Gary Arlen Skeet, age 91 Of Lawrence, passed away May 3, 2026. Funeral Services will be held 1:00 P.M. Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home preceded by a one hour Visitation. Arrangements are with Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence.
Author: RumseyYost
Jaroslaw Andrzej Piekalkiewicz (“Jarek”)
Jaroslaw Andrzej Piekalkiewicz (“Jarek”), Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Kansas, died peacefully at home on April 29, 2026.
Jarek was born in Poland on July 24, 1926, and came of age in a world turned upside down by World War II. As a teenager, he joined the Polish resistance along with other members of his family. At just 18, he fought for 63 days in the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, one of the most significant acts of anti-Nazi resistance in occupied Europe. For his bravery, he was promoted to platoon sergeant and awarded the Cross of the Brave (Krzyż Walecznych), one of Poland’s highest military honors. He later served with Allied forces before the war’s end.
After the war, Jarek earned a master’s degree in economics from Trinity College Dublin and a Ph.D. in political science from Indiana University, beginning his life’s calling as a teacher and a scholar.
On July 13, 1957, he married Maura Theresa Brennan in London, a partnership that would shape the rest of his life. Together, they immigrated to the United States in 1959 and made their home in Lawrence, Kansas, in 1963, when Jarek joined the University of Kansas as an Assistant Professor of Political Science.
At the University of Kansas, Jarek was more than a professor. Through the University of Kansas Soviet and East European Area Studies program, he played a key role in establishing one of the country’s earliest academic partnerships with Poland. In 1972, he launched a faculty exchange with Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, and later with the University of Warsaw, creating opportunities for scholars from both countries to teach and learn from one another despite the political barriers of the Cold War. His academic career culminated in the publication of his book, A Dance with Death: A Holistic View of Saving Polish Jews during the Holocaust, in 2019. In it, he brought together scholarly rigor and his own lived experience to offer a rare and deeply human perspective, giving readers a more honest and nuanced understanding of resistance under German occupation.
Above all, Jarek was devoted to his family. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Children gravitated to him; he had a gentle, playful way of connecting with them that left a lasting impression. He had a strong sense of right and wrong, and he never lost his curiosity about people, ideas, and the world. He had also a wonderful sense of humor, with a great laugh, delighting in the absurdity of life in the spirit of The Good Soldier Švejk and Inspector Clouseau of the Pink Panther movies.
He is survived by his daughter, Ellen Piekalkiewicz and son-in-law Mariusz Dobek; his son, Andrew Piekalkiewicz; his grandchildren, Andrew, Natalie, Jacob, Alexander, Ethan, and Nicole; his great-grandchildren, Charlotte and August; and Kim Emmons, a cherished member of his extended family.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Maura, and his grandson, Luke Dobek.
A service will be held on July 25, 2026, at the University of Kansas Pioneer Cemetery, followed by a celebration of his life at his home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Amnesty International.
Thelma J. Tuttle-Chapman
Thelma J. Tuttle-Chapman, age 91, born October 31, 1934, in Perry, Missouri, passed quietly at home on April 26, 2026, in Lawrence, Kansas. She lived a life marked by determination, warmth, firm but kind, and had a remarkable ability to turn ordinary days into meaningful ones. She was the beloved daughter of the late Melvin H. Tuttle and the late Mildred H. Silvey. Preceded in death by her spouse, Homer E. Chapman, (former spouse Jack M. Lawson), her sister, Helen F. Tuttle-Marrs-Greer, her half-brother, Alan B. Pryor, her grandson, Cameron Lightner, and her great granddaughter, Victoria White. She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Julia Lightner-Fredyma and Kathy L. Lawson-White, her grandchildren Onel Lightner, Lura Frazey, William Burton, Alfonzo Burton, and Kalila Boldridge, her 11 great-grandchildren, and her 2 great-great-grandchildren. (Half-sister, Kathy Pryor-Brecheisen). Her life was also shaped by the many bonds of family, friendship, and community that surrounded her and gave her joy.
Thelma graduated from McLouth High School in 1952, and she carried that foundation into a life of steady work and faithful service. She spent 12 years as an administrative assistant with the Bureau of Lectures and Concert Artists, where her professionalism and reliability helped support the work of others. She then devoted 23 years to McGrew Real Estate, where her experience and dedication made her a valuable member of the team. Never one to stop building, creating, or contributing, she also became the creator and owner of Kennel Crest Country Club for Pets, a venture that reflected both her love of animals and her gift for seeing possibilities where others might only see challenges. She loved dogs deeply, and that love was woven into her daily life. She found fellowship and enjoyment as a member of the American Kennel Club, the Merry Mixers Square Dancers, and the Lawrence Flower Club (the oldest flower club in Kansas), and member of The Daughters of the American Revolution. She also loved to play scrabble and card games (especially poker), throwing parties for her friends & family and anything connected to nature. Her accomplishments included Awards in Wildlife Refuge Designation, Master Gardener since 2002, recognition as Master Gardener of the Year, and a National Award for Kennel Crest. Each standing as proof that passion, purpose, and perseverance can leave a lasting mark.
She engaged fully in life embracing interests in sewing, needlework, arts & crafts, painting, fishing, boating, traveling, water skiing, reading, American history and genealogy.
Her story is one of resilience and purpose. She built a legacy through her work, her interests, her family, and her unwavering commitment to living with intention. Her life stands as a reminder that every day offers an opportunity to make a difference, to learn something new, and to leave things better than we found them.
Thelma J. Tuttle-Chapman will be remembered by those who knew her with love, respect, and gratitude for the example she set and the joy she brought to those around her. Her journey was long, meaningful, and beautifully lived, and her influence will continue in the lives of her family, her friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Private family service will be held at the historic Muldrow Cemetery in Salt River/Perry Missouri in early June.
Memorial contributions in her name would be appreciated, in lieu of flowers, to the Lawrence Humane Society in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, PO Box 1260, Lawrence KS 66044.
Learlean Hooks-Glover
Arrangements for Learlean Hooks-Glover, age 84 of Lawrence, are currently pending with Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence.
Judith Crossfield
Judith Crossfield, 85, passed away April 23, 2026 at Bridgehaven Memory Care, Lawrence Kansas. She was born April 22, 1941 in Chicago Illinois to Maude and Nick Demos. After her mother‘s death, she came to Lawrence at age 2 with her brother John and was raised by her aunt and uncle, Blanche and Edgar Mosley.
She had a long career in the title insurance industry and was also active in many civic organizations during her working years. At her retirement she was Vice President of First American Title in Lawrence.
She loved reading and was a frequent patron of our local library. She loved her friends and family, sarcastic humor, the beach, Neil Diamond, and a cold diet Dr Pepper.
She is survived by her children, Laurie Sommer, Michele Salvini and Kevin Sommer, Grandchildren, Lauren Ballard (Caleb), Brandon Salvini, Maggie Salvini, Emma Salvini, and Sean Coffman and great grandchildren Mae Ballard and Mack Ballard.
She is preceded in death by her brother, John Demos, sister, Mary Coffelt and son-in-law Hiram Salvini.
Per her wishes, no services are planned.
We would like to express our gratitude for the love and care received from all the wonderful staff at Bridgehaven Memory Care.
“The connections we make in this course of life – maybe that’s what heaven is” – Fred Rogers
Armando (Amado) Hinojosa
Armando (Amado) Hinojosa Arredondo passed away peacefully in sleep . Monday morning April 27, 2026, in his home surrounded by his family. He was 85 and had battled Parkinson’s the last nine years of his life.
He was born March 2, 1941, in Victoria de Silao, Guanajuato, Mexico. He was the third born and eldest son of Sergio Hinojosa Centeno and Juana Maria Soledad Arredondo Ramos. He was a welder and pipefitter by trade and a proud union member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 441 of Kansas.
He was a loving and dedicated father not only to his children but to anybody needing one. No doubt he was everyone’s favorite uncle. He was affectionately known as “Papo” initially to his five grandchildren, but others quickly adopted the name, even his nurses. He had a sharp and charismatic sense of humor and no one escaped getting a nickname. He loved to eat and was known to lie to his sisters when they would ask him if he had eaten, his answer was always “no”. He really enjoyed gathering at a kitchen table with family, eating good food, drinking coffee and talking about every topic imaginable.
He is survived by his wife Celia. He is also survived by his sons, Octavio (Gina) Hinojosa, Austin, TX, Gustavo Hinojosa, Durango, DGO, his daughter Mariana Mier, Lawrence, KS. Survived by his grandchildren Bianca Mariana, Isabella Sofia, Alexa Sofia, Mikel Andoni, and Andrea Monserrat. He leaves behind his siblings Dolores, Rogelio, Hortencia, Eva, Rosalinda, Abigail, America and his nieces and nephews.
Amado was preceded in death by his parents Sergio and Soledad, his sister Josefina, niece Lorena and son-in-law Bernardino Vega.
A celebration of life will be held with the extended family on Father’s day.
The family request acts of kindness in memory of our beloved Papo.
Joyce Marie Boyd
Joyce Marie Boyd (Unfred), 85, of Lawrence, Kansas, died Tuesday April 21, 2026, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
She was born February 9, 1944, in Lawrence, Kansas, the daughter of Frank and Ethel (Walker) Unfred.
On November 13, 1957, she married Harvey Thomas Boyd and raised one son, William Boyd.
She was preceded in death by her father, Frank, her mother Ethel, and 6 siblings.
She is survived by her husband, Harvey; son William; three grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; one great great grandchild, and two siblings.
A celebration of Joyce’s life for family and friends will be held at a later date.
Larry Lee “Pete” Baugher
Larry Lee “Pete” Baugher, 85, of Lawrence, Kansas, died on April 25, 2026 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Lawrence, KS. Born in Lawrence on September 16, 1940, to Sheldon and Evelyn McMillen Baugher, Pete attended the one-room Kanwaka school through 8th grade. He graduated from Lecompton High School in 1959, where he played football and basketball.
An avid horseman in his youth, Pete, along with his siblings Gloria and Lavon, were a tough trio to beat, earning accolades in horse shows and rodeos throughout the Midwest. The family were early members of the Douglas County Trail Riders. Later, Pete turned his interests to Pony Pulling and was a member of the Missouri-Kansas Shetland Pony Pulling Club, the Percentage Pony Pullers Association, and the Midwest Pony Pulling Club.
Pete worked alongside his parents at the Country Corner Gas Station and community store that served the Kanwaka and Stull communities and those traveling across US Highway 40. He held membership in Local 1290 of the Laborers’ International Union of North America for 48 years.
Upon retirement, Pete fished many of the area lakes, enjoyed creating birdhouses, flower boxes, and “yard art”, and tended a large and varied garden. He generously provided fresh vegetables to friends, neighbors, and just about anyone he met. An animal lover, Pete cared for many cats, dogs, horses, and even a pet coyote. He was an avid Jayhawk and Chiefs fan. Pete lived at Arbor Court Retirement Community, where he was a friend to all, and was voted Prom King at the community Senior Prom.
Pete is survived by niece Bobbie Ward Hinds (Mark), Lawrence; nephews Loren (Lora) Baugher (Baldwin), and Terry Baugher (Eudora); great-nephew Alan Hinds, and great-niece Haley Baugher. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Lavon “Bub” Baugher, and sister Gloria Baugher Ward, brother-in-law Russell Ward. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to the Lecompton Historical Society or the American Cancer Society.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the residents and staff of Arbor Court Retirement Community for their friendship and care, his medical team, especially the nurses, aides, and staff of the 2nd & 4th floors at LMH, and Midland Hospice.
Visitation will be held May 5 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with the funeral service Wednesday, May 6 at 10:00, both at Rumsey-Yost. The family will also be available in the hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Stull Cemetery.
Leslie Wayne “Les” Conder
Leslie Wayne “Les” Conder, age 78 of Lawrence, passed away April 26, 2026. At Les’s request, no services will be held. Arrangements are with Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence.
Marilyn Wray Hinkle
Marilyn Wray Hinkle, 74, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away at home on April 23, 2026. Born in Girard, Kansas, she spent her life forming lasting connections, guided by her strong faith and devotion to the people around her. She deeply loved her family and treasured her role as a grandmother.
Marilyn was a dedicated business owner whose work reflected her care for others and commitment to those she served. After her time as a realtor, she spent more than 35 years as a daycare owner, helping raise and care for more than 150 children. Through her work, she created a nurturing environment and left a lasting impact on countless families. She especially loved being part of life in Lawrence and found joy in the relationships she built there over the years.
She is survived by her son, Seth Hinkle, and her beloved grandchildren, Saylor and Marigold Hinkle. She is also survived by her siblings, Carolyn Caroll, Edward Everitt, Patricia Everitt, and Roy Everitt.
Marilyn will be remembered for her presence in the lives of those around her and the care she extended to her family and community.
