Author: RumseyYost

Ashton Clarke Thompson Sr.

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Ashton Clarke Thompson, Sr., died February 27, 2018 at the age of 77. He was the son of George and Murlyne Thompson. Ashton was married to Sandra Wilson for 57 years; she survives of the home. Other survivors include a daughter, Denise Machell and husband Michael, Lawrence; a son, Ashton Thompson, Jr., and wife Liesl, Vicksburg, MS.; four siblings, Terry Thompson and wife Frances, Memphis, TN, Curtis Thompson, Richland, MS, Melanie Coleman and husband Richard, Brandon, MS, and Sean Thompson and wife Janet, Jackson, MS.; a sister-in-law, Marvel Thompson, Byram, MS.; four grandchildren, Emma and husband Nathan Herrman, Laura Ashton Thompson, Jackson Wells Thompson and John Neil Thompson, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Rick Thompson, and his sister-in-law Joy Thompson.

Funeral services will be held at 3:30 pm Saturday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. A visitation will take place from 2:30 pm until service time.

The family suggests memorial contributions to a charity of the donor’s choice, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044. Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.

Floyd E. Nowak

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Services for Floyd Everett Nowak, 68, Lawrence, will be 2:00 p.m. Friday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.  Burial will be in McLouth Cemetery.

Mr. Nowak died Friday, February 23, 2018 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

He was born January 25, 1950, in McLouth, Kansas, the son of William McCalpine and Lillian Lee Emge Nowak. He grew up and lived in McLouth until the age of 10. His family moved to Abilene where he stayed until moving back to McLouth in his mid teens. Floyd and Karen moved to Lawrence in 2004.

Mr. Nowak worked as a truck driver and volunteer fireman. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and working on cars. He was very fond of a 1969 Dodge Charger that he owned. He was also a member of the Faith Builders International Church in DeSoto, Kansas.

He married Karen Marie Snyder June 2, 1973, in Shawnee, Kansas. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include sons, Vincent Haworth and wife Joanne of Spring Hill, Kansas, Kerry A. Nowak and wife Angela of Topeka, Kansas; daughter, Erin E. Nowak-Smith of Lawrence, Kansas; brother, Donald Nowak and wife Donna of McLouth, Kansas; sister, Anne Dornberger of Louisburg, Kansas; step-brother, Keith Woodyard and wife Shirley of Topeka, Kansas; 7 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; and many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Van Nowak and Jay Nowak.

Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday and 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Friday, where the family will receive them from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Floyd Nowak Memorial Fund to help with funeral expenses, sent in care of the funeral home.

Dr. Stephen F. Evans

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After a brief illness Dr. Stephen F. Evans (Ph.D., Kansas) passed away Monday, February 26th in the loving care of his husband and friends.

Born January 5th, 1949 in Salina, Kansas; Stephen was the firstborn of father Dr. Grant E. Evans, M.D. and mother Montana F. Evans, Ph.D.

He is preceded in death by his father and brother David S. Evans; and leaves behind his husband of over 30 years James R. Ward, mother Montana F. Newkirk, and brothers Grant R. Evans and Samuel S. Evans.

Stephen received his undergraduate (’71) and Masters (’74) from KU, both with Honors in English; and began work on his Ph.D. as the Graduate Research Assistant to renowned Shakespearian scholar Dr. Charlton Hinman. In 1979, as he was preparing to take his Ph.D. exams, his mentor and advisor Dr. Hinton passed away. The only time in his life to leave KU and Lawrence, Steve left to pursue other interests. Returning in 1989, he recompleted the entire Doctoral curriculum with a 4.0 GPA, and in 2000 received his Ph.D.

A passionate, imaginative teacher who loved his students, Stephen began teaching at KU in 1974. Twice honored in his career as the Department’s Outstanding Instructor, his professionalism, intellect, and range were displayed over his career as he taught introductory and upper-level courses, Shakespeare, American Indian, Technical Writing, Advanced Composition and other courses. He was coveted as a capable, reliable substitute teacher across the Department. Always asking the best from them, his students won thirty excellence in Writing Awards, numerous departmental writing honors, and in 2009-10, the prestigious Chancellor’s Writing Prize.

His scholarship was unquestioned, publishing numerous articles and reviews and presenting papers at the University of California, Ohio State, and the Congress of Medieval Studies; to name a few. He was also the recipient of the prestigious Wilbur, Albrecht, and Hopkins awards; as well as the Whitcomb Fellowship.

Stephen’s legacy lies within the thousands of students who were privileged to fall under his tutelage.

Charming and brilliant, he was incredibly proud to be part of the University; and loved Jim, Lawrence, and KU.

Rock Chalk, my brother.

Visitation is Saturday, March 3rd from 11:00-1:00 at the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home; followed by a private inurnment at the KU Pioneer Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to either the K.U. Endowment Association for the Department of English or the Lawrence Humane Society are requested.

James Edward Fry

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James Edward “Ed” Fry passed away on February 23, 2018, surrounded by family and in the thoughts and prayers of friends and loved ones. He was 92 years old.

He was born in St. Joseph, MO, on August 31, 1925, to Edward Arthur Fry and Louise McDonough Fry. One of his most vivid early childhood memories was the stock market crash of 1929. Over and over, he would hear people talk about the crash. For a long time he wondered why he hadn’t heard anything “crash” when everyone else did.

His father became very ill in 1930, and they moved from St. Joseph to the family home in Sedgwick, KS, where his father died later that year. Ed completed his education in Sedgwick and lettered in football and basketball during high school. He was the last surviving member of the Sedgwick Class of 1943.

Two months after graduation he enlisted in United States Army. During WW II, he served in both the European and Pacific theaters in the 341st Infantry Regiment of the 86th (Black Hawk) Division.

He married Dolores Douglass in June 1946. Before starting a family, they took flight training together in the inaugural class at the Sedgwick Airport. After sixteen days of training, Ed was the first to fly solo in the airport’s new Cessna 120.

He is survived by their four children, Doug (Marty) Fry of Roswell, GA; Dianne (Don) Huggins of Fall Leaf, KS; Kent (Diane) Fry of Lawrence, KS; and Cassie (Steve) Langdon of Lampasas, TX; as well as eleven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by Mary Ann Womack, his companion of more than thirty years.

Ed worked in the dairy business in Sedgwick for 10 years before he began a career in marketing management at Bristol-Myers. He joined the Noxzema Chemical Company as a sales representative (Rocky Mountain region) in 1957, and the family moved to Evergreen, CO. He was promoted to the national sales department in 1960, and the family moved to Baltimore, MD. During that time, Noxzema was conducting market research in four cities on its new line of medicated cosmetics. “Thera-Blem” and “Blema-Glow” were names considered for the new line before the company settled on “CoverGirl,” which it launched nationally in 1961. He was promoted to product manager, a newly created position, in 1962 and became new products manager in 1967. He joined the International Division of Noxell (formerly Noxzema) in 1970 and relocated to San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 1971. He retired from Noxell in 1980 as the general manger of Latin America.

Ed moved to Lawrence in 1980 where he enjoyed golf, family and friends. He spent countless hours at DCABA, YSI Sports Complex and Sport 2 Sport watching his grandchildren at play. He was a proud member of Dorsey-Liberty Post 14 of the American Legion. Ed and Mary Ann were regulars at the Legion where they spent most of their evenings on the dance floor.

The family wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the dedicated staff at Pioneer Ridge and Great Lakes Caring Hospice for the exceptional care Ed received during the past few weeks.

Plans for a celebration of life are being made for a date later this spring. Memorial contributions may be made online to the American Heart Association or sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana, Lawrence, KS.

 

Donna Jean Raybern Bagby

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Memorial services for Donna Jean Raybern Bagby, 73, Lawrence, will be 1 pm, Monday, February 26, 2018, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Inurnment will follow at Oak Hill cemetery.

She passed away Tuesday, February 20, 2018, at her home in Lawrence.

Donna was born June 1, 1944, in San Francisco, CA, the daughter of James Claudius Sr. and Lillie May Bryan Raybern. She attended school in Eudora, KS.

She worked as a Certified Nurse’s Aide for over 20 Years. She enjoyed dancing, crocheting, playing in a bowling league, and being on Facebook to play games and to keep up with family and friends. Donna also loved the companionship of her dogs Little Bit and Molly.

Donna married Walter O’Keefe in 1964, they later divorced. Three children were born of this union, Geraldine O’Keefe Davis, Rhonda O’Keefe, and Dennis O’Keefe. She later married Delmer Bagby, they were married for 20 years before his death in 2004.

Survivors include her children, Geraldine O’Keefe Davis, Rhonda O’Keefe, Dennis O’Keefe; sisters, Susan Raybern Crawford, Catherine Raybern Goetler, Geraldine Raybern Thomas; grandchildren, Jennecia, Giovanni, Jasante`, Jahzara, Khristina, Chad, Anthony, Walter, Pamela, and Hailey; 14 great grandchildren; and companion, Darwin Yunk.

She is preceded in death by her parents; and siblings, Lorene Raybern Martin, Elsie Raybern Bunney, Veda Raybern Riesgo, Virginia Raybern Byers, James C. Raybern Jr., Charles Raybern, Sharon Raybern, Gerald Raybern.

The family suggests memorial contributions in memory of Donna made to the American Lung Association, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Marlene Carol Gleue

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Services for Marlene Carol Gleue, 83, Lawrence, are pending at this time. Inurnment will be in the Aliceville Kansas Cemetery.

Mrs. Gleue died Monday, February 19, 2018, at Brandon Woods at Alvamar in Lawrence.

She was born April 21, 1934, on the family farm in rural Labette County, the daughter of Albert D. and Mildred Ruth Hornback Quathamer. She graduated valedictorian from Erie High School in 1952 and achieved a degree from Kansas State Teachers College in Pittsburg, Kansas attending from 1952-1955.

Mrs. Gleue was an elementary school teacher, spending most of her career shaping the young minds of first and second graders. She was very artistic and enjoyed crafting, drawing and painting. She was also an exceptional seamstress, making wedding gowns, coats, and other types of clothes for family and friends.

Marlene married Erwin Emil William Gleue June 5, 1960 in Humboldt, Kansas. He died December 15, 2016.

Survivors include two sons, Alan Gleue and wife Kelly of Lawrence, Kansas, Mike Gleue and wife Dr. Lois Wilkins of DeSoto, Kansas; daughter Janelle Gleue Taylor and Husband Todd of Independence, Kansas; a sister, Dollie Couch and husband Norvelle; grandchildren, Casey Gleue and wife Haley, Ryan Gleue, Marshall Rawley, Adam Taylor and wife Margaret, Nicole Taylor and Justin Lytle, Kyle Taylor and Kitrina Miller, and Ursula Logan.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Cancer Center of Kansas-Independence Kansas Healthcare Center, sent in care of the funeral home.

 

 

Francis Patrick Smith

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Francis Patrick (Pat) Smith died February 18, 2018, he donated his body to KU Medical Center.

He was born October 29, 1923 in St. Mary’s Kansas, the son of John Patrick (JP) Smith and Leona M. Smith. He graduated from St. Mary’s high school and from O.C.S. U.S. Maritime school of Marine Engineering, New Long Conn. and was commissioned an ensign and a licensed marine engineer. Mr. Smith served in both the Atlantic and Pacific during WW II. He took part in the invasions of North Africa, Italy and France. He served again during the Berlin airlift. He worked for Santa Fe Railroad, General Motors and KPL. He retired from Kansas Power and Light in 1988 after 39 years. He was a volunteer with the Boy Scouts and Knights of Columbus. He married Florence C. Frey in Brooklyn, N.Y., she died June 9, 2016.

Survivors include sons, Thomas P. Smith, Portland, OR. and Lawrence E. Smith, Lawrence, KS , daughters, Joan E. Starks, and Mary C. Chaney both of Lawrence, KS., grandsons, Maxwell D. Smith, Portland, OR, H. Reed Starks, Lawrence, KS and granddaughter, Kelsey S. Myers and husband Brett, Lawrence, KS.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brothers, William K. Smith, Donald J. Smith and sisters, Mary L. Merrill and Delores Schrader.

Herman F. LeRoux

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NOTICE: DUE TO THE ANTICIPATED INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE FUNERAL SERVICE FOR HERMAN LEROUX WILL BE HELD AT 10 AM THURSDAY AT BUCK CREEK SCHOOL, JUST OFF HWY. 24 IN JEFFERSON COUNTY. The burial will follow at Underwood Cemetery. The family will greet friends at Buck Creek School following the burial.

Herman died Friday, Feb. 16, 2018, at his home.

He was born Oct. 17, 1932, in Wewoka, Okla., the son of Charles E. and Lottie D. Hanning LeRoux. He was a mechanic all his life, beginning work with Wilson Implement, then Johanning Implement from 1968 until they closed in 1987, and finally becoming self-employed. He enjoyed traveling, bingo, and going to the casino.

He married Marjorie Helen Cleek on Nov. 4, 1952, in Oskaloosa. They lived in the Williamstown area for many years before moving to Lawrence in the late 1960’s. Marjorie preceded him in death in 2009. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother Ethel LeRoux, his stepfather, Robert Nance, a brother, Charles LeRoux, eight half brothers and two half sisters.

Survivors include a son, Eric LeRoux and wife Genie, Lecompton; two daughters, Deborah Feist, Lawrence, and Lynda Wilson and husband Jerry, Eudora; siblings Hazel Cross (Dene), Hubert Payne (Eleanor), Sara Smith (Daryl), Myra Eastman, Carol Haywood, Sharon Allen, and Mary Smith; sister-in-laws Karen LeRoux and Delana LeRoux; grandchildren Erin Lewis (Jason), Phillip LeRoux (Susie), Chad F. Wilson, Amy Wilson, Mathew Parton, Jessica Brown, Jamie LaDuke, and John LaDuke; six great grandchildren, one great great granddaughter, and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call from noon to 8 pm Wednesday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends from 6-8. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Herman LeRoux Memorial Fund, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044. Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com

Jeanette Lynn ‘Jeanie’ Ochs

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Funeral services for Jeanette Lynn ‘Jeanie’ Ochs, 64, Lawrence, will be at 10:30 am Tuesday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, with the Rev. Dr. Tom Brady officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. Jeanie died Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

She was born June 10, 1953, in Great Bend, Kan., the daughter of Lorenz E. and Norma C. Ackerman Ochs. She graduated from Great Bend High School, where she was active in journalism and yearbook. She was a Girl Scout, a member of the She Sharks swimming group, and a member of First United Methodist Church. She later earned a Bachelors of Science degree from Kansas State University. Jeanie worked as office manager in the Department of Mathematics at Kansas State University. She moved to Lawrence in 1982, and held the same position at Kansas University. Later she began working for Gill Real Estate as Office Manager, where she earned her real estate license, and then worked as the office manager for the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce. Most recently she worked as a bookkeeper for Jetz Laundry Services in Topeka. Jeanie enjoyed gardening, cooking, sewing, canning, collecting antiques, and traveling with family.

Survivors include her mother, Norma Ochs, Lawrence; two brothers, Mitchell Ochs (Jeanette), Great Bend, and Stephan Ochs (Judy), Fernandina Beach, Fla.; nieces and nephews Andrew Ochs, Cliffie Ives (Derrick), Rebecca Probst (Shawn), and Philip Ochs; and great nieces and nephews Darrin, Brady, Riley, and Presley Ives.

Friends may call from noon to 8 pm Monday at the funeral home. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 10 am until service time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the University of Kansas Cancer Center, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044. Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com

Carol Ann Hastings Graham

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Carol Ann Hastings Graham was born on April 4, 1928 in Pratt, Kansas to Fred E. and Florence Harkrader Hastings.  She died peacefully at home on February 15, 2018, in Lawrence, Kansas. Visitation will be held Saturday, February 24, 2018, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, Lawrence.  A private burial will be held at Greenlawn Cemetery in Pratt, Kansas. She was married to Barney D. Graham on January 29, 1950 in Pratt, Kansas.  He preceded her in death April 17, 1993.

After graduating from Pratt High School, Carol came to the University of Kansas and was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority. She graduated in 1950 with a BA in Psychology. Barney and Carol lived in the Kansas City area while Barney was in Dental School.  Carol taught first grade in large classrooms of baby boomers.  After this experience, she had a lifelong interest in education and the nurturing of preschoolers and their parents.

Once Barney graduated they moved for a short time to Gardner before Barney was called to serve in the Navy in the Philippines. Carol followed with their first child, Barney Scott and they lived in Caviti City for two years where their second child, Christopher Hastings was born.  Once back in the States, they moved to Olathe, Kansas where they lived until 1970.  While living in Olathe, daughter Janice Ann was born.  During those years she was on the library board and the Johnson County Mental Health Board.

In 1963, at Barney’s urging, she returned to the University of Kansas and graduated in 1967 with a Master’s degree in Education and Counseling.

In 1970 the family moved to a farm in Paola, Kansas where Carol became adept at managing country living and all the “joys” of farm life.  She taught extended kindergarten in Paola, then went to work at a new GED Adult Education program at the Osawatomie State Hospital. She helped start the mental health center in Miami County.

Carol and Barney moved to Lawrence in 1978. She started a daytime GED Adult Education Program for the Lawrence School District and in 1985 received the Kansas award for achievement in Adult Education.

Carol retired from teaching in 1989 and became a volunteer at the Watkins Historical Museum.  Her favorite project was transcribing the Fitch family letters describing the settlement of Lawrence through Quantrill’s raid. In true Carol Graham fashion, she thought the book needed to be reprinted for the 150th anniversary of the raid, so she made phone calls until someone agreed.  It is now the book “Postmarked: Bleeding Kansas”.

Carol and Barney enjoyed traveling and she continued to travel throughout her life. She liked to play bridge and started quilting in retirement. She especially loved and appreciated living in Lawrence and the culture and diversity of a university community. Over the years she opened her home to several KU students who enriched her life with friendship, music, and an appreciation of diverse cultures.

Carol had many accomplishments and interests in life. Most obvious is her passion for education and she was learning in her last hours. That Wednesday evening she was sitting on the front row in a class about the linguistic history of the English language at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

Many people have known her caring and benefitted from her wisdom. She was most proud of being a mother to three children and being very involved in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her children and their families: Barney and Cynthia, Rockville, MD, and their children Eboné Graham, Daniel Graham and wife Isis, and Anne Margaret Graham; Chris and Janet, Overland Park, KS, and their children Michael Graham, Matthew Graham, Colin Wakefield, Jon Wakefield, and Ben Wakefield; Janice and Walter Olker, Lawrence, and their children Andrew Olker and wife Abi, Sam Olker and wife Allie, and Abby Olker.

She is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren, and her brother, Jim Hastings and his family of Chandler, AZ.

In lieu of flowers, Carol requested memorial contributions be made to Habitat for Humanity, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street Lawrence, KS 66044.