024 in Lawrence, Kansas with family nearby.
Funeral services will be held on April 27th at 1PM at the Garnand Funeral Chapel in Lakin, Kansas, 508 N Main St. A graveside will follow at the Lakin Cemetery.
Joann was born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma on June 6th, 1924 to Arthur Evans Robertson and Jane (Jennie Lind) Bailey Robertson.
At the age of 9 her family moved to Hulbert, OK when her father became an administrator in the local school district. She graduated first in her high school class at the age of 16. Joann attended Northeastern State College where she graduated in 1945 with a degree in Business Education. She also worked at Camp Gruber Training Base in 1943 during the war effort. Joann took a teaching job in Lakin, KS in 1945 teaching Business Education, Typing and Shorthand. Here she met her future husband Clyde Coder Wiley Jr. They made their home in Lakin with their two children Linda Sue and Rob Conard.
At age 65 Joann retired from the Dept of Social and Rehabilitation Services, moving to Lawrence, KS to be closer to her family.
She became active in the Lawrence community joining multiple clubs including the Lions and Kiwanis, Town and Country Republican Women, the New Horizons Band, and became a Silver Haired Legislator. Joann remained physically active, enjoying bowling and golf into her 90’s. She was an avid supporter of all things Jayhawk.
Joann was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Arthur Evans and Don Alfred as well as her husband Clyde and their son Rob.
Joann is survived by her daughter Linda Wiley Hasler and her three grandsons Robb Ryan and Edmee, Travis Evan and Sami, and Chad Aaron and Heather. She adored her three great grandchildren Kaelum Robb, Henry Howard and Georgia Josephine.
She is also survived by her brother Wade Hampton and Alice, nephews Mark and Bruce, and nieces Melanie, Donna and Nancy. Joann is also survived by her Lakin family the Hayzletts and the Coders.
Joann embraced her life to the fullest and her mantra at the end was ‘Live Life’.
A Special thank you to the wonderful caregivers at both Brandon Woods and Monterey Village.
Memorials can be made to Douglas County VNA & Hospice (in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044) or the GoFundMe that touches your heart.
Joann was a haiku master, with one of her last poems reading:
In Red Feathered Robe
The Cardinal Brings a Gift
Nature’s Ornament
