Author: RumseyYost

Michael E. ‘Mike’ Payne

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A Celebration of Life for Michael Eugene ‘Mike’ Payne, 71, rural Lawrence, will be held Saturday, October 15th at 11 am at Lawrence Church of God (Holiness), 724 N. 4th St. Mike passed away Sunday, September 25, 2022, at LMH Health.

He was born May 1, 1951, in Lawrence, the son of Robert and Erma Payne. He attended Lawrence schools and worked for many years for the City of Lawrence as a welder and in the maintenance department.

He married Mary E. Campbell who survives of the home. He is also survived by two sons, Michael J. Payne and wife Julia, and Joseph Payne; a brother, Robert Payne; two sisters, Sharon and Roberta; two granddaughters, Amelia and Evelyn, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

 

James Lee (Jim) Athey

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A graveside service for James Lee (Jim) Athey, 82, will be Friday, October 7 at 11:00 a.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, October 6 between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory. Jim passed from this life into eternal life Monday, September 26, 2022, at his home in Eudora Kansas.

Jim was born on a farm in Baldwin, Kansas, October 10, 1939, to Harve and Olive Athey. He graduated from Baldwin High School in 1959.

Soon after High School, while working for a local appliance store, Jim trained as a repair technician at the Maytag Corporation in Kansas City, Kansas. In 1983 Jim turned his aptitude for fixing things into Athey Appliance Repair and spent the next 30+ years repairing household appliances for customers throughout Douglas County. In the interim, Jim’s other jobs included working at the Lawrence Box Factory, installing wiring in pipe organs at Reuter Organ Company, and distributing baked goods to area IGA stores in Lawrence.

Jim was a faithful Christian who loved the Lord, his family, the church. As a deacon at Southside Church of Christ, he put his heart into planning and setting up dinners for church potlucks, retreats, and other church events. Jim also occasionally led singing.

Jim loved life and he touched those around him with his energetic nature. He had a strong work ethic and resolved daily to focus on the positive aspects of life. He lit up the room with his smile.

Jim was most relaxed when spending time outdoors. His favorite pastime was fishing, and he enjoyed inviting others to go with him. Jim’s enjoyment of cooking shone through the flavor of fried fish dinners he shared with his family and those he and Joyce invited to their home, and fruit pies he shared at church potlucks. When it was too cold to fish, he spent evenings tying flies for fly fishing. Jim also enjoyed tending his garden and photographing Kansas plants and wildlife.

Jim married Linda (Joyce) Smith on November 20, 1962. Jim and Joyce were married 54 years until her death on February 21, 2017.

Jim was also preceded in death by his parents, Harve and Olive, sister, Norma Walburn, brother, Jesse Athey, and his eldest granddaughter, Lisa Dawn Athey. He is survived by daughter, Alexia Maben (Paul), son, Shawn Athey (Melissa), and daughter, Gwen Mallot (Bill). He is also survived by his sister, Shirley Tarpy, grandchildren: Tabitha, Diana, Jessica, Collyn, Alexis, and Darrell, and his dog, Tyke.

Memorial contributions may be made to Douglas County Meals on Wheels or Southside Church of Christ, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, KS 66044.

Jimmy Ray (Chopper) Wilkins

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Funeral services for Jimmy Ray (Chopper) Wilkins, 85, Meriden, will be 10 am, Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, burial will follow at Clinton Cemetery. A visitation will be from 6-7 pm, Tuesday, October 4, 2022.

Jimmy Ray Wilkins passed away on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at his home in Meriden. He was eighty-five years old.

Born April 7, 1937, to George and Rena (McIntyre) Wilkins in Sardis, Oklahoma, Jim was the sixth child in a large family.

He was employed by Kansas Power and Light, later Westar, for twenty-five years as a tree trimmer. He also served as the fire chief for the Sarcoxie township fire department for fifteen years. Later, he operated his own tree care business for over twenty years. His co-workers and friends called him Chopper because he was an artist with a chainsaw.

Jim loved his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. He was always willing to put on a glove to play catch or shoot baskets on the goal in the yard. He taught all his children how to ride a bike and years later how to drive a car. He also taught them how to hunt, work on their cars, cut and stack firewood, take care of their families, and to always be willing to help others in their time of need even if we had less than they did.

Jim never failed to make people laugh. He had a special level of orneriness that made people enjoy being around him. He enjoyed seeing the people he loved happy and enjoying their lives.

Jim was married multiple times and then reunited with Barbara (Hummelgaard) Blatt in 2017.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, George and Rena; four sisters, Ada (Marion), Nona (Vernon), Lorene (Travis), and Jewell (Billy); four brothers, George Leon (Verdie), Robert Dale, VJ, and Harold (Glenda), a son, Larry (Tonya) Casteel, and a daughter, Linda Casteel. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, a brother, Jerry (Lila); three sons, Jeff Dover, Jimmy (Lori), and Randy (Kristi) and four daughters, Robin Ulrich, Tammy, Brenda (Terry) DeCarlo, and Bernice (Michael) Stogner. He has seventeen grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jefferson County Visiting Nurses Association, sent  in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Rosetta Louise Hodge

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Graveside memorial services for Rosetta Louise Hodge, 94, Lawrence, will be at 11 am Saturday, Oct. 1st, at Oak Hill Cemetery. A visitation will be held Friday, Sept. 30th from 6;00 to 7:30 pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory. Rosetta passed away Monday, September 26, 2022, at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor.

She was born February 10, 1928, in Lawrence, the daughter of James and Thelma Curby Badger. She attended Lawrence schools and later worked in food service at Lawrence High School.

She married Clarence ‘Murray’ Hodge who preceded her in death. Survivors include three children.

More information will appear here later.

Ardith Louise Curtis

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Ardith Louise Curtis devoted her life to helping others. Always the giver, rarely the taker, she sought no reward for assuming family obligations ever since she was a girl in Missouri. Her devotions included caring for her husband Leon in their home as he progressed into late stages of Alzheimer’s disease, and for her son Jeffrey, who died of Parkinson’s-related causes. 

Ardith also worked as a licensed practical nurse at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Kansas from 1989-2006. She died Sept. 26, 2022, at the hospital where she had dedicated many years to assisting patients. She was 91. 

To her grandchildren, she always had the best advice, never forgot a birthday, loved to play card games, and complimented their achievements. They looked forward to her gentle smile and warm hugs. She freely encouraged everyone around her to do their best, listened to all points of view without passing judgment, and was known for her kind demeanor. She was an avid reader of mystery novels, expertly reconciled financial and legal arrangements in her family and church, wrote well, lived independently, and managed her own affairs until her death. 

Her faith was a guiding light since she was young. In later years she became an Elder in the Community of Christ church. She also played the organ at Sunday services. 

Ardith was born July 27, 1931, in Mountain Grove, Mo., to Harold and Stella M. Jothen Reynolds. Being the oldest child, she helped raise her siblings. She married D. Leon Curtis in 1950 in Independence, Mo. He preceded her in death in 2016 in Lawrence, as did her son Jeffrey, who died in 2021, and her sister, Eleanor Sowter of Leavenworth, Kan. 

Survivors include two daughters, Rebecca (Kevin) Giles of Stillwater, Minn., and Lianna (Tim) Corteville of Chesterfield, Mo.; sons Randy (Karan) and Phil of Lawrence; two brothers, Dale (Kaye) Reynolds of Independence, Mo., and Roger Reynolds of Kansas City; a brother in law, Charles Sowter of Leavenworth; five grandchildren, Heather (Jim) Peacock of Columbia Falls, Mont., Harmony (Jim) MacDonald of Waverly, Neb., Hillorie (Dwayne) Giles-Brauch of Cottage Grove, Minn., and Erin Corteville and Austin Corteville of Chesterfield. She also has eight great-grandchildren: Haylie, Kazin, Kimberly, Tyler, Seanna, Liam, Kyleigh and Kayde. 

Services will be held Nov. 19, 2022, at 1 p.m. at University Community of Christ Church, 1900 University Drive, in Lawrence. Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home is handling arrangements. 

In lieu of flowers, Ardith requested that donations be made to University Community of Christ, Lawrence, or Graceland University DeBarth Scholarship Fund, or to the donor’s choice.  

Steven Jewell Bruce

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A Celebration of Life for Steven Jewell ‘Steve’ Bruce, 58, Lawrence, will be at 2 pm Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory.

Born in 1964, son of Anita (Crewe) and J Bruce.  Preceded in death by his father, J Marshall Bruce.  Survived by mother Anita Moske of Lawrence; son Todd Bruce, daughter in law Sara Bruce, and grandchildren Addison Tyler and Ryder Steven all of Lansing; also an uncle, James Crewe of Lynchburg, VA; an aunt Ellen Becker and uncle Darryl Becker, cousins Theresa Teufel, and her husband Will Teufel, of Nickerson KS, Mica Stites, and her husband Britain Stites, of Junction City, KS and Mallory Teufel of Nickerson, KS.

Raised in Junction City, Steve moved to Salina for a number of years before settling in the Lawrence area.

Steve had many talents, interests, hobbies and enterprises.  Beginning young, he raced moto-cross – stopped by a compound fracture, he moved on to his passion for music.  Joining local bands just wasn’t enough – he became the impetus to start new bands and outfit them with sound systems. Band life was replaced by his obsession for racing, when son Todd was of age to begin racing quarter midgets.

Steve was a self-made man, building upon his dreams and aspirations.  Racing in his bloodstream, Steve built the SBRC company, building high performance custom race cars and racing his own, and then joined by son Todd and his own car, when time and money allowed.  As Steve always said, “racing is a lifestyle, not a hobby.”

Always on the lookout to maximize his business, Steve began Steve Bruce Welding and Fabrication, serving the Lawrence area, closely followed by Bruce Precision Arms Company.

Steve greatly enjoyed time outdoors, stocking and fishing his pond, taking care of the property, target shooting and being with the people he loved.  The arrival of his granddaughter Addie brought new joy and sparkles to his eyes, and then when his grandson Ryder arrived, he was overjoyed.  These youngsters were a source of joy in his last years, as were his mother, son and daughter in law.

Steve will be missed.  His love of life, his laughter, his complex knowledge – his love for his family – there is now a void that cannot be filled.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

Herman E. Morris Sr.

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A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date for Herman E. Morris Sr., 86, Lawrence, who passed away Sunday, September 25, 2022, at LMH Health.

Herman was born January 2, 1936, in Mountain Home, Arkansas, the son of George and Zona Hinkle Morris. He was the longtime owner/operator of Morris Plumbing.

More information may appear here later.

David LeRoy Brown

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David LeRoy Brown passed away, surrounded by family at LMH Health, on September 24th, 2022, at the age of 76. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, October 4th, 2022, at 10:00 AM at Memorial Park Cemetery in Lawrence, KS, with David’s dear friend and fishing buddy, George Berg, officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 3rd, from 6-8 PM at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory.

David was born to Quinter and Dorothy (Ray) Brown on December 5th, 1945, in Bendena, KS. On May 18th, 1962, David married Carol June Harper after being together since they were both 14. From this union they had 3 daughters – Jeanette, Carol Lynn, and Amy. They enjoyed 48 ½ years of marriage. Carol passed away on December 27th, 2010.

He worked as a Skilled Maintenance Supervisor at Kmart Distribution Center, retiring after 38 years there. During his time at Kmart, David made many friends who became like family to him.

He was an avid fisherman, enjoying fishing trips in the company of his friends, children, and grandchildren. David was also a big sports fan, cheering on the Chiefs, Royals, KU, and Lawrence High. He also loved a good garage sale!

David is survived by his three daughters, Jeanette Reiling (Roger), Carol Brown, and Amy Rinke; four grandchildren, Eric Allen (Andrea), Chase Reiling (Whitney), and Emily (Liam) and Scott Rinke; and two great-grandchildren, David and Lyla Allen. He is also survived by his siblings – Richard, Helen, Bobbie, and Ruth. He was preceded in death by his sister, Millie.

David also leaves behind many friends who loved him and were loved by him. David had countless friends and acquaintances, being a very outgoing, kind, and caring person. He had a heart of gold; he would drop everything to help out anyone in need. David was always quick to crack a joke; he enjoyed making people laugh and was great at it! He told the best stories too! David had a great laugh and a wonderful smile, which friends and family will cherish the memory of forever.

David was known for his hard work, loyalty, humor, and generosity. His love, laughter, and kindness will be in our memories forever. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association, in care of the funeral home, at 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

Ova Mae (Jean) Brizendine

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Ova Mae (Jean) Brizendine passed away on September 23, 2022 at age 94 at Garden Terrace Memory Care of Overland Park, Kansas. Graveside services will be held on Friday, September 30, 2022 at 2:00pm at Memorial Park Cemetery in Lawrence, Kansas. Address: 1517 E. 15th Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044. Donations may be made out to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Jean was born on May 19, 1928 to Ida and Ren Davis in Peel, Arkansas. Her parents were share croppers and worked a farm where they always had plenty to eat although Jean’s young life spanned the Great Depression era. She and her family picked cotton in the Missouri Bootheel when she was at the young age of eight years old. When Jean reached the age of fourteen, she ventured to Redondo Beach, California for better work opportunities and lived with family friends. In 1943, she joined her mother and older sister Hester to begin working at the Sunflower Army Ammunition plant in Lawrence, Kansas fibbing about her age in order to work there. She lived in the barracks with her mother and sister which was great because she had really missed them both. When the war ended, she started working at Gilkerson’s restaurant in Lawrence which was where she met the love of her life Clifton Brizendine. Together they raised six children. In 1964, they moved from Lawrence to Bonner Springs, Kansas. Soon after, Jean began working as a supervisor in housekeeping at a nursing home in Bonner Springs, she took much pride in her work during this time. When her late husband Cliff developed Alzheimer’s, she devoted most of her time to take great care of him for close to three years. She eventually placed him in a memory care facility and visited him every day. Cliff passed away in 2002. She stayed a devout member of the Bonner Springs Church of Christ for the remaining years she spent in Bonner Springs. She was diagnosed with dementia after breaking her hip in 2017. Jean loved her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchild. She loved reading, gardening, crocheting, playing cards and dominoes, the Kansas City Royals and most of all spending time with family. One of her most fun and favorite memories was kayaking on the North Fork of the White River when she was at the age of 75 years old. She had a competitive nature which showed when it came to playing Bingo at Garden Terrace, sometimes playing three cards at once. She also discovered the joy of painting at age 91, creating many masterpieces. She lived a full and adventurous life, loved her family and was loved by all. She will be missed greatly.
Jean was preceded in death by Ida and Ren Davis, husband of 55 years, Clifton Brizendine, son Gary Brizendine, daughter-in-law Linda Brizendine, brothers Ralph, Roy, Hobart and Joe Davis, sisters Irene Posey and Hester Hallmark.
Jean is survived by Daughter-in-law Val Brizendine, children Carol Jordan and her husband Harold Jordan, Roger Brizendine, Terri Andersson and husband Lars Andersson, Jeff Brizendine and wife Fon Brizendine, Aaron Brizendine and wife Amy Brizendine. Grandchildren, Michele, Krystal, April, Tony, Adam, and Courtney, Heather, Jason, Jeanette, Gillian, Andrew, Eric, Luke, Cliff, Brenna, Cassie, Travis, Chloe, Nathan, Mia, Tori, Drake, Audri, Nikolai, Behrenger, and Luciana. Great Grandchildren, Nicholas, Sydney, Carter, Sofia, Nora, Jeremy, Austin, Baleigh, Hunter, Archer, Matt, Aiden, Charlotte, Ani, Lola, Calvin and Gracie. Great, Great Grandchild, Harrison as well as numerous nieces and nephews.