Author: RumseyYost

Nancy Jane Reynolds

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Services for Nancy Jane Reynolds, 88, Lawrence, will be 10 am, Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will be at Fairmount Cemetery in Denver, Colorado on Friday, September 21 at 10 am.

Jane died on Sunday, September 9, 2018 at Bridge Haven Care Facility in Lawrence.
She was born September 8, 1930, in Lincoln, Nebraska, the daughter of Mel Gates and Bernice Crone Montgomery. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1948 and attended the University of Nebraska.

Jane worked in the insurance industry, and married Charles William Reynolds in October of 1956. Together, Jane and Charlie had three sons. Charlie perished in a commercial airplane crash in January of 1969. Jane focused her energy on raising her three young sons, with the help of her beloved sister, Jean.

She is survived by her three sons and their wives: Dave and Lindy Reynolds, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Tim and Kathy Reynolds of Lawrence, and Jim and Denise Reynolds, of Sioux City, Iowa. Other survivors include her brother John and his wife Carol, of Overland Park, Kansas, and her younger brother Jerry and his wife Judy, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Also surviving are her 18 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie, her parents, Mel and Bernice, and her sister, Jean, who passed in January of 2013.

Friends may call from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, where family members will receive them from 6 to 7 p.m.

The family suggests donations to the The Willow Domestic Violence Center for those in Kansas and to the Alzheimer’s Foundation (alzfdn.org) for those in Colorado in lieu of flowers.

Benny & Patsy Rosell

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Memorial Services for Benny, 84 and Patsy, 76 Rosell, Shawnee, will be 10:30 am, Friday, September 14, 2018, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. A visitation will take place from 9:30 to service time.

Benny Rosell Obituary

Benny Tupas Rosell was born on January 17, 1934 in Sindangan, Zamboanga, Philippines. His parents, Eliza and Hilario Rosell, both deceased, were active in Christian ministry. Benny came to the United States in 1952 by ship in order to attend a small Bible college in Stanberry, MO. He then transferred to Phillips University in Enid, OK, where he received his baccalaureate degree in 1956, majoring in Bible Studies. He also attended Wichita State University, majoring in secondary school administration and earning his teaching certification. Benny was honored to become naturalized citizen of the United States in 1968.

He began his teaching career at Florence High School in 1962 and then transferred to Hoxie High School in 1964 where he spent 32 years teaching language arts and coaching forensics and debate, enabling his students to become a state champions numerous years. After retiring, Benny continued to substitute teach as he loved mentoring students. His teaching career culminated with an induction into the Kansas High School Hall of Fame in 2006.

Benny felt God’s call to ministry and became the pastor of the First Christian Church of Hoxie in 1975 and retired in 1998. He continued to preach at various churches and serve as interim pastor for many years.

He was married to Patsy Blain of Cherokee, OK in 1959, celebrating over 58 years of marriage. Pat passed away only 16 hours after Benny on September 9, 2018. They are survived by their children, Yolanda Hargett (Husband Cole) of Olathe, KS and Michael Rosell (Wife Katy) of Lee’s Summit, MO. They have 5 grandchildren ~ Jason, Jonathan & Senna Hargett and Alexandra & Benjamin Rosell.

Other survivors include three sisters, Betty White, St. Joseph, MO, who came to America with Benny, and Elena and Elsie, still in the Philippines, and two brothers, Eddie Rosell, also in the Philippines, and Ernest Rosell of Hackettstown, NJ.

Benny was an avid bass fisherman and spent a great deal of time at local fishing lakes. He also enjoyed working in the yard and gardening.

Pat Rosell Obituary

Patsy Jane Blain was born on November, 18, 1941, in Cherokee, OK. Her parents were Ramona Campbell and Ellsworth Blain, both deceased. Pat graduated from High School in 1959 and promptly moved to Wichita, KS, where she met the love of her life, Benny Rosell, and they married on October 24, 1959, celebrating over 58 years of marriage.

She was a wonderful mother and homemaker. She and Benny had two children: Yolanda Hargett of Olathe, KS and Michael Rosell of Lee’s Summit. They also have five grandchildren: Jason, Jonathan & Senna Hargett and Alexandra & Benjamin Rosell.

Pat worked for several years as a pre-school teacher in Hoxie, KS as well as a home health aide in Salina, KS. She also served tirelessly beside her husband, Benny, supporting him and the church family in any way needed.

A talented painter working primarily with oil paints, Pat created beautiful landscape paintings, including many of local settings where they lived. Pat’s paintings recently won 1st Place and Best in Show in a Lawrence, KS, “Art is Ageless” competition in 2017. She was very passionate about her paintings, considering them her “babies”! Her other “baby” was her dog, “Puffy”, whom she doted on along with numerous stray cats that she and Benny would adopt.

Pat is survived by one brother, Bob Blain of Wichita, KS.

The family suggests memorial donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research as this was the disease that ravaged both Benny and Pat’s earthly bodies.

Marilyn Pollom Adams

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Services for Marilyn Pollom Adams, 86, Lawrence, will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, September 16 at the Smith Center at Brandon Woods 4730 Brandon Woods Terrace, Lawrence, Kansas 66047.

Mrs. Adams died Thursday, September 6, 2018, at her home.

She was born June 9, 1932 in Lawrence, Kansas, to Cleatis and Marguerite Pollom. She attended public schools in Lawrence and graduated from Kansas University with a BS in Occupational Therapy. She later added a degree in Music Education from Emporia State University.

Marilyn married Dwight Adams in 1953. Together they had four children, Alan (Elaine), Laura (Norman) Shimabukuro, Sara (Bobby) Richard, and Bryan (Toni). They lived in Osage City, Kansas from 1959 to 2013. Dwight was a medical doctor there. They moved to Lawrence, KS in 2013.

Mrs. Adams’s greatest work was raising her children. She established and managed the activity program at Osage Manor Nursing Home for 15 years, volunteered many hours in the First United Methodist Church, and for 15 years especially enjoyed directing 30 children in the junior choir. She spent 15 years as a den leader in Boy Scouts and a troop leader for Girl Scouts. She was very active in ECAT (Ecumenical Christian Action Team) serving as co-president and taking charge of the Christmas baskets each year. She was in charge of raising funds for The American Cancer Society in Osage County for many years.

Marilyn and Dwight enjoyed traveling in an RV and for 15 years they worked on Habitat for Humanity projects at 30 different sites in ten different states and New Zealand. She enjoyed needle work, knitting (especially making over 80 Christmas stockings for family), and quilting. She sewed many beautiful things including a great deal of clothing for the family. She is survived by her husband, her children, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

A sister, Jan Roberts preceded her in death in 2017.

In lieu of flowers a memorial contribution may be made directly to the Lawrence First United Methodist Church, ECAT, Habitat for Humanity, or your favorite charity.

Freeman Lynn Higgason

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Memorial services for Freeman Lynn Higgason, 83, Lawrence, will be 10 am, Monday, September 10, 2018, at Lawrence Free Methodist Church. Private family burial will take place later at Clayton Cemetery.

He died Thursday, September 6, 2018, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

Freeman was born October 22, 1934, in rural Norton County, KS, the son of Frank Le Roy and Mary Pauline Wonderlich Higgason. He graduated from Clayton High School. Later he went on to receive his bachelor’s Degree from Kansas State University.

After college he farmed, taught school, and began a career in business. He retired from banking after more than twenty years.

He and his wife retired to Texas where they enjoyed golfing, traveling, and visiting their family. Six years ago they moved to Lawrence, Kansas.

He married Janice Kay Kaiser on April 19, 1990, she survives of the home.

Other survivors include
Sons–Stanley Higgason, and wife Barbara; Steven Higgason and wife Lisa; Scott Higgason and wife Kim
Janice’s children John Highfill and wife Rebeca; Katy Hayden and husband Kyle
Grandchildren-Caitlin and Brock Higgason; Sam, Nick, and Luke Higgason; Brianne, Taylor, Rowan, and Lauren Highfill; Meron, Gage, and Brette Hayden

He is preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Dillon Higgason.

Memorial contributions made in memory of Freeman may be made to the Children’s Mercy Hematology and Oncology Department, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street Lawrence, KS 66044.

Mary Ann Willette

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Mary Ann Willette has succumbed to cancer after three years of demonstrating extreme courage while remaining a role model to all her friends and family. Mary Ann passed on September 5, 2018, at her home. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Scott Willette, sons Chris and Ryan, their wives Antonella and Elizabeth, and four grandchildren: Tesa, Ben, Joshua and Isla. She is also survived by her brother, Dennis Noonan his wife Joan Noonan and her sister Janice Pelcher and her husband Gary Pelcher.

Mary Ann graduated from Western Illinois University with a BA in Health Education. She taught high school health education in Waukegan Illinois, later to become a receptionist and office manager at various dental locations in Chicago, Dallas, Canton Ohio and Lawrence Kansas.

She made everyone around her feel good about themselves, always having a positive attitude, a bright as sunshine smile and a twinkle in her eye. She enjoyed supporting her family, friends and playing golf with the “Gator Done” gals of the Jayhawk Club. All who have had the privilege of knowing her will miss her.

The service will be held 3 pm, at the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home on Friday September, 21, 2018, followed by a reception at the Jayhawk Club at 6 pm. Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Thank You All For Being Our Friends!!

Lawrence Gerald Anderson

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Funeral services for Lawrence Gerald Anderson, 68, Lecompton, will be 10 am, Monday, September 10, 2018, at Lecompton United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Lecompton.

He died Thursday, September 6, 2018, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

Lawrence was born October 4, 1949, in Manhattan, KS, the son of Raymond Lawrence Anderson and Geraldine Halloway Anderson Harrell. He graduated from Lecompton High School and attended Emporia State University for a year.

In 1969 he married Patricia Ann Maness also of Lecompton, they later divorced.

In 1971 he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served as a Sargent working as a telephone installer and later as an Optometry Specialist. While in the service he was stationed in the Philippines and California.

After the service he got his Bachelor’s degree from Washburn University in History and Secondary Education. He worked at South Western Bell as a Communications Consultant for most of his career.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, coaching his daughter’s softball teams when they were young, and more recently enjoying time with grandchildren.

Survivors include daughter Kristi Meyer and her husband Leeland of Defiance, MO and daughter Tiffany Gomel and her husband John of Oskaloosa, KS. Grandchildren: Aislyn Meyer, Gabriel Meyer, Jacob Meyer, Shelby Zacher, Travis Gomel, Trisha Gomel and great-grandson Ezra Gesner.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

The family suggests memorial contributions made in memory of Lawrence to the Lecompton Methodist Church, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street Lawrence, KS 66044.

A visitation will take place from 3-4 pm on Sunday, September 9, 2018, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

William Frank Augustus

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Graveside services for William Frank Augustus, 76, Lawrence, will be 3:30, Wednesday, September 5, 2018, at Memorial Park Cemetery. A visitation will be from 2-3:20 pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

He died August 31, 2018, at his home.

William was born September 1, 1941, in Washington, KS, the son of Guy B. and Martha LaVera Smith Augustus. He graduated from Lawrence High School.

He worked for over thirty years and retired from the Lawrence Paper Company as a Mechanic. He enjoyed amateur radio, guns and targets, shooting pool, going out dancing, farming, cars and miscellaneous fabrication around the house.

William married Dee Randel on May 16, 1985, she preceded him in death in 2008.

Survivors include son, Kevin Augustus, Lawrence; daughter Karen Dirks, Colorado; stepdaughter Heather Ashburn, Lawrence; and four grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife Dee.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions made to the SVS Foundation for Vascular Research, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street Lawrence, KS 66044.

Lee F. Young Jr.

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Lee Franklin Young, age 92, of Lawrence, KS, passed away August 30 at his residence in Neuvant House surrounded by his three children and beloved granddaughter.

A funeral service will be held at 5pm Thursday, September 6, at First Presbyterian Church, 2415 Clinton Pkwy, Lawrence, with Rev. Kent Winters-Haselton officiating.

Lee was born in Syracuse, NY, to Lee Franklin Young and Helen Marie Young, on November 3, 1925. After graduating from Nottingham High School in Syracuse, Lee enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a sonar technician on a destroyer escort in WWII. He received a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in a kamikaze attack during the Battle of Okinawa.

After the war, Lee attended Syracuse University on the GI Bill. He received a BA in American Studies in 1950. While working on the school yearbook he met the love of his life, Shirley Ann Evans. They married in Shirley’s hometown of Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ, on June 30, 1950. The young couple lived in and loved New York City, but relocated to Kansas City, MO, when Lee accepted a job in advertising. Within a couple of years, Lee took a job in magazine production and moved his growing family to Lake of the Forest, Edwardsville, Kansas, where he said he spent his happiest years.

Lee and his family made Lawrence their home when he was hired as an instructor to teach journalism in the advertising sequence at KU in 1964. Following a longtime dream, he completed a Master’s in Journalism at the university in 1967. He became an assistant professor in 1968, an associate professor in 1970, and a full professor in 1975. In addition to teaching advertising, Lee developed a sequence in magazine journalism, and at various times taught in the news-editorial and radio-television areas. His administrative responsibilities included: Director of the Midwest Journalism Camp, Chairman of the University Daily Kansan Board, and Director of the William Allen White Foundation. During his tenure at KU, Lee received the 1967 Hillteacher award, the 1969 H.Bernard Fink award for excellence in teaching, and the Mortar Board teaching award. He was seven times a finalist for the senior class’ H.O.P.E. teaching award, and the first holder of the William Allen White Distinguished Teacher Professorship in 1985. Lee twice served as acting Dean of the Journalism School, 1969-70 and 1985-86. In 1985, he was named as Distinguished Teaching Professor of Journalism.

He was a member of St. Martin in the Fields Episcopal Church in Edwardsville, KS, where he served as a senior warden and a lay reader. He joined the Trinity Episcopal church in Lawrence, and later became active in the First Presbyterian Church. Following his retirement he enjoyed volunteering at church, the Lawrence Community Theater, and with Audio-Reader. He loved to play golf, watch the Royals and rarely missed a KU basketball game.

Lee is preceded in death by parents, Lee and Helen Young, his bride, Shirley Evans Young, his beloved friend and son-in-law, David Wiebe, great granddaughter, Madrona Hartford, and great grandson, Quinn Brady.

He is survived by his children: Leslie Young, Catherine Little (Rodney), and Kenneth Young, sister Gwendolyn Kratz (Bill), sister-in-law Myrene Hoge (Sterling Sorrel); grandchildren: Graham Farris (Kelly), Kathelyn Young, Mark Wiebe (Anne), and Chris Wiebe; and great grandchildren: William Farris, Noah Brady, Sorrel Hartford, Wren Hartford, and Amber Hartford. Lee also leaves behind several nieces and nephews as well as cherished friends Doni Mooberry and Eva Alley.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Neuvant House, 1216 Biltmore Dr., Lawrence, KS, 66049, or Heartland Hospice, 2231 SW Wanamaker Rd., S 202 Topeka, KS, 66614.

The family wishes to extend its deep gratitude to the staff at Neuvant House, who provided Lee with a loving home for the last three years of his life. Additionally, the support and services provided by the staff at Heartland Hospice made it possible for Lee to remain in the home he loved during the final weeks of his life.

The family is honoring Lee’s wish to have his body donated to the Department of Anatomy, University of Kansas Medical Center.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

Smith Ann Myers

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Smith Ann Myers was born into the arms of the angels Thursday, August 16th at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. She is survived by her parents Brett and Kelsey Myers, Grandparents  Craig and Joan Starks and Craig and Ann Myers.

“There’s nothing in this world
that brings such happiness
as that of a dear sweet child,
to hold, to love and caress.

When one comes into our life
there is no greater joy.
It matters not the gender,
a baby girl or baby boy.

There’s nothing in this world
that brings such heartfelt sorrow,
as to have them in your life one day
and find them gone tomorrow.

At the loss of a little child
we must put our love and trust
in God, our Heavenly Father,
who gave the child to us.

Love for the gift He gave us,
and trust that in His time,
we will hold our child again
in our heavenly home divine.”

-Ron Tranmer