Author: RumseyYost

Valerie Suzette Fittell

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No services are planned for Valerie Suzette Fittell, 66, Lawrence.

She passed away painlessly of natural causes, surrounded by her family on November 13, 2020.

Born in St. Petersburg, Florida, the fifth child of Arthur Henry Poidevin and Stacy Sylvia Gerlach Poidevin.

Growing up on Anna Maria Island, Val fell in love with the warm waters and beaches of the gulf coast. There, she met God at the Church of the Annunciation, made incredible lifelong friends, became a proud member of Tri Delta, and graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Communications. Val also loved to dance and once got in trouble for riding her pony to school.

The next stage of her life made for wonderful stories of her time with the Girls Club in Birmingham, Alabama before moving to Berkley, California with her then husband Kevin Brown. California sprinkled new spices into her life (and cooking) before finding herself in Lawrence, KS.

After years of missing the ocean, Val finally conceded herself a Kansan after finding life-long love in John Fittell with whom she grew their family in the landlocked state that used to be the bottom of a sea. Val’s 27-year career as a Massage Therapist blossomed as she touched people’s lives literally and figuratively. Val’s passion for sewing and creating educational activities led her to a perfect niche among the ladies of the Over the Rainbow Doll Club. She found incredible joy in being a (grand)mother and friend. She loved openly and deeply, and could always be counted on for a kind word of advice.

In her final years, ALS took Val’s physical autonomy, but never her strength of spirit. She passed away peacefully, in charge, and surrounded by love.

Valerie is survived by her husband John Fittell; daughters and sons-in-law Camille Fittell, Carol Fittell, Carlyle and Justin Salb, and Kathleen and Michael Hethcoat-Doyle; grandchildren Penelope Salb, Tallulah Salb, and Addison Hethcoat-Doyle; her brother and sister-in-law Ronald and Karen Poidevin; and sister Kathleen Hoffiz. She was preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Sylvia, and two of her brothers: Norman and William Poidevin

Margie Ann (Dillon) Hopkins

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Private family graveside services will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery for Margie Ann (Dillon) Hopkins, 83, of Lawrence.

Margie Ann (Dillon) Hopkins died November 13, 2020 in Lawrence, KS. She was born in Lawrence on September 12, 1937 where she lived her entire life.

Margie married Donald Hopkins on October 9, 1954. She is survived by her husband Donald, three sons, Daniel, Terry, Andrew, and a daughter Rachel. She has two living siblings Danny (Toby), and Patty, and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Due to the current COVID pandemic the family will not be receiving visitors at their home, but you are welcome to call with your condolences.

Arlene “Naomi” Roste

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Arlene “Naomi” Roste, age 90, resident of McIntosh Senior Living, passed away on Tuesday, November 10th, at McIntosh Senior Living. A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service on Thursday, November 12th, at the Carlin Funeral Home in Fosston. Interment will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 14th, at Oak Hill Cemetery, Lawrence, KS.

Naomi was born August 24, 1930 in International Falls, Minnesota to Merrill and Sadie (Anderson) Deneen. Oldest of 6 children, in 1948 she married Edward “Eddie” Roste. They met at a dance in Canada and never parted again. They were talented dancers and that dancing kept them stepping to their own tune through 51 years of marriage that only ended with Eddie’s passing December 25, 1999. Together they bought a restaurant, Aztec Inn, in Lawrence, Kansas where they worked hand in hand for over 25 years.

While Naomi enjoyed running their restaurant, she still wanted to pursue a career in nursing. So, she obtained her CNA certificate and worked in a nursing home in Lawrence. As a CNA she also visited patients in their home which allowed her to participate in the care of her paralyzed son, Corky, until he passed in 2000.

The couple was gregarious and enjoyed many a Caribbean cruise where they entertained everyone with their swing dancing expertise. They were always the life of the party.

Nothing brought Naomi more joy throughout her life than “babies”. She loved babies with such unabashed passion that if we were out shopping and heard a baby crying she would seek out the squalling little one to hold and comfort. Though sometimes embarrassing, without fail the mother would just be grateful for the help.

In retirement Naomi was an avid bowler, bowling two to three leagues a week. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society and enjoyed many outings all over Denver where she resided with her daughter Colleen. Anyone who knew Naomi remembers her as a diehard Kansas Jayhawk fan who could raise the roof with her cheering (and cursing) when they were playing on TV. She was an avid reader and was known to read 3 or 4 books a week when she wasn’t taking down someone in a game of cards or cribbage.

As Naomi aged and she needed more help, she transitioned to Fosston, Minnesota where her eldest daughter, Bonnie, a nurse, resided and soon after entered McIntosh Senior Living. There she continued cheering on her beloved Jayhawks, reading and playing cards with anyone brave enough to take her on. She was a well-dressed lady to the end and always insisted on donning matching earrings and necklace each day along with her always immaculately painted nails which of course matched whatever colorful ensemble she put together.

Naomi is survived by a sister Leah Rae Knudson, brothers Dale and Roger Deneen; 5 children Bonnie (Oran) Underdahl of Fosston, Darold (Robin) Roste of Kansas City, MO, Colleen (Nino) Mendoza of Fosston, Julie (Jay) Hoffman of New Albany, IN, and Kyle (Leslie) Roste of Prairie Village, KS. 11 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

Naomi was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Earl Deneen, a sister, Carole Cassibo, a son Corky Roste and a grandson Benjamin Bennett.

Messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com or rumsey-yost.com.

Eva Kay (Norton) Parkin

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Eva Kay (Norton) Parkin, known to her family and friends as Kay, passed away on November 10, 2020. Kay was born on September 12,1933 in Norton’s Corners (Butler County), Iowa. She was the daughter of Howard and Margaret (Harken) Norton. She graduated from New Hartford High School in New Hartford, Iowa in 1951, going on to continue her education at Baker University, in Baldwin City, Kansas.

Kay graduated from Baker University in 1955, earning her degree in Elementary Education. As a student she was a member of the Zeta Alpha chapter of Phi Mu Sorority, serving a term as the chapter’s President. While at Baker University, Kay met her husband Larry Parkin (1934-2013). Larry and Kay married on August 21, 1955 at the Little Brown Church in the Vale in Nashua, Iowa. They returned to the Little Brown Church in 2005 to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

Kay worked as a Second-Grade teacher at Merriam Elementary in Merriam, Kansas. Kay and Larry had two daughters, Karin and Margaret (Peggy). Over the next 35 years, Kay, Larry, and their daughters moved over a dozen times, living in Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Arizona, California, Washington, and Michigan. As she raised her daughters, Kay was active in PTA, Girl Scouts, and the Boys and Girls Club.

In 1991, Larry and Kay retired and returned to Baldwin City, Kansas. Kay spent her retirement with her lifelong passions of reading, gardening, birdwatching, and enjoying the company of her family and dogs. She was active in the Tuesday Reading Club and Sunday School at Baldwin First United Methodist Church. She was an active citizen of Baldwin City, supporting her church, Habitat for Humanity, and the Humane Society. She was an active alumna of Baker University and served as a member of the Board of Trustees.

Kay dedicated her life to nurturing the abilities of her husband, children, and grandchildren.

Kay was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brother Howard, and her sister Elaine.

She is survived by her daughters Karin Bettis (Mike) and Peggy Keller (Matt); her grandchildren Christopher Bettis (Olive), Caroline Bettis Valentine (Nick), and Radie Keller (Micah); her younger sister Maurine Crisp (Jay); and several nieces and nephews.

A family service will be held at a later date. The family suggests donations be made to the Baldwin Community Food Pantry. Donations can be mailed to Baldwin First UMC, P.O. Box 25, Baldwin City, KS 66006.

LeMyra Joyce Allen

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LeMyra Joyce Allen, 81, passed away Saturday morning, November 7, 2020.

LeMyra was born on July 22, 1939 in Junction City, Kansas to Emil and Isabelle Erichsen. She graduated from White City High School in 1957. She married Larry Allen December 21, 1957 and divorced in 1988. LeMyra was a member and taught Sunday School at the United Methodist Church of Council Grove, was a homemaker along with sewing dance costumes for Jill Fitzgerald Dance Studio, then became a para-professional at Garfield Elementary.

In 1980 she attended Emporia State University, where she graduated in 1984. After moving to Lawrence, Kansas in 1984 she taught Special Education, then later got her masters and became a counselor at Sunflower Elementary, where she retired in 2001. She was an active member of Connect Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Jim Erichsen and a grandson, Jesse Peterson. Survivors include a daughter, Deb and her husband Duane Peterson of Lawrence,Kansas and a son, Dan Allen and his wife, Cathy of Naples, Florida, 3 grandsons, 1 granddaughter, 19 great-grandchildren and 1 great great-granddaughter.

A visitation will be held Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Graveside services will take place on Thursday at 10:30 am at White City Cemetery, White City, Kan., with Pastor Nate Rovenstine officiating. Memorial contributions are suggested to The Dream Factory, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS 66044.

Gary L. Pomeroy

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Gary Louis Pomeroy passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in the early hours of the morning. He was born in Mesa Arizona on July 26, 1952. He was the son of Reuel Nephi Pomeroy and Helen DeLucia Pomeroy. He was a dedicated husband and father. His greatest desires always revolved around serving his family. He was completely devoted to his wife, Susan, and their son John. Gary was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He cherished his commitments to the gospel and his temple marriage with Susan in the Salt Lake City Utah temple. He held many positions of leadership in the church and was respected by all who knew him. Gary graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science, an MA from BYU in European History and a JD from the University of Kansas. Gary was a legal advocate for Kansas children in need. He spent many hours working in their behalf.

Gary was an avid reader and especially enjoyed studying American History and the Civil War. He was always available to give many tidbits of information about history. He was very interested in the Space Program and visited the Kennedy Space Center many, many times. Gary’s quick wit was the delight of all those who knew him. He enjoyed Formula 1 racing and taking cruises with his wife. This photo was taken on Navigator of the Seas in January 2011.

Gary is survived by his wife, Susan Ewing Pomeroy, of the home and his son, John Ewing Pomeroy who lives in Lawrence. He is also survived by his two brothers Marion (Judith) of Baytown Texas and Loren (Lora) of Buena Vista, Virginia.

When asked many years ago of what he would say to his family, if he knew his death was near, his response was, “See you later.” Susan and John now answer with assurance, “See you later, Gary. “

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Midwest Transplant Network or the Lawrence Humane Society, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

Private family services are planned.

Verdeania Vivian Zeller

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Graveside services for Verdeania Vivian Zeller, 87, Baldwin City, will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the Vinland Cemetery in Vinland, Kansas.

Mrs. Zeller passed away on Saturday, October 31, 2020, at her home.

She was born on July 9, 1933, in McPherson County, Kansas, the daughter of Melvin Raymond and Viola Vivian Koons Anderson. She was baptized on September 16, 1933 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Lindsborg and was conformed in 1948 and joined the church as a young adult.

She attended grade school at West Kentuck in McPherson, where she graduated in 1947, then graduated from Lindsborg High School in 1951.

After school she worked for families with new borns and small children. She started to sing in Messiah chorus at Bethany College while she was still in high school and after she graduated. She worked at Duckwall’s as a sales clerk, and then worked for Southwestern Bell as a telephone operator in McPherson.

She married Francis Melvin Zeller on October 6, 1960 at the Baptist Church in Ottawa, Kansas. They moved to Vinland in 1961 and have resided there ever since.

Later she worked as a cook for the Baldwin school district, Baker University, and the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. She also worked as a sales clerk for McCall’s and Weaver’s department store.
As well as being a homemaker and helping outside with her husband and family on the farm, she also taught Sunday school, Bible School, sang in the church choir, was involved in 4-H, and worked concession stands at the fair. She was active in the Democratic Party in Lawrence, and held different offices locally and in Topeka.

She loved to sew, embroidery, crafts, gardening, canning, singing when possible, and playing the piano. She also enjoyed her family, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, attending many sports events and activities.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brothers, Raymond who was killed in the Battle of the Bulge in WWII and Leo in Yucaipa, California; daughter in law, Kathy Zeller; her grandparents; great grandparents; several uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

She leaves behind four children, Rita of Baldwin, Stephen and wife Karen of Overbrook, Mark of Lecompton, Barbara of Paola; 12 grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren; one brother, Dale of McPherson; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, where the family will receive them from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday.

Memorials should be made to the Vinland United Methodist Church, sent in care of the funeral home.

The family respectfully asks that no peanuts are consumed prior or brought and perfumes not be worn to the visitation or service, due to severe allergies.

Terry Lynn Beebe

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Private family inurnment services will be held for Terry Lynn Beebe, 66, Lawrence, who passed away Saturday, October 31, 2020, at his home.

He was born December 5, 1953, in Lawrence, the son of Carl Leroy and Agnes ‘Pauline’ Stanclift Beebe. He attended Lawrence schools and later began working for the housing and maintenance department at the University of Kansas, where he retired after 30 years of service. In his spare time, he enjoyed yard work and spending time with the McDonald’s coffee club guys.

Survivors include his significant other, Susan Dailey, of the home; two sons, Jason McIntyre, Lawrence, and Michael Dailey and wife Rose, Kinnard, Tex.; four siblings, Jim Beebe, Lawrence, Richard Beebe, Lawrence, Bobby Beebe, N. Kent, Wash., and Helen Basks, Claremore, Okla.; a sister-in-law, Debbie Darmond, Lawrence; one grandson, Dillon, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Terry Beebe Memorial Fund. Checks should be made payable to Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, with Terry Beebe on the memo line.

Neal Jay Eller

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Graveside services for Neal Jay Eller, 81, Lawrence, will be Monday at 2pm, November 2nd at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Neal passed away early Wednesday morning, October 28, at Brandon Woods with his wife, Becky, at his side.

Neal was born November 4, 1938, in Lawrence, the son of Leo and Dorothy Eller. He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1956 and has been a lifelong resident of Lawrence except for a very short time he lived in Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Carol Eller McCaffrey.

Prior to his retirement on November 30, 2004, Neal worked for many years as a finish carpenter and shop foreman at Gene Fritzel Construction. He was an excellent woodworker and had the opportunity to produce special doors, windows, and other features for upscale homes. Neal was especially proud of a spiral staircase he built for a local couple whose home was featured in a national magazine. After his retirement Neal enjoyed working in his own customized woodshop which he built at his home. He loved making keepsake rocking horses and wagons for his grandchildren as well as other projects such as outbuildings and a chicken house for Becky’s chickens.

Neal married Dorothy Jean Roper on March 8, 1958, in Nowata, OK. They divorced. He married Celinda Sue Archer in May, 1969. They divorced. He married Rebecca Ann Phillips on November 8, 1986. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include a daughter, Lisa Eller, Euless, Texas; a son, David Eller (Paula Zeller), Topeka; a daughter, Piper Reimer (James Reimer), Prairie Village; a daughter, Shanna Eller (Marty Segal), Lawrence; and a son, Jay Eller (Wendy Eller), Lawrence. Neal loved and adored his 8 grandchildren, Olivia Eller, Annie Eller, Neal J. Eller, Nash Reimer, Will Reimer, Hale Reimer, Leo Eller, and Arlo Eller. He had one nephew, Michael Leo McCaffrey, Lawrence.

Neal was an avid reader, he loved Stephen King, Tom Clancy, Patricia Cornwell, and Dean Koontz among many authors. He enjoyed visiting with his good friends and drinking coffee in his kitchen. Neal also loved all animals, especially his cats and family dogs. He was never a fan of squirrels. He was a die-hard Ford man. He enjoyed Jeeps and Colorado mountain Jeep trails. He made friends easily and could talk to anyone on any subject. His great sense of humor made him a joy to be around.

Friends may call from 3 pm to 4 pm Sunday at Rumsey-Yost funeral home, where the family will be receiving them.

The family suggests memorials to Lawrence Humane Society, sent in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com