Author: RumseyYost

Melvin Wayne Goin

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It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Melvin Wayne Goin on January 23, 2026, following a thirteen-year battle with Frontal Temporal Lobe Dementia (FTD) and Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA). Melvin was a devoted husband, father, grandpa, brother, and friend.  He was known for his generous spirit, sharp mind, innovative nature and love of history and storytelling.

Born on August 8, 1946, in St Joseph, Missouri, Melvin was the first-born child of Melvin Milford and Stella Marie Goin. He grew up on the family’s row-crop farm in Wathena, Kansas, where he learned to drive a tractor at nine years old.  He attended a one-room schoolhouse in Burr Oak Bottom, often as the only student in his grade, surrounded by siblings, cousins and close-knit community.

Active in 4-H, he once demonstrated electrical wiring on local television.  Melvin graduated from Wathena High School in 1964, participating in football, basketball, track, school plays and choir.  He captained the basketball team his senior year.

He went on to earn an associate degree from Missouri Western Junior College (1966), followed by a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Administration from the University of Kansas.  He became a Certified Public Accountant and completed his MBA at Northwest Missouri State University.

Melvin began his professional career at Arthur Andersen and Company in Kansas City before joining Missouri Methodist Hospital in St Joseph, where he served for eighteen years advancing from Chief Accountant to Corporate Treasurer through the merger that formed Heartland Health Center (now Mosaic Life Care).

He later became Chief Financial Officer/Vice President of Finance at Mt. Carmel Medical Center in Pittsburg, Kansas, serving two terms totaling sixteen years. During his tenure, the hospital received the Turnaround Hospital of the Year for medium sized hospitals from the American Hospital Association.  Mel was honored for his spirit, dedication and expertise.

Mel also served two terms as Vice President of Finance/Chief Financial Officer of Mercy Medical Center, Sioux City Iowa, retiring in 2008.

Melvin met his future wife, Cathy Ann Evans, on the first day of college in chemistry class. They married on September 6, 1968, and share 57 years of love, partnership, and family life. Melvin was a proud and devoted father to his daughters: Carrie Raney (Patrick) Lawrence KS, Julie Rea (Jarret), Lawrence, KS and Sarah Kliewer, Shawnee, KS.  He was blessed with six grandchildren: Zachary Kliewer (Olivia) Pittsburg, KS, Abigail Raney, Drew Raney, Jackson Rea, Jake Rea and James Rea all of Lawrence KS.  He is also survived by his siblings: Carol Hartman and Gerald Goin of Wathena, KS.  Brother-in-law, Marc Evans (Christine) Kansas City, MO and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Dennis Goin.

Melvin was an avid reader with a passion for history and science fiction. He and Cathy traveled to all fifty states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and made three tours to Europe and multiple cruises before travel became difficult.

A skilled craftsman, Melvin enjoyed coin collecting, model trains and home projects – finishing the lower level of four family homes and tackling any DIY challenge with determination and the “right tools.”   Though raised believing animals belong outdoors, he grew to adore the family’s indoor pets, especially his cats Bella and Beau.  Above all, he loved supporting his grandchildren and rarely missed an event.

Melvin served his communities in various roles to mention a few.  Lions’ Club where he was President, twice Lion of the Year, Missouri State Lion’s Club Chair for the Convention in St Joseph, MO.  Member of St. Joseph’s Library board and president. YMCA Fundraising Chair.  Rotary Paul Harris Fellow.  Humane Society Board of Lawrence, KS Treasurer.

Melvin leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, and unwavering dedication to family and community. His kindness, wisdom, and steady presence will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held on at 3:00 pm on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Rumsey-Yost, 601 Indiana, Lawrence Kansas. All who knew and loved Melvin are invited to celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Lawrence Humane Society, lawrencehumane.org, St. Joseph Public Library, sjpl.lib.mo.us. Camp Kesem @ University of Kansas, donate.kesem.org or charity of the donor’s choice in honor of Melvin W. Goin.

Mona Hargadine

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Services for Mona Hargadine, 76 of Overland Park, KS will be at 10:00am Thursday, January 29, 2026 at Rumsey –Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS. Private burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Ms. Hargadine died Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Menorah Medical Center.

She was born August 5, 1949, in Montezuma Kansas , the daughter of DeLoss and Emma Hargadine. She graduated from Lawrence High School in 1967. She graduated from the University of Kansas in 1971 with a BA in German. She graduated from the University of Kansas in 1980 with a MA in Applied English/Education.

From 1980-1983 she lived and taught English in Barcelona and Zaragoza, Spain. In 1986 she trained teachers in Bolivia (Fulbright Scholar). She taught German and Spanish in the Blue Valley School district beginning in 1990 until her retirement in 2011.

She was preceded in death by her parents DeLoss and Emma Hargadine, her sister Sharral Andrews, her brother Doug Hargadine, her nephew Charles Hargadine. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Mark Gentry, Lori Riat, Allen Gentry, Shelly Smith, and many great nieces and nephews.

Leslie Eugene Christenson

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Leslie Eugene Christenson was born July 8, 1934, the eldest son of Everett and Clara (Seele) Christenson. He counted it his good fortune to have been born and raised in Lawrence, Kansas. He graduated from Lawrence’s Liberty Memorial High School in 1953, and attended Kansas University for two years before moving on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York.

After completing six months active duty as a six-year Army Reservist in 1960, he moved to Brooklyn Heights, and was employed as an assistant designer in the interior design firm of Michael Greer, Inc., in New York City. In 1962, he purchased an 1840 vintage brownstone row house in Brooklyn Heights and made it his home for the rest of his 47 years in New York. In November, 1965, he established his own interior design firm, Leslie E. Christenson, Ltd., and practiced residential design in the New York City area until he retired at age 72 in 2007.

His years in New York were made golden by many, many people, but especially two men whose friendship and love were special gifts. He met Gilles Perrier in the spring of 1964, and over the years they became brothers. Gilles was called home by God in November, 2003. Joe Tramontano, whom Leslie met in January, 1979, shared his zest for life, and the two became buddies.

After selling his home in Brooklyn in March, 2007, Leslie returned to his hometown of Lawrence, Kansas, to assist his aging mother. He was preceded in death by his only sibling, Edward Wayne Christenson, who died in an auto accident in March, 1969, and his father in 1983 and his mother in 2012. He is survived by a close knit extended family of many cousins.

It was his parting wish to thank all who made his long life such a wonderful adventure. No services are planned at this time. He died January 19, 2026, at Presbyterian Manor.

Betty Darlene Nichols

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Betty Darlene Nichols (Carr) 78, of Lawrence, KS passed away peacefully on January 19th, 2026 at Azria Health in Olathe, KS.

Betty was born October 14, 1947 to Harry and Marion Carr, who proceeded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her son, Christofer Lee Carr who passed away unexpectedly on February 6th, 2022.

Betty married Johnny Oliver Nichols September 28, 1982 in Lawrence, KS. He proceeded her in death on December 2nd, 2015

She is survived by her daughter Tammy Lynn Strong (Carr) her husband Scott, of Olathe, KS. Granddaughter, Kayla Schmitz (Strong) husband Michael of Olathe, KS. Grandson, Andrew Strong of Overland Park, KS. Granddaughter, Aspen Carr, and fiancé Logan West of Lawrence, KS and Grandson, Tyler Carr of Lawrence, KS.

Grandma is finally at peace and without pain.

Graveside Services for Betty Darlene Nichols will be 11 am, Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Hubbel Hill Cemetery, Tonganoxie.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to a local animal rescue of your choice.

David Lee Nordlund

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David Lee Nordlund, age 92, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away peacefully at his home in Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

Life and Legacy

David, known to many as Dave, was born on May 5, 1933, in Siang Yang, Hupeh, China to Rev. Joel C. Nordlund and Dorah Lindahl Nordlund, who were Mission Covenant Missionaries. Tragically, Dorah passed away a few months after Dave’s birth. In June 1934, Dave returned to the United States with his family. On August 19, 1956, he married his lifelong love, Dorothy Rohlfing.

Career and Contributions

After settling in Randolph, Kansas, Dave completed high school and continued his education at North Park College in Chicago, where he met Dorothy at a skating rink. In August 1954, Dave was drafted into the Army, serving for two years in the field of telecommunications. He married Dorothy Rohlfing in August 1956.

Dave’s remarkable career included working for Univac, where he wrote computer programs for tracking missiles on U.S. Naval ships. In December 1969, Dave and Dorothy moved to Lawrence, Kansas, where he served as Associate Director of the Kansas University Computer Center until his retirement in 1998. He continued to share his expertise through private network consulting for local school districts, the Kansas Library Association, and several attorneys in Lawrence. During his time at KU, Dave was also a key member of the KanRen team, helping to lay the crucial groundwork for internet access throughout Kansas.

Faith and Service

Dave’s lifelong passion was serving at the First Baptist Church of Lawrence. He managed all sound technology and computer equipment for the church and taught Sunday School for many years, reaching students from high school age to senior adults.

 

Survivors

Dave is survived by a large and loving family, including:

· Son: Don and Suzy Nordlund, along with their four children and spouses and one grandchild

· Daughter: Debbie Detter, her late husband Bill Detter (who passed away in 2023), their two children, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild

· Daughter: Dava and Travis Cooper, their four children, their spouses, and seven (eight) grandchildren

· Brothers: Paul Nordlund, Wes Nordlund, and Ted and Jeannine Nordlund

Preceded in Death

Dave was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy (Dottie) in 2025, and his sister, Grace Mowrer.

Services

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 9:30 to 10:30 AM,

Followed by a service at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church, 1330 Kasold Dr., Lawrence, KS 66049.

Livestream available, please contact  davidnordlund2@gmail.com for a link.

Legacy

Dave’s laughter, smiles, and engaging conversations will be dearly missed. His legacy lives on in all those who knew him.

Memorial Contributions

The family suggests memorial contributions to First Baptist Church – Lawrence, sent in care of Rumsey Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Joyce Darlene (Floyd) Jenkins Breymeyer

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Joyce Darlene (Floyd) Jenkins Breymeyer was born on December 24, 1945, at her home near Flemington, Missouri, in Hickory County. She passed away on January 18, 2026, at Midland Hospice House in Topeka, Kansas.

Joyce was the daughter of Obie and Lois (Routh) Floyd, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Janice and Ronald Miller.

She was a 1963 graduate of Lawrence High School and was baptized in June 1967 at Tamuning Baptist Church in Tamuning, Guam.

Throughout her life, Joyce worked in a variety of roles. Her career included positions at two banks, a hardware store, and as office manager for Getz Extermination in Perry, Georgia. She spent ten years with Laird Noller Ford in Lawrence and Topeka, Kansas, and later worked for EDS (Medicaid) and Blue Cross Blue Shield from September 1996 until her retirement in September 2006.

Joyce was an exceptional cook who loved bringing her family together around the table. She cherished time spent visiting with loved ones and enjoyed occasional trips to the casino, humorously referring to them as her “contribution,” as she rarely won.

Joyce married James Jenkins on February 14, 1964; they later divorced in June 1986. On November 21, 1992, she married Marvin Breymeyer, who survives her. Additional survivors include her children, Jerry Jenkins (Allison) of Atchison, Kansas, and Jill Freisberg (Michael) of Eudora, Kansas; her brother, Dale Floyd; her sister, June Floyd; and her stepchildren, Sarah Breymeyer (Michael Hutley) of Berryton, Kansas, and Mark Breymeyer (Linda) of Kintnersville, Pennsylvania. Joyce was a proud grandmother to three grandchildren—Jamie Jenkins, Brett Freisberg, and Molly Freisberg—and five step-grandchildren—Lauren Large, Brendon Hutley, Eric Hutley, Matthew Breymeyer, and Josh Edwards. She was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren.

Joyce often said she had done a lot of living. She wanted her family to know how deeply she loved them and how grateful she was for the time she shared with them. Her greatest hope was that her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren would live good and happy lives.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, Kansas. Private family burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Lawrence.

Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Care Hospice, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, Kansas 66606.

Madalon Rebecca Vann

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Services for Madalon Rebecca Vann (Scott), 70, of Lawrence, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Lawrence First Church of the Nazarene.

Madalon Vann passed away Thursday, January 15, 2026, at home, surrounded by family.

Madalon was born January 22, 1955, in Rome, Georgia, the daughter of Howard and Ruth Scott.

Madalon married Steve Born in the late 1960’s in Homestead, Florida. They divorced. She married James Vann Sr on July 31, 1984. James survives at home.

Other survivors include 5 sisters and 2 brothers, children James Vann Jr, Howard Born, Jerome Cole, PJ Born, Rebekah Vann, Shannon Vann, Kim Vann, Angel Vann, Daniel Vann, 15 grandkids, 6 great-grandkids.

A daughter, Charity Vann passed away September 5, 2009.

James and Madalon began a life of fostering children in 1985, leading to sheltering over 250 + kids spanning over 38 years.

With deep love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we remember a beloved wife, mother, sister, and aunt whose life was rooted in her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ and her boundless love for her family.

Throughout her life, she walked closely with the Lord, allowing her faith to guide her words, actions, and relationships. Jesus was at the center of her heart, and she reflected His love through her kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and grace. Her faith was not only something she believed—it was something she lived every day.

Family was her greatest earthly treasure. She devoted her life to loving, nurturing, and supporting those she held dear, always placing their needs above her own. Her home was filled with warmth, prayer, laughter, and unconditional love. She was a steady source of strength, wisdom, and comfort, and her presence made life richer for everyone who knew her.

She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and selflessness that will continue to live on through her family. While our hearts grieve her passing, we rejoice in the promise that she is now at peace in the presence of her Savior, hearing the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

Lawrence Joseph Abbott

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Lawrence Joseph Abbott — known to pretty much everyone as Larry — left this world on January 14, 2026, just two days after turning 54. Larry wasn’t the guy holding court or filling the silence. He was the one off to the side, watching everything with that steady, thoughtful look of his. When he spoke, it was because he meant it — usually with a dry, straight‑to‑the‑point honesty that could make you laugh or make you think, sometimes both.

He was Linda’s son, Brandee’s big brother, Owen’s dad, and Uncle Larry to Megan and Lane. But he also belonged to a circle of people who’d known him for years — the ones who saw him through the good stretches and the hard ones, who understood the quiet ways he showed up, even when he didn’t say much about it.

Larry had a soft spot for cars, motorcycles (#50),the Blue Angels, live music and his family— the things that pulled him out of his shell and lit him up in that subtle way only his people recognized. He didn’t need a spotlight; he just needed the things and the folks he cared about.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at The Barn at Randelwood Estates, 1629 E 800th Rd, Lawrence, KS 66049. In place of flowers or plants, donations may be made to help with expenses sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

If you knew Larry, you’re invited to raise a glass in his honor — not out of ceremony, but because that’s how he’d want to be remembered: with a little warmth, a little honesty, and a story or two shared among friends.

He didn’t make a lot of noise in this world, but he made an impact in the ways that matter.

Gary Wayne Bartlett

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Gary Wayne Bartlett, of Lawrence, passed away Friday, January 9, 2026, at Aldersgate Care Facility in Topeka, due to complications from ALS and dementia.

Gary was born in Lawrence on August 23, 1950, to Margaret “Peggy” Elston Bartlett and Norman Bartlett. He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1968 and began his career at the FMC Chemical Plant in Lawrence. After one year, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served as an air freight specialist and was stationed in Texas, California, Okinawa, and Alaska. He was honorably discharged in 1973.

Following his military service, Gary returned to FMC, where he dedicated 43 years of service before retiring in 2011.

On November 15, 1975, Gary married Susan Durkin. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past November. They welcomed two daughters: Cathy in 1977 and Melanie in 1979.

Gary and Susan were active members of the River City Cosmopolitan Club, a service organization devoted to diabetes education and research. Together, they traveled throughout the United States and Canada attending international conventions and formed many lifelong friendships. Gary served the organization in numerous leadership roles, including Club President, Federation Governor, and International Vice President of Membership and Club Building. He also co-founded the Emerald City Club in Topeka.

Gary treasured time spent visiting Cathy and her family in Fort Collins, Colorado, and Melanie and her family in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. He especially enjoyed sitting in his driveway, listening to Jimmy Buffett music, and keeping a watchful eye on the neighborhood.

In January 2023, Gary was diagnosed with ALS and frontotemporal dementia. His health gradually declined over the following three years. After developing pneumonia and sepsis, he was cared for by the compassionate staff at Aldersgate until his passing.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife, Susie; daughter Cathy Jones (Stephen) and grandsons Dillon and Porter Jones of Fort Collins, Colorado; daughter Melanie Thomson and granddaughter Finley Thomson of Newmarket, Ontario, Canada; sister Gaylene Beatty of Carbondale, Kansas; several nieces and nephews; and his Durkin brothers- and sisters-in-law: Dave and Phillis, John and Barb, Jim and Janet, and Don and Monica.

The family extends special thanks to Bert from Grace Home Health Care; VA Home Health Care; Lawrence Fire Department for lift assistance; Sean and Kristin Shore for their many acts of kindness; and the wonderful family, neighbors, and friends who provided support and help while Gary was still at home.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in the spring.