Author: RumseyYost

Martha Ann Cares

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Graveside services for Martha Ann Cares, 84, Eudora, formerly of Lawrence, will be at 10 am Friday at Memorial Park Cemetery, with Randy Watson officiating. Social distancing and masking will be observed. Martha died Sunday, December 13, 2020, at LMH Health.

She was born January 1, 1936, in Parsons, Kan., the daughter of Ralph and Gertrude Smith Shaughnessy. She graduated from Parsons High School. She was a homemaker, and provided childcare for her extended family and others. In her spare time she enjoyed shopping, Bingo, KU basketball, the Hy-Vee coffee club, family dinners, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Martha married Jerald L. ‘Jerry’ Cares on March 1, 1958, in Miami, Okla. He preceded her in death in 1994. She was also preceded in death by her parents, and a son, Neil Cares. Survivors include two daughters, Teresa Carnagie and husband Randal, Eudora, and Tammy Hart, Lawrence; a daughter-in-law, Terry Cares, Topeka; seven grandchildren, Ashley Moreno (Josh), Courtney Hart (Chris Russell), Ryan Carnagie (Ashley), Danielle Steffen (Michael), Lindsay Cares (Josh Price), Kelli Cares Cerca (Poly), and Jerry Cares (Maribel Toscano); and 19 great grandchildren.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Medicalodges Eudora Activity Fund, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

Norma Marion Lynch Babbitt

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Norma Marion Lynch Babbitt, 98, died Friday, December 11, 2020 at her home. She was born on November 4, 1922 in rural Douglas County, KS, the second child and only daughter to Albert and Helen Lynch (nee Howard). Norma lived in Douglas County her entire life. As a child she attended Oakridge school, Pleasant Valley school and Fairview Methodist Church. She loved playing baseball and all things competitive with her older brother Howard and their friends. In 1937, her mother was expecting a third baby and went into labor in the middle of a snowstorm. The doctor’s car got stuck in a snow drift. While Norma’s father went off to retrieve the doctor, Norma, age 14, delivered her baby brother, Clarence “Tod”, herself. After the doctor and her father arrived, Norma made breakfast for everyone.

Norma graduated from Lawrence’s Liberty Memorial High School in 1941. A year later, she married her high school sweetheart, Dale Babbitt, on January 15, 1942. They built a family and a life of farming. Norma and Dale had a daughter, Helen Carol in 1943, and a second daughter, Phyllis Elaine, in 1945. The budding family lived in a small house on their first farm, situated along the Wakarusa River, Northwest of Clinton. What it lacked in running water, it made up for in character and good soil. In 1957, Norma and Dale had their third and final child, a son named Alan Dale.

Norma worked with Dale plowing, planting, harvesting, fixing equipment, cooking too much food, and keeping detailed records of everything that happened on their farm. She was a devoted member of Clinton Presbyterian Church, and played softball nearly as religiously. The Clinton Girl’s Class B softball team went to the State tournament multiple times with Norma playing first base and second base. The team often placed in the top three and won the State tournament twice. Norma served as church treasurer for many years, organized the annual Turkey Supper for 25 years, attended the Ladies Circle group, and served as an elder.

Norma was the first woman to serve on the Douglas County Farm Service Agency Board. She was also an active 4-H leader during her children’s youth. While Norma was known for her in-charge, all-work, no-nonsense attitude, she harbored a soft spot for 4-H, being outside, custard pie, Royals baseball, blue jeans, and her family.

When the Flood Control Act of 1962 authorized the damming of the Wakarusa River and subsequent construction of Clinton Lake, Norma and Dale had to sell their little house in the bottom and all of their surrounding farmland. They moved up the hill to a two-story white farmhouse west of Clinton. It had a large porch and the luxury of indoor plumbing. However, seeing the boats and trailers drive by on their way to the new lake was like salt on a wound to Norma and Dale, so they relocated to a farm in Southwest Douglas county, where they lived out the rest of their lives.

After 56 years of marriage, Dale died in 1999. Norma farmed as long as her body would let her, and then a bit after that. In her later years, Norma was still quick to speak her mind, but equally quick to squeeze the oxygen out of you in a bear hug. She enjoyed watching The Price is Right,

Jeopardy, anything with John Wayne, reading the newspaper, driving around in her gator, mowing and spoiling her grandchildren with cookies and cream ice cream.

Norma died at home with her family. She told her descendants to behave when she was gone. At peace with the life she had lived and knowing her time on Earth was up, Norma was eager to join her Lord, Dale, her parents, and brothers Howard and Tod, as well as many other family and friends.

Norma is survived by her children, Helen O’Trimble of Perry, Phyllis Anderson of Lawrence, and Alan Babbitt (Debbie) of Overbrook, grandchildren Steven O’Trimble (Larinda), Chad O’Trimble (Sheila), Holly O’Trimble, Marni Penrod (David), Marci Spaw (Chris), Randy Babbitt, Ryan Babbitt (Rae), Brenna Henery (Josh) and Casey Babbitt, nineteen great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by farming partners who became family, the children and grandchildren of the late Marvin and Barbie Cox in Wallace County, KS. In addition to her parents, brothers and husband, Norma was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Robert O’Trimble, daughter-in-law, Coleen Reece Babbitt, and former grandson-in-law, Cory Scott.

The family would like to thank all of Norma’s caregivers over the years, especially Reina and Michelle.

Graveside services will be at 2:00pm, Thursday, December 17th at the Clinton Cemetery in Clinton, KS. Please feel free to dress casually and for warmth. Visitation will be held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral home, Wednesday, December 16th from 9:00am to 8:00pm. Memorials in Norma’s honor may be given to the Clinton Presbyterian Church or The Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044. For more information or to post a condolence, please go to rumsey-yost.com.

Hayden Keith Smith

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Hayden K. Smith passed peacefully on Thursday, December 10, 2020.

He was born in Osage County, Kansas April 28, 1928, the son of Virgil and Florence Smith. He was raised on a farm near Overbrook with twelve brothers and sisters. After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, he lived near Richland, Kansas where he enjoyed his lifetime passion of farming.

Hayden was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Richland American Legion.

He married Alberta Houk on December 15, 1951 in Topeka, Kansas. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include a son, Gary (Marsha) Smith, a son Randy (Debbie) Smith, a daughter Jill (Greg) Brungardt, all of Berryton, 7 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and sister Alice (Jerry) Schneider of Plano, Texas.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date to be determined.

The family states you may make a donation to Elara Caring Hospice, Overbrook American Legion, or Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust in Hayden’s name sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, PO. Box 1260, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Theo Mae Westlund Penny

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Theo Mae Westlund Penny was born on November 4, 1931 in Topeka, KS and left this Earth peacefully in her sleep, on December 6, 2020 from The Windsor of Lawrence, KS.

Growing up in Topeka, Theo graduated from Topeka High School in 1949. She attended Bethany College in Lindborg, KS in 1950. She graduated from Ottawa University in 1953 and was a member of Sigma Iota Psi sorority. She then attended the University of Kansas, obtaining an MS in Education in 1960, with a focus in Speech and Hearing.

Theo was active in theatre and drama during her high school and college years.

She taught Sophomore English and Speech Therapy at Ottawa High School and was a speech therapist at the University of Kansas and Lawrence schools.

She was married on June 26th, 1954 to Stanley D. Penny of Lawrence, KS.

Theo was a long time member of the EA Chapter of PEO.

Her work history also included owning and managing rental property, working at The Jones Store, The Turquoise Shop, the University of Kansas Preschool, and the Lawrence High School attendance office until she was diagnosed with Dystonia (Spasmodic Torticollis) in 1984, a disabling neurological disease.

Theo loved to have fun and would quote Dr Seuss’s “It’s fun to have fun but you have to know how”. Playing bridge, needlepoint, painting, poetry, family history, spending time on the computer and traveling were some of her favorite hobbies. Her Swedish heritage inspired a trip to Sweden and a love for all things blue and yellow. Jazz Music was a big part of her fun and she was known to dine with Count Basie, Jay McShann and others.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Edmund C. Westlund and Ella V. (Lindholm) Westlund, her brother Merrill L. Westlund, and her former husband, Stanley D. Penny.

Survivors include her son, Dean W. Penny and wife Sheri Penny, of Lawrence, KS, her daughter, Kirsten “Missy” Penny and husband Jeff Allen of Lawrence, KS, and four grandchildren: Kristin Penny and fiancé Cole Frye, Michael Penny, Nicholas Allen and Christopher Allen. Survivors also include her brother’s widow Elaine and current husband Jon London and their children Kim, Tod, Peggy, and Elaine and Jon’s son Alex.

No services are planned at this time. Her remains will be scattered in Sweden at a later date.

Per her request, donations may be made to Unity of Lawrence Church c/o Rumsey Yost.

Dorothy J. Schaake

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Graveside services for Dorothy J. Schaake, 83, Lawrence, will be at 10 am Monday at Oak Hill Cemetery, with Pastor Jeni Anderson officiating. Masking and social distancing will be observed. Dorothy passed away Monday, December 7, 2020, at LMH Health.

She was born July 26, 1937, in Jefferson County, Kansas, the daughter of Frank and Mattie Tarpy Black. She graduated from Oskaloosa High School and shortly thereafter began working as a secretary for the Reuter Organ Co., a career that would last for 62 years, finally retiring in 2016. She was also a farm wife, and in her spare time she enjoyed being a 4-H leader, sewing, and attending her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. She was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church.

Dorothy married Dwane C. Schaake on April 29, 1956, in Oskaloosa. He preceded her in death in 2004. Two siblings, Alberta Pike and Merle Black also preceded her in death. Survivors include two children, Mark Schaake, Bonner Springs, and Jill Schaake Morgison and husband Kevin, Eudora; five grandchildren, Bronson & Chandler (Helen) Schaake, Kyle and Jamie Morgison, and Courtney Hunt; and two great grandchildren, Sterling and Mae Schaake.

Dorothy will lie in state from 9 am to 8 pm Sunday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are suggested to Douglas County 4-H Foundation, link: https://www.dccfoundation.org/fund/Douglas-County-4-H-Foundation-Fund, First United Methodist Church Organ Fund, or the charity of the donor’s choice, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

Ronald J. Armstrong

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Ronald J. “Big Ron” or “Muffley” Armstrong, age 72, passed suddenly in his sleep on Monday, November 30, 2020 at his home in Lawrence, KS. Ron was born on January 26, 1948 in Coffeyville, KS. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Marjorie Armstrong; a sister, Joyce Chaney; and a brother, Jay Armstrong. He is survived by a son, Charlie (Brittany) Armstrong and 4 grandchildren, Xavier Armstrong, Conner Armstrong, Isabella Spuehler and Grayson Armstrong all of Kansas City, MO; Step-son, Jacob (Whitney) Armstrong of Parkville, MO; former spouse, Barbara Shumate (Senter) of Kansas City, MO; 3 sisters, Donna Long of Moberly, MO; Joannie (Tom) Grist of Topeka, KS and Judy (Mark) Flagler of Rossville, KS; a sister-in-law, Nancy Armstrong of Meriden, KS; another “sister” and roommate, Tywilla Adams of Lawrence, KS and numerous brothers and sisters from his extended family, the Aesthetes motorcycle club. Ron also left behind many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins who will miss his warmth and sense of humor.

Ron was a veteran of the Vietnam war and served his country proudly in the US Army. He was wounded in battle and received the Purple Heart Award. He also received the Combat Infantryman Badge during his time in service.

After returning home from his tour of duty, Ron became a motorcycle enthusiast and joined the Aesthetes motorcycle club where he found an extended family made up of his many new friends and brothers. He was a member of the club for 50 years.

You will be missed.

Michael Max Bush

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Mike was born in Emporia, Kansas to Russell Dick and Thelma June (Cornwell) Bush.

He would be the first to tell you that he did not have the best or easiest childhood. He quickly learned ways to keep himself busy. Usually something to do with music or something ornery to earn a few bucks here and there. He frequently shared stories of his “best buddies” from childhood and while laughing (sometimes to the point of tears) would always give those buddies the credit for teaching him some of life’s most important lessons. Many of those buddies are still cherished friends of our family to this day.
Mike left home at just the age of 15 to begin a life for himself.
He had several odd jobs through the next few years including mowing lawns, the car wash, and becoming a mechanic.
Being a mechanic ignited his interest into semi trucking. He started driving the big rigs (ALWAYS manual never automatic) in 1968.
In 1970 he graduated from Emporia High School, and not a moment too soon!
In 1972 Mike chose to follow his dad R.D.’s footsteps to a full-time position with Santa Fe Railroad.
Santa Fe created the stability that was needed to create a family of his own.
His survivors include his wife, Estena “Tena” (Watts) Bush; three children, son Scott Bush and wife Cady, daughter Lyndsay (Bush) Waltho and husband Jonathan “Jon”, son Russell “Russ” Bush and wife Alyson, 3 grandchildren Scott’s son Hayden, Russell’s kids Gabriel, and Mackenzie; other relatives and TONS of friends.
Mike retired from Burlington Northern Santa Fe in 1998.
After a few other short lived employment opportunities Mike went back to trucking but full time as owner/operator.
He retired from trucking to enjoy time alone with his loves in 2018.

As you have read this, an amazing man’s life has been laid out in a matter of a few sentences. NONE of the stops and in betweens matter!
If you were to ask his wife what kind of a life partner Mike had been, she would tell you “It was impossible to summarize that. He was her rock, he always listened to her (sometimes to disagree but he still listened), and he was ever trying to find new ways to surprise her. Trinkets, and flowers; but lately those had gone and he would cover her by the blood of Jesus by reading scripture to her.”

If you asked his kids what kind of a man he was, they would say “Hard-working, independent, loved to tell stories, a big personality, and steadfast in his faith.”
“My best friend, my hero, and secret keeper. Dad got me in ways that no one else could. He was funny but firm. Opinionated but open for debates. His hugs were huge and always healing, but his love was always bigger! Always just wanting us kids to have a better life than he did.”
“A man who believed in the value of every single person regardless of what their past trials and tribulations were. He would happily give you his last dollar attached with a blessing. He was fiercely protective of his friends and family. Sometimes rough around the edges but always had good intent. Dad enjoyed recalling memories to relive those good times. He loved mom with his whole heart and was proud of his kids.”
From his stories of people he knew from childhood all the way up to people he met a few weeks ago, he knew NO strangers! He LOVED people; and he LOVED the Lord! He wanted ALL the people in his life to know the comfort of the Lord. He may have came across as pushy to some, a comedian to others, or just a trucker friend turned minister. Whatever he was to you, may we ALL find peace in knowing exactly where he is now.

Ephesians 4:30-5:2
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [but seek to please Him], by whom you were sealed and marked [branded as God’s own] for the day of redemption [the final deliverance from the consequences of sin]. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor [perpetual animosity, resentment, strife, fault-finding] and slander be put away from you, along with every kind of malice [all spitefulness, verbal abuse, malevolence]. Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you.
Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; and walk continually in love [that is, value one another- practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.

Please use this link to stay connected with his other friends and family. https://everloved.com/life-of/micheal-bush/

Merl Marie Childers

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The services for Merl Marie Childers (Rousseau), 84, Lawrence, have been postponed indefinitely and will be announced at a later date.

Merl died peacefully on November 26, 2020 at Rolling Hills Health Center in Topeka.

Merl was born to Chester Arthur and Emma Rousseau in Shattuck, OK on February 4th, 1936. The family moved to Kansas in the late 1930’s. Merl was raised by her Aunt Nettie Bell and Uncle David Rousseau in Belle Plaine, Kansas. She graduated from Belle Plaine High School in 1954 where she was active in band and choir. In 1955 she married James L. Childers. She and James lived in Belle Plaine while he taught high school English in Belle Plaine, Norwich, and Newton KS. After the birth of their first son, David, the family moved to Lawrence, Kansas and lived on a property in rural route 4 near Clinton Township. During this time, Merl was an active church member and 4H volunteer, directing the Clinton Presbyterian church choir, vacation bible school, and participating in other church leadership activities. The family moved into the City of Lawrence in 1968 while James attended graduate school at the University of Kansas. Merl worked as a school and city bus driver and later a bus driver trainer in Lawrence and later in Belle Plaine and Wichita.

Besides raising her three natural sons, she opened the Childers home to help raise several foster children. After her husband’s retirement and a return to Belle Plaine, she again drove a school bus and conducted advanced safety training for USD #357 and others and was active in the local presbytery as a volunteer and session leader. After her retirement, the couple returned to Lawrence.

Merl is survived by her three natural sons, James David Childers and his wife Nancy, Lawrence, John Childers and his wife Brenda, Lawrence, and Leonard Childers and his wife Brenda, Eagle Point, Oregon, her foster children, including Jay Blalock, Tulsa, Oklahoma and many other foster children, her seven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her husband, James, her brothers John, Chester, Alfred, and Buck, her sister Lucy Hernandez, her granddaughter Vanessa and great-granddaughter Alexis.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Douglas County VNA and Hospice, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.