Author: RumseyYost

Edrie Lou Swanson

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In Loving Memory of Edrie Lou Swanson
March 28, 1939 – May 25, 2026

Edrie Lou (Parker) Swanson was born March 28, 1939, in Helena, Montana, to Alvin Victor Parker and Maxine Katherine Walsh. They later moved to Polson, Montana, where Edrie attended high school and was a proud member of the National Honor Society. Swimming at Flathead Lake remained one of her fondest memories of her time in Polson. Edrie went on to attend the University of Montana in Missoula to pursue her passion for a Speech Therapy degree. Though her plans changed when her father unexpectedly passed away during her freshman year, it was during this time that she met her true love, Robert Swanson. They were married on September 6, 1959, and remained in Helena while Robert (Bob) completed his business degree.

Bob’s career took them on a wonderful journey starting in Great Falls, Montana, where they welcomed their first son, Douglas, in 1963. Shortly after, they moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where their second son, David, was born in 1965. A subsequent move took them to Sioux City, Iowa, where their daughters Elece and Megan were born in 1968 and 1971. While raising her four children there, Edrie was deeply involved in the community, serving in the Junior League and as President of the Junior Women’s Club. In 1979, the family followed a lifelong dream and purchased a resort on Lake Carlos in Alexandria, Minnesota. Alongside Bob, Edrie loved managing the 11 cabins, taking care of guests, and wrangling her four rambunctious children.

Edrie was a legendary host and cook who loved preparing family dinners and entertaining friends. Her refrigerator was always full, and she possessed the magical ability to make “something out of nothing” at a moment’s notice. Her tables were always beautifully set, and her food was fantastic.

Moving to Lawrence, Kansas, in 1983, made Edrie a Jayhawk for life. She was an avid KU Basketball fan through and through, never missing a chance to cheer them on.

Her professional career brought her to Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas, where she served as the Assistant to the President for 25 years. Her dedication to education came full circle when, after watching three of her children graduate from Baker, she earned her own bachelor’s degree from BU in 1999 at the age of 60. After retiring in 2008, Bob and Edrie moved to Table Rock Lake, creating a vibrant new lake life. Their deck became a hub for family and friends to fish, boat, play games, and build lasting memories. In 2020, they returned to Baldwin City to be closer to their beloved family.

Edrie also carried a lifelong love for animals; her dogs meant the world to her, and her family takes comfort in knowing she is now surrounded by endless love and doggie kisses.

Edrie was preceded in death by her mother, Maxine Parker; her father, Alvin Parker; and her sister, Jacque Collins. She is survived by her devoted husband, Robert Swanson; her sons, Doug Swanson and David Swanson; her daughters, Elece Kellerman and Megan Wilson (husband Steve); and her six cherished grandchildren: Parker Wilson, Annika Swanson, Tennyson Wilson, Jake Swanson, Charlie Swanson, and Max Kellerman.

Please join the family for a come-and-go celebration of Edrie & Bob’s wonderful life on Thursday, June 18th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Baldwin City Beer Company in Baldwin City, Kansas. Please stay casual and feel free to wear your favorite KU Jayhawk or Baker Wildcat shirt to honor her favorite teams.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in honor of Edrie Lou Swanson to the Lawrence Humane Society, 1805 E 19th St., Lawrence, KS 66046 or online at https://lawrencehumane.org/donate/ or Baker University, Attn: Office of Development and Alumni Relations, PO Box 65, Baldwin City, KS 66006 or online at https://alumni.bakeru.edu/give/endowment/, please use The Edrie Parker Swanson Endowed Scholarship.

Dr. Becquer M. Benalcazar

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Dr. Becquer Marcelo Benalcazar, MD, 82, died peacefully at home on Sunday, Mar. 15, 2026. He was surrounded by his family and the grandchildren that knew him as “Baba”.

He was born Jan. 16, 1942, in Alausi, Ecuador to Don Luis and Doña Blanca Benalcazar. His family later emigrated to Colombia when he was 4 years old. He graduated with his medical degree from La Universidad del Valle in 1968 and continued his residency in Chicago.

At his residency, he met and fell in love with a fellow physician, Regine Schmid. Upon their residencies ending, and with 2 months’ notice, he went to Regine’s native country of Switzerland to visit. During this trip they vacationed to Greece. While on a ferry boat in the Aegean Sea, they found a moment alone under the tarp of a lifeboat where he proposed to her with a bottle of wine; thus cementing his self-identity as “Zorba the Ecuadorian.” They married in 1974 and moved to Topeka, Kansas to join the Menninger Foundation, both working as clinical psychiatrists, practicing decades until its departure in 2001. They continued their adventures by selling their Topeka home and most of their possessions, residing in France and Japan until finally settling in Lawrence, Kansas.

Becquer was affectionate, intellectually curious and he loved his people fervently and loyally. He is survived by the love of his life, his partner in crime, and wife of over 50 years, Regine; his children, Caterina and Marcelo; his brother, Jorge; and his sister, Patricia. Preceding him in death is his youngest brother, Cesar.

His hobbies were his work, cursing at conservative politicians on CNN, and traveling with Regine. Even after his diagnosis of multiple myeloma and a near fatal lung infection he continued treating patients for several years. He served as the Director of the Greater KC Psychoanalytic Institute and maintained his ties with many of his former Menninger colleagues.

Please raise a glass of Guinness and/or single malt Scotch whisky in celebration of the man we all love and miss so, so much, Becquer Benalcázar de Villacis.

J. Jeremy Taylor

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John Jeremy Taylor, lovingly known to most as Jeremy, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, at the age of 72.

Born on December 17, 1953, Jeremy was preceded in death by his parents, John (Peter) and Vera Taylor.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen Taylor, and by their children: Christine and her husband Christian, Alec and his wife Nikki, James and his wife Kristin, William and his wife Kelsey, and Nicholas. He also leaves behind seven cherished grandchildren, along with his brother Simon Taylor and sister Sally Connor and her husband Chris.

Jeremy spent much of his professional life working in real estate and around politics, fields that suited his outgoing personality, gift for conversation, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

After meeting Kath in 1999, the two built a life filled with renovation projects, travel to Cornwall, and eventually a move to the United States.

In retirement, Jeremy found joy in hosting a local radio talk show, where he formed many of his closest friendships and became a familiar voice in the community. He also embraced one of his favorite pastimes: attending auctions and collecting tools to fill his dream workshop. A lifelong handyman and tinkerer, Jeremy was always working on fixing something around the house, or finding his next project.

Some of Jeremy’s fondest memories were rooted in his childhood beach days in Cornwall, and adventures in his Land Rover, often accompanied by his beloved bearded collie, Jeeves.

Those who knew him best will remember his larger-than-life personality, endless stories, quick wit, and ability to bring energy into every room he entered.

Above all else, Jeremy loved being “Grandpa.” His happiest moments were spent surrounded by family, sitting at the end of a long table filled with laughter, storytelling, a roast dinner, and full tummies. His traditions, humor, and rambunctious spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Thomas Bruce McKee

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Thomas “Bruce” McKee passed away Thursday, May 21st, 2026, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Bruce was born April 12th, 1955, in Abilene, Kansas, the fourth oldest child of eight children, and second son of Elizabeth “Liz” and Richard “Kay” McKee. Kay and Liz had a beautiful family of four boys and four girls. Bruce’s surviving siblings include: Chris (Melissa), of Abilene, KS, Ann Regnier (Bob) of Prairie Village, KS, Martha Holtzen of Bonner Springs, KS, Matt (Sandy) of Halstead, KS, Julie Hanson (George), of Stillwell, KS,  Lisa Campbell (Jim) of Overland Park, KS, and John of Abilene, KS.

Bruce married Nancy Brockmeier in Topeka, Kansas in 1981, later they did divorce, but together they had four children who survive him in his death: Andrew of Durango, Colorado; Alex and Noah both of Lawrence, Kansas; and daughter Maria, of Keaau, Hawaii.  Bruce also has a cherished grandchild, Kohana, also of Lawrence, Kansas. He is survived by nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

Ever the independent spirit, Bruce championed the McKee family pool business his father established and started his own branch of, which flourished in Lawrence, KS.  From the family ties and handed down teachings of his grandfather and father, Bruce created McKee Pool & Landscape and devoted his life’s talent, time, and tools to make the business thrive from 1984 to 2007. During that time, he and his wife, Nancy employed many local people to build and service pools that are still enjoyed in the community today.

Bruce was a lover of art, music, and all things contradictory. Spontaneity was either a favorite or least liked personality characteristic of his, depending on how you knew and loved him. Regardless of how you felt about him, he would have gladly welcomed you to a game of bocce ball and handed you a bottle of Modelo.

A burial service will take place in the Green Burial section of Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence, KS at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 28th. The Green Burial section at Oak Hill Cemetery is known to be less manicured than a traditional cemetery so it is encouraged that attendees wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in more casual attire.  Additionally, there will be no seating or tent provided in this area of the cemetery so please come prepared with a chair and or proper attire/umbrella in case of precipitation.

A celebration of Bruce’s life will take place in Abilene, Kansas, 2108 W. 1st St. at the home of his brother, John McKee on Saturday May 30th at 2:00pm.

He lived a life full of fun & adventure.  He would love nothing else more than to know that you would choose to live your life the same way.

In our life, we loved him more.

Morilla Ann “Pud” Hursh Fothergill

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Morilla Ann “Pud” Hursh Fothergill died on September 16, 2025 at her home in Baldwin City, KS after spending her final hours with nearly every member of her family. She was born May 14, 1934 in Kansas City, KS, the daughter of Frank E. and Georgeann (Dewey) Hursh. She attended Wyandotte High School where she was active in many clubs. She attended Baker University in Baldwin City, where her involvement in the Phi Mu sorority left a life-long impact.

On April 21, 1956 in Denver, CO, she married Charles R. Fothergill. They raised their family in Aspen, CO when it was still a quaint old mining town full of free spirits. She and her children lived in Gunnison, CO for five years before moving to Emporia, KS in 1978.

She worked at Emporia State University for twenty years before retiring to Baldwin City. She was a long-time member of P. E. O. and on the ZA of Phi Mu Corporation Board for many years. In Baldwin City she volunteered at the Public Library and was nominated for Kansas State Volunteer of the Year in 2013. She was also active in Book Club and Bridge Club. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Memories of her father’s love of baseball in Kansas City gave her a lifelong love of the Royals. She loved camping in the mountains with her family, planting trees and playing bridge.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Frank W. Hursh of Baldwin City, her son-in-law Roy E. Deel of Baldwin City, and her ex-husband. She also outlived all her close friends.

She is survived by five children; Connie Deel, of Tijeras, NM; Lynne Fothergill of Baldwin City, KS, Wade (Michelle) Fothergill of Elbert, CO; Cody Fothergill of Lenexa, KS; Forrest (Melissa) Fothergill of Lake Charles, LA; former daughter-in-law, Rita Fothergill of Lenexa, KS; nine grandchildren; Chapin (Marie) Deel of Albuquerque, NM, Nathan Deel (Holly O’Neal) of Topeka, KS, Mattie (Kayla) Cooper of Stanley, NM, Emylene, Maxwell, & Macey Fothergill of Elbert, CO; Emelia & Nora Fothergill of Lenexa, KS, Hunter Fothergill of Lake Charles, LA and a step granddaughter Railey (Jayvan) Schaubhut of Poplarville, MS. Four great grandchildren, Araceli & Lorena Deel of Albuquerque, NM, Avilynn & Holland Deel of Topeka, KS, and step great granddaughter Raivyn Schaubhut of Poplarville, MS

A Memorial Service will be 10 am, Friday, June 5, 2026, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, a private burial happen later in Osceola, MO.

Livestream the service at https://together.oneroomstreaming.com/747NXY

“Ronald “Ron” Gaches

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“Ronald “Ron” Gaches, 73, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026. He lived fully, generously, with purpose, and will be enormously missed.

Ron’s early years spent camping and canoeing sparked a lifelong love of nature. He graduated from Kansas State University in 1975 with degrees in Political Science and Economics before earning his law degree from Washburn University School of Law in 1978. He built a successful career as a corporate lobbyist, especially known for his strategic thinking and trustworthiness as an advisor. He was an incredibly engaging communicator, both in front of a crowd and one-on-one, connecting people with causes he believed in. Politics and public service remained lifelong passions, and in Lawrence he devoted countless hours to affordable housing initiatives, local arts organizations, Rotary, and political campaigns focused on helping others.

In February 2014, Ron was diagnosed with stage IV renal cell carcinoma and given only a few years to live. After stepping away from work, Ron focused on what mattered most. One of his favorite sayings became: “Am I dying with cancer, or am I living with cancer? You get to choose.” Alongside his beloved wife, Colette, he embraced life fully — traveling the world, creating a beautiful garden at their Kansas home, strengthening lifelong friendships, golfing, mentoring others, and cherishing time with family. Though he endured numerous setbacks throughout his illness, Ron faced each challenge with grit. He often credited his will to keep living to his incredible oncology team at MD Anderson Cancer Center, especially Dr. Matt Campbell, whom he considered both physician and dear friend.

Ron had a rare gift for making people feel seen, valued, and encouraged. He is survived by the love of his life (and devoted wife of nearly 33 years), Colette; his children, Jordan and Katie, whom he loved fiercely; and his brother, Mike. His family was the center of his world and the reason he fought so hard for so long.

Ron will be remembered for his sharp mind, quick wit, unmistakable style, and extraordinary ability to inspire hope in others. His life is a reminder that, while none of us are guaranteed time, all of us can choose how we live it.

Please join us for Ron’s Last Party on Thursday May 28th, at the Lawrence Arts Center, from 530 – 7pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Ron’s memory to the Bert Nash Youth Recovery Center, or to Douglas County CASA.” Arrangements are with Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence.

Marvin Eugene Voth

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Marvin Eugene Voth, 80, of Lawrence, Kansas, who died May 17th at Rock Creek Nursing Home of Ottawa, attended by Hospice and surrounded by friends and loved ones. There will be no burial, as Marvin has donated his body to KU Medical School and afterward will be cremated.

Many friends are counted among Marvin’s survivors, including his friend Billie David, her daughter, Adonia David, her son-in-law Brandon Munger, and other members of the family, including Jim Rolfs of Oil City, Louisiana, and Marsha and Jerry Williams of St. Joseph, Missouri.

Marvin was born October 14th, 1945, in Independence, Kansas. He graduated from Independence High School in Independence, Kansas, around 1963, and from there he moved to Lawrence to attend the University of Kansas.

He intended to study education and journalism before the Vietnam War broke out, when he instead dedicated his life to fighting for peace and justice, taking care of the poor and lonely, helping to establish the LINK Nutrition Kitchen, and serving on its board of directors for a number of years. He also helped establish a peace library and served as its librarian.

The fact that Marvin came of age at the beginning of the Vietnam War had a huge impact on his life. His Mennonite ancestors fled to the United States from Russia due to their religious beliefs when the Czar cancelled their exemption from military service, and later, his father and uncle chose alternative service in a work camp rather than fight during World War II.

When the young men of the Vietnam War era were faced with military service, Marvin chose to resist the draft and went “on the road”, afterward dedicating his life to advocating for peace and justice instead of following his original intention of becoming an educator or journalist.

One of the highlights of his life was attending Woodstock, where he lost his shirt and shoes.

Marvin’s passions included filmmaking, which he studied at the University of Kansas. Having worked with filmmaker Kevin Willmott, he was honored to attend Sundance for the mockumentary called C.S.A.: The Confederate States of America (2004) of which he was an actor and producer.

He was an avid reader and collector of music, books and memorabilia from the peace movement. Spencer Research Library at the University of Kansas houses the “Marvin Voth Collection”, consisting of books, magazines, posters, and pamphlets on the topic of war and nonviolence.

Marvin spent many hours listening to his extensive music collection that, among his eclectic mix, included music composed and sung by such artists as Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, and Phil Ochs, as well as jazz and classical music.

He was the son of Moses H. Voth and Beuna Vista Dirks of Independence, Kansas. His sister Vionetta P. Schmidt and her husband Robert L. Schmidt of Littleton, Colorado, have also predeceased Marvin.

Services to celebrate Marvin’s life will be 1:00 PM to 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at the Prairie Park Nature Center, 2730 Harper Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66046. Memorial contributions can be made to the LINK Nutrition Kitchen, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Sandra K. Drake

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Funeral Services for Sandra K. Drake, 78, Lawrence will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at First Southern Baptist Church , 4300 W 6th Street, Lawrence. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.  A visitation will be held from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Sandra passed away Sunday, May 17, 2026, in her home in Lawrence after a battle with cancer.

She was born August 20, 1947, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, the daughter of Halmon (Hal) E. Joice and Winnie Mae Scott Joice.

Sandra graduated from Lawrence High School in 1965 and the University of Kansas in 1969 with a degree in elementary education. She taught for 32 years in the Basehor-Linwood, Lawrence and Jefferson County North school districts as well as the St. John’s Catholic School in Lawrence.

Following her retirement from teaching, she worked at the University of Kansas for 12 years in the Communication Studies Department.

She was a longstanding, active member of First Southern Baptist Church of Lawrence.

She was married to Gerald (Jerry) Spurlock for 16 years and they share two children – a son, Charles Scott Spurlock, and a daughter, Amy Elizabeth Spurlock.

She married Robert (Bob) C. Drake on March 8, 1986, in Lawrence, Kansas. He survives, of the home.

Other survivors include a brother, Charles (Chuck) E. Joice and Jane; a nephew, Robb Joice; three nieces, Kelly and Richard Valbuena, Katie and Steve Schwada and Kara Joice. A son, Charles and Lisa Spurlock; three grandchildren, Leah, Drake and Quincy; and a daughter, Amy Spurlock.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Croix Hospice, the women’s ministry, children’s ministry and missions ministry of First Southern Baptist Church Lawrence.