Author: RumseyYost

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.

Richard Allen Brown

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Richard Allen Brown, age 71, was called home by our loving Father and passed away peacefully at his home on February 1, 2026.

He was born on August 23, 1954, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Wilbur Ray Brown and Mary Margaret Brown, who preceded him in death.

Richard-known affectionately as “Uncle Rick” by those who truly knew and loved him was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas, and graduated from Bonner High School. His early years helped shape the strong work ethic, loyalty, and humility that defined his life.

Richard was the fourth of six children. He was preceded in death by his brother Ronald Ray Brown (April 2023), his brother Michael Gerard Brown Sr. (January 2026), and his sister Frances Bryant.

He is survived by his brother Mark Wayne Brown of Missouri and his sister Leona Alpar of Mesa, Arizona.

Richard devoted many years to honest and dependable work. He was employed at Farmland Foods in Crete, Nebraska, before continuing his career at the Walmart Distribution Center in Ottawa, Kansas, where he worked faithfully until his retirement.

Richard had a deep passion for mechanics and loved working on cars. He made sure his nieces and nephews learned from him, patiently teaching them skills he believed were important to pass on. These moments reflected not only his knowledge, but his love, generosity, and desire to guide the next generation.

Richard lived a life marked by kindness, quiet strength, and integrity. Faith guided his walk, and he trusted in the Lord’s plan. Now reunited with loved ones who went before him, Richard rejoices in eternal peace.

Richard will be lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Though deeply missed here on earth, his legacy of love, faith, and wisdom will live on.

Services to honor Richard’s life will be announced at a later date. The family extends heartfelt thanks for the prayers, condolences, and support during this time.

Ellen Susan “Susie” Hess

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Ellen Susan (McVey) Hess, 87, of Lawrence died February 1, 2026 at home.
Susie was born October 3, 1938 in Iola, the daughter of Kenneth Barlett and Velma Lee (Manbeck) McVey. She grew up in Moran and graduated from Humboldt High School in 1957. On October 5, 1957 she married Robert “Bob” Henry Hess at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Humboldt. They were married for 68 years.
They initially lived in Fort Scott and moved to Lawrence in 1958. She and Bob opened Bob’s Bernina Sewing and Vacuum Center in Holiday Plaza in December 1980. They sold the business in 2010 and retired at that time.
She is survived by sons Michael (Kathleen) and Mark (Ty Fuller) of Lawrence; granddaughter Gretchen Hess; three grandsons Scott Fuller, Seth Fuller and Spencer Fuller; sister Renae Lewis (Robert) of Orlando, FL; and brother Paul McVey (Corinne) of New Smyrna Beach, FL.
Susie was preceded in death by her husband Bob, who died on January 4, 2026; her parents; her stepmother Evelyn Lamar (Muldoon) McVey; her brother David McVey and her sister Lora Lee Cyphers; and infant sons Timothy and Patrick.
On Thursday, February 5th  from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, there will be a visitation and rosary at Rumsey-Yost funeral home. Burial will be in St. Joseph cemetery in Humboldt on Friday February 6th  at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association. Susie’s family is very appreciative of the excellent care she received from the VNA during her illness.

Richard Paul Hughes

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Richard Paul Hughes passed away peacefully in his sleep January 28, 2026. He is survived by his wife Sharon Marie. Richard was the loving father of Tracy Lanaman, Andy Hughes, and Rhonda Bordman. He was the proud grandfather of Haylie, Gage, Bella, Aidan, Colten and Micaela. His heart was stolen in 2020 with the arrival of his great granddaughter Remi.
Richard was a proud veteran serving in the United States Army and later retired from General Motors Fairfax plant. He loved fishing, hunting, visiting national parks and traveling around the world. He was captivated by the beauty of the South Pacific but was at his happiest when at home surrounded by family and friends.
He enjoyed coffee mornings with the Liars Club, lunches with the GM retirees, visits from Darrell and watching Chiefs games with our crew.
Many people called him, Richard, but those who loved him most called him Awpa. He was the most kind, loving, caring, giving, selfless man. To be loved by him was truly special and made you a better person. He was surrounded by love from our Nebraska family that took such good care of him with frequent visits, winery trips, crab legs, and lots of good laughs.
To say we are going to miss him doesn’t begin to cover it. Our world was a better place because he was in it. We are truly blessed that God gave us seven bonus years with him and we cherished every minute.  We will be taking him home to Franklin Nebraska to be laid to rest alongside his siblings and family.

Patsy Darlene Kirkman

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Patsy Darlene Kirkman (née Jones), 84, born May 8, 1941, in Oswego, Kansas, to John L. Jones and Norma R. Garrison, passed away January 27, 2026.  In 1960, Patsy married Roger Anderson, with whom she had 2 sons. Patsy married Dean Kirkman in 2004; following Dean’s death in 2020, she found companionship with Harry Hosey at Meadowlark Estates during her final years. Patsy had many friends at Meadowlark.
Patsy was a loving mother who actively participated in Cub Scouts, PTA, and the KU University Women’s Organization. She enjoyed dancing and socializing and worked at several Lawrence businesses, notably Weaver’s Department Store.  Patsy was preceded in death by her parents, brother Terry, sister Ruth (Bill), and husband Dean and is survived by siblings Donna Little (Kenneth), John Jones (Vanee), and Judy Weber (Doug), sons Torrence (Beth) and Benjamin (Jennifer), and 4 grandchildren, Conner, Jack, Evie, and Ellie.
A graveside service will be held on February 21, 2026, at 11am at Mount Sidney Cemetery, Linwood, Kansas.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org.

Jeanne Pauline Haider

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Jeanne Pauline (Messenhimer) Haider passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026, in her hometown, Lawrence, Kansas.

Jeanne was born on May 18, 1949, in Ottawa, Kansas, the daughter of Kenneth and Claudine Messenhimer.  She grew up in Lawrence and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1967. She went skydiving in 1968.

Jeanne graduated from Emporia State University in 1971, with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She moved to Kansas City, Kansas and started her teaching career in the K.C.K. School District. She taught at the elementary level from 1972 through 1978. She married Larry Haider in 1976.

In 1978, Jeanne and Larry moved to Denver, Colorado. Jeanne continued her teaching career in the Denver School District. Jeanne and Larry divorced in 1982. In 1990, Jeanne received her Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Lesley College. In 1993, Jeanne received her Administration Certification from the University of Denver.

Jeanne’s teaching career spanned over 32 years. She also served on many committees and boards in her field of expertise. She volunteered her time to worthy causes.

Jeanne had many other interests. She liked to travel within the U.S. and to other countries. In 1991, she accompanied her parents on a trip to Germany and Norway, with a visit to her brother who was stationed in Norway. She worked in customer service for Frontier Airlines for a while after she retired from teaching.  She was a huge fan of the Denver Broncos. She was an avid skier. She liked concerts at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre. She ran in the BOULDERBoulder 10k Run six times. In 2015, Jeanne decided to move back home to Lawrence, Kansas. She enjoyed being back in Lawrence and being with family and friends.

Jeanne is preceded in death by her parents.

Jeanne is survived by:  Sister, Janice (Messenhimer) Tusten and Bill, Olathe, KS; Brother, Kenneth Messenhimer and Nora, San Antonio, TX;  Sister, Terry Messenhimer and Dr. Marc Hardin, Lawrence, KS; Sister, Debbie Messenhimer, Lawrence, KS; Sister, Cindy (Messenhimer) Nickerson and Gary, Arvada, CO; Aunt, Pauline Davis, Olathe, KS.  Also, three nephews: Ryne Tusten, Kenny Messenhimer & Kevin Messenhimer; three nieces: Christianne Del Vecchio, Katie Bavender & Cassie Nickerson, and all their respective families.  J.P., you will be missed!

Many thanks of appreciation go out to:  Dear family friend Charlene Hodge, Dr. Jodie Barr and the staff of the Lawrence Cancer Center, St. Croix Hospice and the entire staff at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to:  Lawrence Presbyterian Manor, St. Croix Hospice or Lawrence Humane Society.