Author: RumseyYost

Barbara Mary (Cadieux) Devitt

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Barbara Mary (Cadieux) Devitt died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 89 on December 24, 2018. She was born in Jamestown, North Dakota, on December 5, 1929, to Kenneth Bradford and Amy Eugenia (Simmons) Cadieux. She was the youngest girl of 11 children.

After attending one year of college in North Dakota, Barbara married Clayton Francis Devitt on August 27, 1949, and began their travels together. They raised four children and moved to several different states, settling for many years in one of her favorite towns, Fort Collins, Colorado, where they spent weekends and vacations camping in the mountains. After all four children were in school, Barbara returned to school herself and completed her degree at Colorado State University. After a move to the Kansas City area, she completed a Master’s degree in English, writing her thesis on John Milton’s Samson Agonistes, though Walt Whitman was the poet whose well-worn collection was always on her shelf. Barbara taught some college courses but spent most of her career teaching high school English at Shawnee Mission West High School in Overland Park, Kansas. She was as adventurous as a teacher as she was in the rest of her life. After another move for Clay’s work to Dallas, Texas, and then Atlanta, Georgia, Barbara retired.

When Clay retired, they moved to another well-loved mountain town, Asheville, North Carolina, where Barbara began her life as an artist, taking painting classes and even displaying her work at a local studio, as well as enjoying hikes in the surrounding mountains, the spiritual scene around Asheville, two cats, many good friends, and time with her son Brad. After Clay’s death in 2005, Barbara moved to be near her daughters—in 2006 to Kansas City, Missouri, and in 2010 to Lawrence, Kansas.

In addition to her husband of 56 years, Barbara was preceded in death by her son David John Devitt in 2013 and one grandchild, Jenny Harris.

She is survived by David’s children Jason Devitt, Josh Devitt, and Marissa Costello; by her daughter Nola Devitt of Kansas City, Missouri, and her children Michael Hess of Dallas, Texas, Sara Paine and grandson-in-law Iain of New Canaan, Connecticut, Rebecca Schnoebelen and grandson-in-law Luke of Kansas City, and Diana Hess of Kansas City; by her daughter Amy Joanne Devitt and son-in-law James Hartman of Lawrence, Kansas; and by her son Bradley Joseph Devitt of Asheville, North Carolina. She is also survived by her great grandchildren Julia, Spencer, and Lucy Paine and Claire and Ella Schnoebelen.

One of eleven siblings, Barbara is survived by her sister Pat and brothers Bob and Dick, her Cadieux and Devitt in-laws, and many loving nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, January 15, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana, Lawrence, Kansas 66044. The family will receive friends after the service.

The family suggests donations in Barbara’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, sent in care of the funeral home or directly at alz.org.

Throughout her life, Barbara loved the outdoors, art, family, and friends, and kept her tough and adventurous spirit even through difficulties. She will be deeply missed by her family and many loving caregivers, who appreciated her sweetness, spunk, and bright smile.

Robert Loyd ‘Bob’ Brown

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Robert “Bob” Loyd Brown passed away Friday, December 21, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital at the age of 73 from complications from amyloidosis. Bob was born on February 6, 1945, in Oberlin, KS, the son of Robert and Evelyn (Lemman) Brown. He graduated from Decatur County Community High School in Oberlin. There he developed his passion for wrestling and was a state runner-up in 1962 and state champion in 1963. He furthered his wrestling career at Fort Hays State University for two years before serving in the United States Army for four years where he was given the opportunity to compete in the wrestling Olympic trials. After his service, he returned to Fort Hays State and resumed his wrestling career and graduated with a degree in Education in 1972. Following graduation, he began his teaching and coaching career in Stockton, KS, where he married and had two daughters, Barclay and Brianne.

Bob spent his career teaching PE and Social Studies, but his true calling was mentoring young men through the sport of wrestling. In 1985, Bob made a challenging move from a rural Kansas town known for its strong wrestling culture to the urban environment of Wyandotte High School in Kansas City, KS, where the sport of wrestling was virtually unknown. He courageously disregarded the urban stereotype and was able to encourage and challenge young athletes to commit themselves to high school wrestling. “Coach Brown’s” storied commitment to the wrestlers on the Wyandotte teams introduced them to a form a self-discipline that was brand new to the athletes on his teams. His efforts were formally recognized by receiving the 1993 6A State High School Coach of the Year Award and his induction into the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2002, the year he retired from teaching. To him the true recognition was the lifelong relationships he maintained with his wrestlers.

Bob married Sharon Rodina of Kansas City, KS on June 25, 2006. They built their home outside of Linwood, KS, where Bob enjoyed the rural setting, working outside and taking care of his dog. His greatest joy was being around his grandchildren and attending their many activities. He was a familiar face in the stands where he continued to “coach”.

Survivors include his wife Sharon, his daughters, Barclay Hagen of Lawrence and Brianne Cook (Casey) of Lawrence; stepson, Jed Rodina (Medea) of Basehor; and stepdaughter, Katie Brooks (Billy) of Tonganoxie; nine grandchildren: Harleigh, Grayson and Brogan Hagen; Cayman, Kiyana, and Brittyn Cook; Lana and Stella Rodina; and Carter Brooks; twin brother, Bill Brown of Garden Plain, KS; sisters Rita Brown of Kinsley, KS and Vicky Leitner (Royse) of Oberlin, KS; and many nieces and nephews.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Robert C. and Evelyn Brown; sister CaraLee Brown; and three nephews.

A celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Open visitation will be Friday, December 28, 2018 from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. Visitation with family receiving friends will be Saturday, December 29, 2018 from 1:00-2:00 pm.

Memorials are suggested to Wyandotte High School Athletics to be used for the wrestling program where he dedicated so many years. Donations may be sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Elizabeth Reed Votaw

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Funeral services for Elizabeth Reed Votaw, 85, Lawrence, will be 2 pm Thursday, December 27, 2018, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will follow the service at Hesper Friends Cemetery Eudora, KS. A visitation will be from 6-7:30pm Wednesday.

She died Thursday, December 20, 2018, at Pioneer Ridge Nursing Facility.

Elizabeth was born December 28, 1932 in Molino, MO, the daughter of Walter Enoch and Rachel Catharine Latta Leach.

She was passionate about her work at Raney Drug Store 1800 Mass Lawrence KS. From 1965 until they closed in 1982. During that period she was cook and soon became the manager of the cafe.  She was greatly known for her delicious pies. After retiring Elizabeth babysat for her Grandsons and various friends.

 

Elizabeth enjoyed gardening, canning, cooking and sewing.  As well as helping friends any way she saw a need for.

She married Lyle Dean Votaw of Lawrence Ks, on January 5, 1955. He preceded her in death in 2008.

Survivors include her daughter, Beverly Gardner (Don ‘Red Dog’) of Lawrence, Linda Votaw (J.R. Demby) Lawrence and son Lynn Votaw (Anna) Lawrence. Grandchildren,  Nicholas Nelson, Los Angeles, CA, Casey Nelson (Natalie), Gardner KS. One Great grandson Cam Nelson Gardner, KS

She is preceded in death by her parents, and her husband Lyle Votaw sister, Flossie DeOrnellas and two brothers William Leach and Lawrence Leach.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lawrence Humane Society, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street Lawrence, KS 66044.

L. Janet Allison

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A Celebration of Life for L. Janet Allison, 61, Eudora, will be at 11 am Thursday, December 27, 2018, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, with the Rev. Kent Winters-Hazelton officiating. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home following the service, and private inurnment will be at a later date in Oak Hill Cemetery. Janet died Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018, at Medicalodges Eudora.

She was born Apr. 18, 1957, in Arkansas City, Kan., the daughter of Robert L. and Laurie J. Allison. She graduated from Lawrence High School, and later earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas, where she was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority. She began working as a lab technician with Gulf Oil Co. in Houston, and later worked as a sales representative at Roadway Express. She dearly enjoyed her time living, traveling, and going to school in Europe. She was a member of PEO Sisterhood and the Ventura Club.

Survivors include her mother, Laurie Allison, Lawrence, and a brother, Jeff Allison and wife Georgeanne, Lawrence. She was preceded in death by her father in 2011.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, or Medicalodges Eudora Activity Fund, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

The family wishes to extend its appreciation to the staff of Medicalodges Eudora and Good Shepherd Hospice of Lenexa for their loving care of Janet.

Dinah S. Dicker O’Connor

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Graveside services for Dinah Dicker O’Connor, 75, Lawrence, will be at 2 pm Wednesday at Oak Hill Cemetery. Dinah passed away Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018.

She was born Dec. 30, 1942, in Kansas City, Mo., the daughter of Alfred and Jeanne Metz Dicker. She married Larry O’Connor on Oct. 22, 1988, in Lawrence. He survives of the home. Other survivors include three children, Tonya Brenn, Tracy Rohr (Jeff), and Matt Sarna; nine grandchildren, Kaitlan, Scott, Tyler, Madison, Mason, MaKenna, Bailey, Maggie, and Dylan; great grandsons Brantley and Jaxson; and one brother, Jim Dicker (Jan).

Dinah attended Lawrence High School and graduated in 1960. After graduation she attended Baker University. As a stay-at-home mom, Dinah was very active with her children and as a 4-H leader, Sunday School teacher, Brownies, and Girl Scouts leader. After the children were grown, she worked at the District Attorney’s office for 24 years before retiring. She loved her dogs and all wild animals. Jacque, Yoda, Marlo, Miller, Oreo, and Duke were all her little loves. She was a member of the Community of Christ Church, past president of the Legal Secretaries of Lawrence, and Beta Sigma Phi.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Lawrence Humane Society or VNA/Hospice, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

Ronald W. ‘Ronnie’ Thornton III

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Ronnie passed away peacefully in his sleep the morning of November 26, 2018. He was born December 10, 1963, in Pittsburgh, Pa.,  the son of Ronald William Thornton, Jr and Sandra Kay (Smith) Thornton. The family moved to Lawrence in July, 1966. He attended Broken Arrow and Deerfield elementary schools, and Lawrence High School. He had many jobs over the years, and most recently repaired small engines.

He is survived by his parents, a sister Ronda Rene Barta, a brother Michael Evan Thornton (Lisa), his maternal grandmother, and three nephews.

An informal celebration of Ronnie’s life will be held at 2 pm Sunday, December 9, 2018, at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1149 E. 1500 Rd., in the barn building.

 

 

Lois J. Weeks

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Lois J. Weeks, 71, of Lawrence, KS, died on November 23, 2018, following a valiant battle against pancreatic cancer.

Lois was born in Beloit on January 6, 1947, to James Leland Bartley, Sr., and Doris Eileen Miller Bartley.  She grew up on a farm in the West Branch community of Jewell County.  She graduated from Esbon High School and later from Fort Hays State University.  Following her graduation from college Lois moved to Downs, teaching at Esbon High School before working at the Downs National Bank for several years.

In 1991, Lois moved to Lawrence.  She worked for the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (now the Department for the Children and Families) in multiple capacities, rising to the position of budget director prior to her retirement in 2017.

Lois loved spending time with children and grandchildren and was a diehard KU Jayhawk sports fanatic.  She also had an especially close bond with her siblings and enjoyed traveling with them on many special adventures in her later years.

She is survived by her son, Lance, and his wife, Rebecca, Lawrence, Kansas, her daughter, Laurie, and her husband, Luke Whittemore, Tampa, Florida, six grandchildren, Judson, Ashton, Avery, Samuel, Nathan, and Benjamin.  She is also survived by three sisters Nancy (Roger) Nitsch of Hunter, Janice (Joe) Arneson, of Lawrence, Geneva (Tom) Tucker, of Lawrence, and a brother Jim (Kathy) Bartley of Grand Island, Nebraska.

A memorial service celebrating Lois’ life will be held on Tuesday, November 27, at 10:30 a.m. at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS, 66604.  There will be a visitation on Monday, November 26, from 7-8 p.m., also at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends memorial contributions be made to the Visiting Nurses Association and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Alvis Keithen Osburn

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Graveside services for Alvis Keithen Osburn, 57, Windsor, MO, will be 1 pm, Monday, November 26, 2018, at Clinton Cemetery. A visitation will be 11:30-12:30 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

He died Sunday, November 18, 2018, at Research Medical Center, Kansas City, MO.

Keithen was born November 30, 1960 in Gardner, KS, the son of James Alvis and Barbara May Keller Osburn.

His kids meant the world to him. It brought him great joy taking care of them.  He loved to cook, hang out and have a really good time. On occasion he would howl at the moon.

Survivors include his children, Robert Lee Osburn, Windsor, MO, Mary Peck Cameron, MO, Jason Peck (Rachel) Cameron, MO, Amanda Edens (David), Sugar Hill, GA, Stephen Peck, Osborn, MO; siblings, Bobby Osburn (Della), Lawrence, James Osburn (Nita), Lawrence, Jesse Osburn, Leeton, MO, Ira Osburn, Leeton, MO, Emma Osburn, Windsor, MO, Ellen Osburn, Topeka; ten grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents and niece Bonnie May and nephew Christian Osburn.

Memorial contributions may be made to Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

 

Karen Stohner Zimmerer

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Karen Stohner Zimmerer died unexpectedly Friday, November 16 at the University of Kansas Hospital.

She was born August 12, 1945 in Camden New Jersey, the daughter of Donald and Elizabeth Stohner. She graduated from Haddon Heights High School in 1963 and earned a degree in Spanish from Lake Forest College in 1967.

Karen worked as a teacher, estate administrator at a bank, librarian, manager of the Nautilus Museum gift shop, but most importantly as a wife and mother.

She married Rupert (Roz) Zimmerer on June 22, 1968 in Barrington, NJ. He survives of the home. Other survivors include two daughters, Janet Zimmerer, Norwich Connecticut; Gail Zimmerer-Bonsall, (Scott Bonsall) Ada, Michigan; two brothers, Paul Stohner (Andrea), Ocean City, NJ; Jerry Stohner, (Debbie) Ormond Beach, FL. She also leaves behind four beloved grandchildren; Jayden, Paige, Rowan and Reese Bonsall; two nieces; Amy Debye-Saxinger (Gerhard); Darby Stohner; two nephews Matthew Stohner (Carrie), Zachary Stohner and two grand-nieces and two grand-nephews. She was pre-deceased by her parents and a niece Allison Stohner.

Karen loved her family, friends and animals, especially giraffes and had a room dedicated to her collection. She also enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and traveling. Since moving back to Lawrence from Connecticut, she became a Jayhawk and KC sports fan, without ever losing her fondness for her Philadelphia teams. Her love of life shone brightly whenever she competed, be it word games, sports, or in her many bridge groups with friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Friday, December 7th at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

The family suggests memorials to Theater Lawrence or the Giraffe Conservation Foundation sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St. Lawrence, KS 66044.