Author: RumseyYost

Wanda Lee Kring

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Wanda Kring passed away on February 10, 2026, at the age of 90, after spending her final days surrounded by the love and presence of her family.

She was born July 13, 1935, to Raymond and Caroline Bolling and grew up in Bronson, KS, where she attended school and graduated from Bronson High School.

Wanda met her future husband, Dale Kring, on a blind date, though each had been paired with someone else. After realizing they preferred one another’s company, they left their respective dates and went dancing together. That evening marked the beginning of a love story that led to their marriage on September 2, 1956, in Bronson, Kansas, and 65 cherished years together before Dale’s passing in 2022.

Wanda worked for over 20 years at the Douglas County Courthouse, diligently serving her community. When Dale entered a partnership with Lou Parsons to open Parsons and Kring Floor Covering, later Krings Interiors, Wanda supported the family and the business until Dale’s retirement.

She was deeply devoted to her family, exemplified by the way that she, along with Dale, made every effort to be there for their grandchildren and great- grandchildren. No matter the distance, Wanda and Dale showed up to every sporting event or dance competition, often with plenty of cookies for the hungry competitors.

Wanda cared deeply about the world and was resolute in her convictions. She lived her values out loud-through service, hospitality and an unwavering commitment to family, faith and community. She was a faithful member of Centenary United Methodist Church, hosted numerous Kring family reunions, served as a den leader for Brit’s Boy Scouts troop and never turned down an opportunity for fun, harmless mischief. Wanda had a gift for making people feel seen and cared for. Whether through a handwritten note, a phone call to check in, a visit, or a seat saved beside her in church, she created spaces where people felt welcome. Her home was a gathering place, and her kitchen table was often the center of laughter, storytelling and mean game of Pitch. Whether cheering on the Royals or KU, dealing a hand of cards, or planning her next adventure with Dale, Wanda brought enthusiasm and determination to everything she did-especially when it meant being surrounded by people she loved.

She is survived by her children, Brit (Lisa) Kring and Kayla Kula, her brother Raymond (Chub) Bolling, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Kring, and her parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 18th @ 2:00 pm, Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be submitted to Centenary United Methodist Church or Ballard Center of Lawrence.

Robert (Rob) William Young

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Robert (Rob) William Young of Lawrence, Kansas died on February 5, 2026 after a long battle with cancer. To paraphrase one of his favorites…he has shuffled off his mortal coil, run down the curtain and joined the choir invisible. He will be much missed by his family, along with the friends and colleagues he inspired with his intelligence and his lively, often bone dry, sense of humor.

He was born on March 30, 1969 in Dodge City, Kansas to Fredric and Alberta (Timm) Young. He graduated from Dodge City Senior High School in 1987 and graduated from Kansas State University in 1993 with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in electrical engineering. He was a proud member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity.

Rob began his engineering career at a start-up in Twinsburg, Ohio, then returned to Kansas to work at the University of Kansas, becoming Director of the Instrumentation Design Laboratory. He designed instruments to support a myriad of research projects at KU, detecting everything from fruit fly sounds to mouse footprints to cosmic ray particles. He held over ten United States patents, and his work took him all over the world, from the South Pole to Greenland.

Rob enjoyed many creative hobbies. He was a talented woodworker and especially loved hand tool work. He shared his talents and knowledge with many, including the members of The Kansas City Woodworkers Guild where he volunteered and taught classes for many years. He was also a skilled photographer and developed his own black and white film in a dark room he built in his home. A master of the instant pot and the grill, Rob loved cooking and appreciated great food and craft beer.

He is survived by his wife Brenda Johnston, his stepdaughter, Lucy (Rory) Brown, and the family cats, The Divine Ms. Whiskers and Jake, all of Lawrence, Kansas; and his sister Elizabeth Young and her son Alexander Tybinkowski, both of Boxford, Massachusetts. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family wishes to extend thanks to the oncology team at Lawrence Memorial Hospital for their talents, work and dedication. They made Rob’s journey less difficult for him and for Brenda.

Rob’s ashes will be laid in The Pioneer Cemetery on The KU Campus. A memorial service will be planned at a later date. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to The Kansas City Woodworkers Guild, 1717 Washington Kansas City, MO 64108 or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Caroline Belle (Torneden) Flory

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Caroline Belle (Torneden) Flory, 92, of Lawrence, passed away February 7, 2026, at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor.

Born March 17, 1933, in Lawrence, Kansas to Frederick Henry Torneden and Edna May (Shuster) Torneden, she grew up on a farm near Clinton, Kansas.  She attended grade school in Clinton in a one room, eight grade school.  She graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in Lawrence in 1950, later attending the University of Kansas.

In 1952, she represented Kansas on a Rural Youth of America Tour of Europe sponsored by the American Farm Bureau.  She was an active 4-H’er and played softball on the Clinton girls team.

She married Raymond Clifford Flory on March 6, 1955, at the Clinton Presbyterian Church.  They were married nearly 62 years before he passed away in 2017.  She was employed by the University of Kansas as property accountant until her retirement in 1996.

Caroline and Raymond enjoyed travel, having visited all 50 states, all 10 provinces of Canada, and seven foreign countries. In recent years she had enjoyed the exchange of food and time spent with her friends and neighbors in Chipperfield where she had lived since 2003.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Raymond, and brother, Floyd Torneden.

Survivors include  a son, Roger (Teresa) Flory, Overbrook, KS; daughter, Rhonda Bruce (companion, Craig Worley), Lawrence; five grandsons, Tim (Jana) Flory, Lawrence, KS, Brian (Julie) Flory, Overbrook, KS, Mark (Jessica) Flory, Overbrook, KS, Ryan Bruce, Bartlesville, OK, and Ronnie (Jessica) Bruce,  Lake Ozark, MO; and eleven great-grandchildren, Brevin, Maison, Cole, Piper Jo, Evelyn, Jase, and Patton Flory, and Wyatt, Alexis, Lily, and Calvin Bruce.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Douglas County 4-H Foundation (Scholarships) or Lone Star Church of the Brethren.

Graveside services will be 11:00 am Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Washington Creek Cemetery.  Caroline will lie in state on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Jacob Ryan Torneden

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Jacob Ryan Torneden, 36, of Lawrence, Kansas died at home Tuesday, February 3rd. Jacob was born August 22nd, 1989 to Darren Torneden and Donita Beers at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

Jacob enjoyed being out in nature and spending time with friends, family, and his cat, Ron. Jacob brought light wherever he went, frequently attracting laughs of children and connecting with animals. 

Jacob was preceded in death by his grandparents, Wallace and Lillie McGee, Carl and Stanett Torneden and cousins, Crystal Torneden and Nicole Sajkowski.

He is survived by his parents, Darren Torneden (Sally Martin) and Donita Beers (Daron Beers), and siblings, Dacia, Tanner, Austin, and Courtney. 

Memorial Services will be Sunday, February 15th at 11 a.m. at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence, KS. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be sent to the Lawrence Humane Society.

Caroline Bruner Werner

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Caroline Bruner Werner, beloved daughter, sister, niece, granddaughter and friend, passed away at home on February 4, 2026.

Caroline was born in Merriam, Kansas, on April 11, 2003, to parents Jennifer and Stephen, joining her elder brother, Patrick. Even as a small child, Caroline displayed an abiding love for all animals, especially cats, and she leaves behind her beloved kitties, Guillermo and Biggie Smalls, whom she considered family. Caroline was raised in Lansing, where she was a member of the Class of 2021. Caroline is preceded in death by her father, Stephen, as well as maternal grandparents, Dr. Hugh and Mrs. Jane Bruner, paternal grandfather, James “Jim” Werner. Left behind to eternally treasure the memory of Caroline’s fun-loving nature are her mother, Dr. Jennifer Bruner Metzger (Mike), her brother Patrick Werner, her Aunt Emily Bruner Dunn (Patrick), her uncle, Dr. Craig Bruner (Katherine), her paternal grandmother, Maureen Werner, as well as beloved cousins, Charlotte, Declan, Sophie, Elizabeth, and William. What everyone who knew Caroline will miss most is her fantastic laugh, sense of humor, and the love she had for her friends and family near and far.

Memorial Services will be 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence.

Enid Elaine Eklund

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Enid Elaine Eklund, 90, of Lawrence, passed away Feb 5, 2026, at Lawrence Memorial  Hospital.  She was born on December 18, 1935, in Topeka, Kansas.  Her parents were Enid Brunton and Ed Spielman.  She had two sisters, Fern and Edwina, and a brother, Duane.  Elaine attended Oskaloosa High School.  She married Ervin Eklund.  They had 2 children, Jane and Rodney, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Elaine retired from The University of Kansas.

No services are planned.  A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Delitta “Dee” Fields

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Delitta “Dee” Fields, 67, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away surrounded by loved ones on February 5, 2026. Dee courageously battled cancer to remission but succumbed to treatment complications. She was grateful for the healthcare she received by so many throughout her long fight.

Dee was born in Kingman, KS on March 30, 1958, the daughter of Jerry O. and Delmadean (Wolf) Bryant. She graduated from Ensign High School in 1976, then attended Dodge City Community College prior to her first marriage to Rod Kinkelaar and birth of her first child Aaron Kinkelaar. Later divorced, Dee then met and married Galen Fields in 1982 and moved to a farm near Bucklin, KS. There they raised their family, Aaron and daughters Gayla and Aimee Fields, and made the farm their home until 2020. That year, Dee and Galen relocated to Ozawkie, KS, where they enjoyed peaceful views of Perry Lake from their lake house.

Dee worked at several jobs to provide for her family, including many businesses located on Main Street in Bucklin, KS. Of them, her biggest source of pride was 11 years as the owner of Fields of Flowers, creating beautiful arrangements for weddings, funerals, and holidays. During this time, she also hosted and taught a community art class named Vino and Van Gogh. She also enjoyed roles of service to the public, including administrative assistant at Ford County Sherrif’s Office, activities coordinator at Hill Top House nursing home, and Bucklin Public Schools as a para and cook. She loved working with children, and for many years was the director of Noah’s Arc Daycare by Bucklin United Methodist Church.

Lake life inspired Dee to embark on a new pursuit, combining her incredible creativity and love for children as the published author and illustrator of the Frogville children’s book series. The themes of the books are friends, family, good food (like Dee’s famous pizza) and slowing down to enjoy life – all things so important to Dee. The series is a legacy project dedicated to her grandchildren and already cherished by many.

Dee is survived by her husband of 43 years, Galen Fields; sister Delynda (David) Keefe; brother Jarry Bryant; son Aaron (Kerry) Kinkelaar; daughter Gayla (Evar) Ukpokodu; daughter Aimee (Brandon) Venson; in-law siblings Roy and Jane Baker, and Ken and Patti Fields, and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, and other extended family. Her legacy continues through her beloved grandchildren: Amara Aberle, Bailey Kinkelaar, Larsen Kinkelaar, Elana Ukpokodu, Kieran Ukpokodu, Rylee Venson, and Karter Venson. Dee is preceded in death by her parents Jerry O. Bryant and Delmadean “Honey” Wills, and in-law parents Vesta and Jim Strader, sister and brother-in-law Derise and Stan Unruh, as well as 4 grandbaby angels that Dee is holding in heaven.

A Celebration of life will be 1:00-3:30 pm, on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at The Cowboy Capital Saloon & Grill in the Dodge City, KS. Donations in honor of Dee can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Hill Top House nursing home in Bucklin, KS.  Donations can be made care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home,  601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Dennis Howard Harper

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Dennis Harper passed away peacefully at Bridge Haven in Lawrence, Kansas following an admission to Lawrence Memorial Hospital. He received loving care from LMH, Bridge Haven and Ascend Hospice staff.

Dennis caught a mean case of Covid that impacted his cognitive functioning. Covid, coupled with other pre-existing health issues made his exit to the next plane swift.

Dennis was born in Wichita and ushered into the great dance by Willis Howard Harper and Ruth Dennis.

In 1965 he met his lifelong partner Marilee Aaron at Peter Pan, a small ice cream shop located near Friends University in Wichita, Kansas. Marilee was an ice cream server. While preparing his order they caught each other’s glance.

They were married on July 8, 1966.

Dennis and Marilee had two sons; Tom was born in 1967 and Paul in 1971.

Dennis was a hard-working man, working full time at Boeing while attending Sacred Heart College in Wichita earning his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1973. It was a long trek, but he accomplished this goal, all with two kids in tow. He spent most of his career at Davis Manufacturing that was later purchased by J. I. Case, retiring in 1999.

In 2016 Dennis and Marilee moved to Lawrence to be near Tom Harper & Terri Erickson-Harper. Paul Harper-O’Connor and Rob Harper O’Connor joined us in Lawrence in 2020.

It was very special to have everyone united in Lawrence.

Dennis enjoyed preparing food and eating. He was an expert at smoking and grilling meats. He was always searching for recipes to find something new to create.

He loved trying new restaurants and even looked forward to doctor appointments in Kansas City because it was an opportunity to do so afterwards.

Dennis enjoyed vintage cars; he always had an extra car that was just for fun. He took great pride in making sure each car was in tip top shape. No doubt he made the unlimited pass-car wash at Sixth Street and Wakarusa Road question their monthly flat fee option.

Dennis was generous and friendly. He knew how to turn on the charm. As he was being discharged from LMH we heard an aide whisper to a colleague, “Oh, there goes Dennis, he was my favorite, I love him.” Dad was like that; he had a wonderful smile and gentleness that made you feel comfortable.

Dennis also enjoyed music, specifically classic rock-n-roll and the blues. Fond memories include attending a ZZ-Top concert at the Stiefel Theatre and the recent Buddy Guy’s Damn Right Farewell tour at the Lied Center.

In recent years Dennis struggled with health issues yet soldiered on making his way to a myriad of grocery stores, Terrebonne Po’ Boys (for the gumbo), Wheatfields (for the cinnamon rolls) and enjoying weekly Saturday morning breakfasts at Aunt Netter’s Café in Lecompton with family.

Dennis enjoyed friendships that enabled him to play cards, Qwarkle and go fishing with his friends Rick Brown and Mike Goans.

Dennis and Marilee worked hard to provide Paul and Tom a good foundation to start their lives for which they are grateful.

Dennis is survived by his wife Marilee, son Paul Harper-O’Connor and his husband Rob Harper-O’Connor, his son, Tom Harper and wife Terri Erickson-Harper and his brother Bruce Harper.

We are grateful for Lawrence Memorial Hospital, University of Kansas Medical Center, Dr. Martha Allen and all the people who helped care for Dad in his final days.

A few simple ways of honoring Dennis would be going to Terrebonne Po’ Boys or Wheatfields and give Dad a toast while eating whatever your heart desires.

Another option would be a donation to the Lawrence Humane Society. He dearly loved all four-legged creatures.

A private Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring.

Pastor Rex Rictor

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Rex Dean Rictor, age 84 of Ottawa, Kansas passed away February 3, 2026.  Rex was born July 30, 1941 in Scott City, Kansas to parents Alvin Lee Rictor and Mary Ann Green Rictor.  As a young man, Rex realized he had a call to the ministry and completed his seminary education.  It was also during this time that he was united in marriage to Shirley Janette McIntire.  They enjoyed many happy years together.  Together they served Assembly of God Churches in Independence, Kansas; Eudora, Kansas; Williamstown, Kansas; Baldwin, Kansas; Edna, Kansas and St. John,. Kansas.  Rex also spent six years as a traveling evangelist, working across the United States.

In addition to his vocation, Pastoring churches, Rex enjoyed horses, photography, golfing, working on cars, playing guitar and singing.  He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and many acquaintances.

Rex was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Twila and one brother, Derry.  He is survived by his wife, Shirley of the home; daughters, Rexanna Schneider and husband, James of Hayes, Kansas and Evonna James and husband, Rev. Ron James of Ottawa, Kansas; grandchildren, Jessica, April, Dustin and Amanda; great-grandchildren, Jason, Zaya, Gabriel, Ashton, Riley and Liam; sister, Marilyn Swisher; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Memorial services will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, February 14, 2026 at the Eudora Community Church. A second Memorial Service will be 11:00 A.M.  Saturday, February 21, 2026 at First Assembly of God in Independence, Kansas.  Arrangements are with Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence.  Memorial donations in honor of Rex may be made to Shirley Rictor.