Author: RumseyYost

Madalon Rebecca Vann

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Services for Madalon Rebecca Vann (Scott), 70, of Lawrence, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Lawrence First Church of the Nazarene.

Madalon Vann passed away Thursday, January 15, 2026, at home, surrounded by family.

Madalon was born January 22, 1955, in Rome, Georgia, the daughter of Howard and Ruth Scott.

Madalon married Steve Born in the late 1960’s in Homestead, Florida. They divorced. She married James Vann Sr on July 31, 1984. James survives at home.

Other survivors include 5 sisters and 2 brothers, children James Vann Jr, Howard Born, Jerome Cole, PJ Born, Rebekah Vann, Shannon Vann, Kim Vann, Angel Vann, Daniel Vann, 15 grandkids, 6 great-grandkids.

A daughter, Charity Vann passed away September 5, 2009.

James and Madalon began a life of fostering children in 1985, leading to sheltering over 250 + kids spanning over 38 years.

With deep love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we remember a beloved wife, mother, sister, and aunt whose life was rooted in her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ and her boundless love for her family.

Throughout her life, she walked closely with the Lord, allowing her faith to guide her words, actions, and relationships. Jesus was at the center of her heart, and she reflected His love through her kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and grace. Her faith was not only something she believed—it was something she lived every day.

Family was her greatest earthly treasure. She devoted her life to loving, nurturing, and supporting those she held dear, always placing their needs above her own. Her home was filled with warmth, prayer, laughter, and unconditional love. She was a steady source of strength, wisdom, and comfort, and her presence made life richer for everyone who knew her.

She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and selflessness that will continue to live on through her family. While our hearts grieve her passing, we rejoice in the promise that she is now at peace in the presence of her Savior, hearing the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

Lawrence Joseph Abbott

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Lawrence Joseph Abbott — known to pretty much everyone as Larry — left this world on January 14, 2026, just two days after turning 54. Larry wasn’t the guy holding court or filling the silence. He was the one off to the side, watching everything with that steady, thoughtful look of his. When he spoke, it was because he meant it — usually with a dry, straight‑to‑the‑point honesty that could make you laugh or make you think, sometimes both.

He was Linda’s son, Brandee’s big brother, Owen’s dad, and Uncle Larry to Megan and Lane. But he also belonged to a circle of people who’d known him for years — the ones who saw him through the good stretches and the hard ones, who understood the quiet ways he showed up, even when he didn’t say much about it.

Larry had a soft spot for cars, motorcycles (#50),the Blue Angels, live music and his family— the things that pulled him out of his shell and lit him up in that subtle way only his people recognized. He didn’t need a spotlight; he just needed the things and the folks he cared about.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at The Barn at Randelwood Estates, 1629 E 800th Rd, Lawrence, KS 66049. In place of flowers or plants, donations may be made to help with expenses sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

If you knew Larry, you’re invited to raise a glass in his honor — not out of ceremony, but because that’s how he’d want to be remembered: with a little warmth, a little honesty, and a story or two shared among friends.

He didn’t make a lot of noise in this world, but he made an impact in the ways that matter.

Arly Harrison Allen

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Arly Harrison Allen died peacefully on January 7, 2026, surrounded by family. He was 87 years old. Born in Lawrence, August 23, 1938, Arly was the eldest of seven siblings (Arly, Diane, Elaine, Dede, Rand, Lenore, and Barbara) born to Harold E. Allen and Barbara Jane Allen.

Arly attended Pinkney grade school in Lawrence and Pembroke Country Day High School in Kansas City, where he was active in drama, sang with the Glee Club, and served as a Yell Leader at sports events. After graduating in 1956, he attended the University of Kansas, joined Sigma Chi fraternity, and earned a BA in English (1960) and an MA in Medieval History (1963). He continued his studies at the University of Toronto and, as a Fulbright scholar, studied in Perugia, Italy. Arly briefly served as an instructor of Western Civilization and Medieval History at the University of Kansas. He had almost finished his PhD in Medieval History—only the dissertation remained—when he started working at his family’s business, the Allen Press. At KU, Arly met Constance Marlatt Huested, and they married at Gibson Island’s Chapel of St. Christopher by the Sea on June 23, 1962.

Harold Allen founded The Allen Press in 1935, and with Arly leading from 1971 to 1993, it achieved national and international acclaim for scientific publishing. Arly placed a strong emphasis on superior imagery and continuously explored innovative methods to assist small and medium-sized scholarly societies. In 1977, he published Steps Towards Better Scientific Illustrations. He expanded journal printing, developed nonprofit society services, and participated in scientific organizations. Arly was a founding member of the Society for Scholarly Publishing and the Council of Biology Editors (CBE), speaking at international events and serving as CBE President from 1989 to 1990. He retired from Allen Press in 1993 and established Sheridan Electronic Systems, an online service provider for academics in Baltimore, MD.

Arly enthusiastically supported KU sports and the Kansas City Chiefs. He also loved golf, and on one occasion, he amazed his friends by scoring a hole-in-one with an eight iron on Orchard’s eighth hole.

After retiring, Arly focused on medieval history and boxing. He joined the International Boxing Research Organization and published works such as Jess Willard: Heavyweight Champion of the World (1915-1919), The Beginning of Boxing in Britain, 1300-1700, and Wrestling in Medieval England.

Arly belonged to The Old & New Club and the Rotary Club of Lawrence, served as a deacon at Oxford OH Presbyterian Church, and was a Master Gardener. His daughter recalls him mowing the lawn in dress pants while singing Gilbert & Sullivan tunes.

Arly’s wife Constance, his parents Harold and Barbara Jane, and his sisters Elaine Forman and Diane Bannen all passed away before him. He is survived by his son, Arly Hedrick Allen of Lawrence, KS; his daughter, Patience Allen (partner Frode Linna) of Oslo, Norway; his sisters, Dede Dresser, Lenore Allen, and Barbara Wasson; his brother, Gorden Rand Allen; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and Johanna Reinhart of Oxford, OH.

Visitation will be at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home at 2pm on Saturday, January 24, 2026, followed by a funeral service at 3pm. The family, guests and friends are welcome to raise a glass to Arly at the family home following the service. A private burial will take place at the Allen family gravesite, Oak Hill Cemetery on a future date.

The family suggests memorial donations to the Lawrence Humane Society in lieu of flowers, 1805 E 19th St, Lawrence, KS 66046 or www.lawrencehumane.org/donate/

Glenn Arlin Johanning

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Glenn Arlin Johanning, age 98, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on January 13, 2026, after a long and healthy life. He was born on November 15, 1927, to Otto and Ottilie (Schaake) Johanning. He was a lifelong resident of Lawrence, Kansas.

He is lovingly remembered by his survivors, son Bruce (Heather) Johanning, daughter Julie (Rob) Neff, daughter in law, Roxy Johanning, grandchildren Austin and Braden Johanning, David, Laura, Ryan, and Aaron Neff, Jared (Mandy Enfield) and John Johanning, great grandchildren, Anthony and Frankie Johanning, and a long list of nieces and nephews, including great-greats.

Glenn was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann (Stull) and son, Scott Johanning; his parents, Otto and Ottilie Johanning and stepmother, Mary (Giesmann) Johanning; his siblings, Elmer (Thelma) Johanning, Harold “Zeke” (Mary Alice) Johanning, and Mildred (William) Penny.

A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Douglas County Visiting Nurses, https://kansasvna.org/, 200 Maine St, Suite C, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Fond memories and condolences can be left at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Michael Gerard Brown Sr.

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Private family services for Michael Gerard Brown Sr. 68, Lawrence, will take place at a later date.

He died Friday, January 9, 2026, at his home where he resided with his brother.

Michael was born September 21, 1957 in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of Wilbur Ray and Mary Margaret Brown. He received this GED while he was in the Army National Guard.

He married Theresa Marie Baird, April 7, 1978, in Bonner Springs, KS, at the Bonner Springs Baptist Church, they later divorced on May 31, 1996.  Whom survives on still with a great amount of love remaining.

Other survivors include brother, Richard Brown, Sister, Leona Alpar, Brother Mark Brown, Sons. Joshua Brown and Michael Brown Jr, Daughters, Carmen Brown and Rachel Brown; 9 grand children, Jazzmine Brown, Vanessa Brown, Noah Brown, Devina Brown (Brookens), Anthony Brown-Henley, Derek Brown (Ben Brookens) Adam Brown (August Brookens), Dallas Brown, and Colin Brown; 2 great grand children, Livianna Hernandez, and Aryella Hernandez.

A brother Ronald Brown and sister Frances Bryant whom he is joining in Heaven.

Julie Ann Abel

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Julie Ann Abel 67, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Lexington Park Nursing Home in Topeka.

She was born November 21, 1958, and Lawrence, Kansas, the daughter of George Allen Abel and Mary Virginia (Channel) Abel. Julie grew up in Lawrence and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1977. She was a woman of fierce devotion, unwavering strength, and a spirit that could not be tamed.

She was stubborn and the best ways love deeply and without limits and never hesitated to stir up a little trouble when the moment called for it. No matter what life brought, she showed up for her family, her friends and the people she cared about most her presence was steady, protective and unforgettable.

Julie had a heart that loved hard and a personality that left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She taught those around her the meaning of loyalty, resilience and unconditional love. Her laughter, her honesty and her fire will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Molly Abel; brother, David Abel; and many nieces and nephews and many more great nieces and nephews, who will carry her love and lessons forward every day.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Mary Abel.

Though she is no longer with us, her love remain strong, guiding, and forever, a part of us.

A visitation will begin at 1:00 pm on Friday, January 16, 2026 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home with funeral services to follow at 2:00 pm. Burial will be at Reno Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Midland Care Lawrence PACE, 319 Perry St., Lawrence, KS 66044.

Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts her love remains our greatest gift.

Judith Kay (Kate) Walberg

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Judith Kay “Kate” Walberg, age 86, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, to Franklyn B. Walberg and Jeanette M. Walberg (Higbee), Known as Judy for half her life she grew up on the family dairy farm in Kansas City, Kansas, graduated from Rosedale High School in 1957, married David P. Rowlands and had three children: Michael, Mary Beth, and Mark. Later, she married James W. Mirick, welcoming two step-daughters, Karin and Michelle, into her ever-growing circle of family.

An eternal learner and lover of the arts, Judy earned her Bachelor of Arts (Art/Psychology) from Washburn University in 1990 and a Master of Science in Community Counseling (Art Therapy) from Emporia State University in 1994. She devoted her professional life to helping others—as a certified massage therapist, caregiver, realtor, secretary, Chi Omega house mother, and elder-care advocate—always blending compassion with creativity.

After moving to Lawrence in 1997, Judy became “Kate” and lived her life in her own colorful way. She found her people at the Lawrence Antique Mall and thrived in a community that celebrated her wit, humor, and creative spirit. Living independently until 2025 she transitioned seamlessly into assisted living where she brought her colorful ways to her new community. In her last days she was surrounded by her creative work space with classical music playing and being visited by family, friends and amazing care givers. She expressed her wish to move on to a new adventure.

Kate is survived by her siblings Michael, Frankie (Mock) and Linda (Bauer) children Michael, Mary Beth, and Mark Rowlands; step-daughters Karin Mirick and Michelle Swankowski; three grandchildren, Jimmy Mirick, Ethan Hernandez, and Macsen Rowlands; and her longtime friend and ex-husband, Jim Mirick, who became family in every sense.

A celebration of Kate’s life will be held later this spring around tulip time.

Rest well, Kate. The world is brighter for having had your spark in it.

Stephen Knowlton Ferrier

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Stephen Knowlton Ferrier passed away on December 19 after a long illness. He was born in San Francisco, California on August 29, 1946 to Philip K. Ferrier and Esther Christopher Ferrier. He was the first of four sons. His family soon relocated to Berkeley, California where he spent his childhood.

He attended Berkeley public schools (Emerson Elementary, Willard Junior High and Berkeley High), graduating in 1964. Childhood summers were spent at the family cabin in Dutch Flat, CA, swimming in the community pool and fishing with his paternal grandfather, William Warren Ferrier, Jr.

After attending a year of college, he enlisted in the Army Intelligence Corps, stationed in Stuttgart, West Germany until his discharge. After overcoming significant health issues, he graduated from U.C. Berkeley in 1980 and relocated to Lawrence, Kansas. He worked as an analyst for the State of Kansas Department of Children and Families for more than 40 years, only recently retiring from that position.

He maintained a variety of passions in his life, including politics, literature, writing, and especially sports, including soccer, track and field, football, basketball, and the Tour de France. As a teen and young adult, he enjoyed the outdoors, particularly hiking and backpacking in the Sierra Nevadas and in the San Francisco Bay Area. In later life, he especially enjoyed reading mysteries and completing crossword puzzles.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Douglas Ferrier. He is survived by his children, Evan Ferrier (Kristin Feierabend) of Durham, North Carolina and Emily Moser (Todd) of Seattle, Washington; his two grandchildren, Asa Ferrier and Gabe Ferrier; and two brothers, Alan Ferrier of Tucson, Arizona and David Ferrier of Portland, Oregon.

No services are planned. Donations in his honor may be made to one of the following organizations to which he generously donated: Doctors Without Borders, Just Food of Douglas County, or Harvesters Community Food Network.

Patricia Jean Lindholm Gilges

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Patricia Jean Lindholm Gilges, age 101 of Balwin City, Kansas, was born May 9, 1924, in Little River, Kansas to Walter and Sarah Matilda Hubenett Lindholm. She passed away Jan 6, 2026, at home. Patricia married La Verne Gilges on April 4, 1945.

She started school at Stone Coral in rural Little River and finished grade school in Windom, Kansas. She went to Windom High for 2 years and then they moved to Baldwin City in 1940, and she graduated from Baldwin City in 1942.

She joined the Worden Church in 1940. This is where she met the cute guy in the yellow necktie that she later married. She was a past active member of the Ladies Group at the church and a 85 year member.

Patricia was a homemaker and farmer’s wife. She worked at Ottawa Tent and Awning and then worked at the H.D. Lee Company in Ottawa for 30 years where she blocked the ends on denim jackets.

Laverne and Pat moved to her current home in 1949 where they raised their family. She is survived by children, Elvin, Verlyn, Winston (Shirley), Ardyth Milburn (Mike), Rodney (Cathy), and Leslie (Theresa). She was preceded in death by two daughters, Gwendolyn and Audrey Elaine; her husband Laverne; her parents; a brother, Duaine Lindholm; and a sister, Elaine Hoopes.

Granny was loved by grandchildren, Jason (Heather), Amanda (Eric), Dusty (Jessica), Lauren (Luke), Troy (Dani), Brad (Jamie), Brian (Corinne), Matt (Ashley), Michelle (Mike), Cybill (Casey), Christie (Kaj), Jennifer, Kim, and Sarah. She has 24 great-grandchildren and was looking forward to a new one in March. Granny followed her kids’ sports and 4-H activities and kept up with the great-grandkids’ sports.

The family will miss all the crochet afghans, doilies, and hot pads that she made and shared. She always had hot pads to give to all of us when we got together. She told us often she was going to quit, but she always needed yarn to make more. Granny was proud of her Swedish heritage and has passed it on to her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids.

Funeral Services will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, January 10, 2026 at the Worden Cornerstone Church at 294 E 900th Rd, Baldwin City, KS 66006.  Visitation will be from 6:00 P.M.to 8:00 P.M. on Friday evening also at the church.  Arrangements are with Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence. Memorials in honor of Patricia may be made to the Wordon Church Ladies.