Author: RumseyYost

Lola Mae Torneden

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Lola Mae Torneden, 103, of Linwood passed away Monday, April 28, 2025 at Tonganoxie Terrace Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

Lola was born October 14, 1921 in Linwood Kansas to George, Jr & Pearl Ann (Hubbard) Henik. She was a proud graduate of Linwood High School in 1940. On May 21, 1941 she married the love of her life Herbert August Torneden at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lawrence, Kansas.

Lola spent the next 45 years working along with her husband on the dairy farm as they raised their 4 kids. As the typical farm wife, she not only worked on the farm but raised a huge vegetable garden canning up most of the family’s food for the upcoming winter. She also raised chickens and ran an egg route in Linwood for over 20 years.

Lola was a charter member of the Happy Hour Club, a member of the Linwood Luminaries, and a past member of the Linwood Grange. She served as the secretary of the Linwood Development Corp starting in 1986 for several years. She also served on the Linwood Alumni Committee for many years as a proud graduate of the Linwood Bulldogs. Lola also served as the Grand Marshal of the 2017 Linwood Days celebration.

Survivors include her son Lawrence Dale (Connie) Torneden; daughter Wanda Lynn Torneden Paver; daughter-in-law Marvel; grandchildren: Marvin David Torneden (Renee), Mary Elizabeth Torneden, Mark Roy Torneden (Ben), and James Milton Torneden (Jennifer); great-grandchildren Tiffany Louise Torneden, James Thomas Spiker, Samuel George Wyatt Spiker, and August Kenneth-Julian Torneden; and great-great-grandchildren Emelia Lily Spiker, and Aiden James Torneden. A brother Fred Henik of Shawnee also survives along with numerous nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Herbert, two sons Marvin LeRoy & George Edward, a son-in-law Michael Paver, a brother Frank Henak(Selma), and two sisters Ruby Guenther(Bob) & Edna Elder(Jim).

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will be at Reno Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Reno Cemetery Association in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS 66044.

Janet Maude Fike

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Services for Janet Maude Fike, 74, of Lawrence will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 6 2025, at First United Methodist Church, Lawrence.

Janet died Monday, April 28, 2025 at her home in Lawrence, surrounded by friends and family, following a courageous 3 ½ year battle with glioblastoma brain cancer. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, educator, and friend.

She was born October 14, 1950 in Almena, Kansas, the youngest daughter of Cloyd Beverly and Elizabeth Grace (Karnopp) Combs, and developed a strong work ethic at a young age by helping on the family’s dairy farm. She graduated from Northern Valley High School (Almena) in 1968, and earned a bachelor’s degree in education, with an emphasis in Home Economics, from Fort Hays State in 1972, becoming the first member of her household to graduate from college. During that time she also earned a private pilot’s license.

Janet began her professional career with Kansas Power and Light, serving as an educator to appliance dealers and the public for the use of electric appliances, including newly introduced microwave ovens. After 3 years she began work for King’s Appliances, as a salesperson and consumer educator. She wrote a weekly recipe for microwave cooking that appeared as an advertisement in the Lawrence Journal World. When King’s Appliance closed 3 years later, she started work as a teacher for Lawrence USD 497, in the field of Family and Consumer Sciences, which she served as for a total of 31 years, with the vast majority being at West Jr High (now West Middle School). She was a long-time fixture at the school, and is remembered fondly by many students, staff, and faculty members for her sunny disposition, helpful attitude, and unwavering dedication to her craft.

She married Joseph (Joe) Kenneth Fike on April 13, 1974 at First United Methodist Church in Lawrence. They met while both working at Kansas Power and Light. The early years of raising their children included thousands of home-cooked meals, many nights spent camping in a pop-up trailer, numerous road trips, and attending sporting events such as Royals baseball, and K-State football and basketball games, and many joyous hours tending her extensive flower and vegetable gardens. After retirement, their travels spanned farther, traveling frequently to both coasts, and other major US cities, often with children and grandchildren in tow. Joe survives of the home.

Other survivors include her beloved three sons, Ryan Fike (Tiffany); Joshua Fike (Grace); and Tyler Fike (Elizabeth), along with 7 grandchildren (Lily, Jackson, Autumn, Jett, Davis, Axel, and Harvey), all of Lawrence, who were the absolute joy of her life. She is also survived by her sister, Sandra Stogsdil, Shawnee, KS; brother, Jared Combs (Adonna), Columbus, IN; sister, Sonja Randall (William), Wichita, KS; and sister, Karla Anderson, Almena, KS. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Jan Lee Combs.

A visitation will take place from 6-7 p.m. Monday, May 5, 2025 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044. Funeral services will take place the following day, Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 946 Vermont St, Lawrence, KS 66044, with a light lunch to follow in Brady Hall.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Lawrence First United Methodist Church, or the American Cancer Society, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home: P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Online condolences may be sent at www. rumsey-yost.com.

Lelia Marie Miner

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Lelia Marie Miner passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Lawrence, Kansas. During her last days she had her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren always by her side and was visited often by her dog Moe.

She was born May 12, 1937, in Chanute, Kansas. The daughter of Adolph and Leona Geist and sister to Gene Geist. She graduated from high school in Arkansas City, Kansas and then traveled to Wichita, Kansas to attend the St. Francis School of Nursing.

She married the love of her life James D. Miner on February 13, 1960, in Wichita, Kansas. Together they raised two sons and a daughter, Timothy A. Miner, Monica A. Franz, and Craig S. Miner. Their family grew as Rene Busby, James D. Franz, Alicia T. Dixon, Ben Jackson and Rebecca K. Johnson became a part of the Miner clan.

After the passing of her husband she relocated to the Lawrence, Kansas area where she lived for the last couple decades with family always nearby to support her.

She was always there for her grandchildren, Abigail Miner, Eric Franz, and Savannah Franz and her great grandchildren Sophia Navarro, Jack Navarro, Brodie Jackson, Cobie Jackson, Ainsley Franz, and Kennedy Franz.

It became clear that her most cherished role in life was that of mother. She loved her grand and great-grand kids who loved her right back. These were the individuals in her life that really brought her the most smiles with the occasional eye roll.

Her care for others extended beyond her family as well. From her long career as a nurse to being a proud teacher of nurses to her many years as a house mother at the University of Kansas Tri-Delta sorority and Triangle fraternity.

A graveside service has already taken place in Wichita, Kansas at the Resurrection Cemetery ,where she will be laid to rest with her husband and eternally surrounded by those who loved her dearly.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Lawrence Humane Society, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home: P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com.

Delores H. Fisher

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Delores Headswift Fisher – Ho’neheeohtse’hehe
July 20, 1940 – April 28, 2025

Delores Headswift Fisher passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on April 28, 2025, in Lawrence, Kansas, at the age of 84. Born on July 20, 1940, in Rosebud County, Montana, Delores lived a life that spanned decades of change and growth, leaving behind memories cherished by all who knew her.

Delores was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, educator, and community leader. On November 15, 1964, she married her husband, Daniel Fisher Sr., in Sheridan, Wyoming—a partnership grounded in love, faith, and dedication that endured for over 60 years.

She attended Haskell in the 1950’s when it was still an institute and returned in the 1970’s when it became Haskell Indian Junior College. She was always proud of her Northern Cheyenne heritage and committed her life to uplifting Native children and families through education and mentorship.

Known affectionately to many as “Grandma Dee,” Delores had a special gift for making everyone feel seen, valued, and loved. She believed in her students, laughed with them, and helped guide them through life’s toughest moments with patience and grace.

Over the course of her career, Delores tutored approximately ten children each year for 21 years—and continued to support students even after retiring. In all, she helped more than 200 young people build a foundation for academic success. In many cases, she supported three generations of the same family: the grandparents she once knew as children, the parents she helped guide, and the children she encouraged with the same steady heart.

She also served as a dedicated tutor for Native American Student Services (NASS), where she became a trusted mentor to many students. Each year, Delores played an important role in the school supply distribution event held before the school year began—an effort that ensured Native students had what they needed to start strong. Many students in the community remember her for her kindness, encouragement, and dependable presence at this event.

Delores is survived by her devoted husband, Daniel Fisher Sr.; her sibling Wayne Headswift, and her Whiteskunk siblings; Imogen, Rosanna Jessepe, Josephine, Nell, Edward Jr., Julia (deceased), Carol, Hallie, Clarice Jacket, Mary Tweet; her children, Omalee Headswift (deceased), Sheryl Fisher, Danette Fisher, Constance (Connie) Fisher (deceased), Daniel Fisher Jr, Lance Fisher and Giovanna Gross; her grandchildren, Benji and Roberta Headswift, Erika Beerbower, Chenoa Luther, Christopher Bedeau Ⅱ, Cheyenne Fisher, JR Battiest, Derek Battiest, Jamie Battiest, Tyler Nichols, Kevin Nichols, J’Den Nichols, and Xander Gross. She also leaves behind many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, former students, and extended family who loved her deeply.

She was preceded in death by her birth parents; Frank Headswift and Helen Marie Fox, and her adopted parents, Edward and Mary Whiteskunk.

May her memory bring comfort and peace to all who knew her.

To honor Delores’s life and legacy, a casual visitation will be held for family and friends on Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory, located at 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, Kansas. This gathering will offer an opportunity to share stories and celebrate the moments that made Delores special.

A graveside service will follow on Friday, May 2, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Oak Hill Cemetery, 1605 Oak Hill Ave in Lawrence. Loved ones are invited to join in prayer and final goodbyes as Delores is laid to rest next to her beloved daughter Constance (Connie) Fisher.

A potluck lunch will follow the service at Lawrence Indian United Methodist Church (950 E 21st St, Lawrence, KS) beginning at 12:00 PM. All are welcome. Please bring a dish to share if you are able.

Charlotte Hastings

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Charlotte Hastings, 80, passed away peacefully wrapped in the arms of her children and surrounded by her grandchildren and brother. After a long and valiant fight with cancer.

Charlotte was born in Topeka, Kansas January 10th, 1945, to Omer and Betty Johnson. She was the middle child of two brothers. She graduated from Topeka High School, and was a member in the Women’s Army Corp. She moved to Lawrence when she married Roger Hastings on October 15th, 1966. Together they raised four children, who are all survived by their parents. She has 9 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Charlotte was a self taught artist/teacher who mastered many different mediums from painting, colored pencils, sculpting, and basket weaving. She was a small business owner for 20 years. She proudly sold her pieces all over the United States.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her husband and both parents.

A memorial service will be held at 12 noon Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.  The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Friday, May 2nd, 2025 at the funeral home.

The family requests memorials be sent to Lawrence Humane Society, 1805 E. 19th Street, Lawrence, KS 66046 or the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Heath David Morris

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Heath David Morris, age 52, of Lawrence passed away peacefully April 24, 2025.

Heath was born August 31,1972 to John D Morris and Barbara Cheek Reynolds in Lawrence.  

He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1992 and worked at various restaurants in town where he enjoyed socializing with customers and co-workers alike. He loved spending time with friends and family, playing video games and was a Star Wars superfan.

Heath was preceded in death by his Grandparents Jack VW & Margaret Cheek; Uncle Robert Cheek; Step-Father Stephen Kyle Harper; Step-Father Michael Reynolds; Cousin Robert Harrell & Nephew Reece Massey.

He is survived by his Mother Barbara Cheek Reynolds of Lawrence; Sister Penny (Joe) Candrilli of FL; Niece Kyla Candrilli of FL; Nephews Michael Candrilli of FL, Ryan Candrilli of GA; as well as many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. He also had remained close to his Step-Sisters Jeanne (Steve) Everett of TX, Julie (Brian) Hayward of OR, Jennifer Harper of Lawrence and Whitney Harper of Topeka; Step-Brother Brandon (Lynne) Harper of OK; and their families.

Visitation will be held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home 601 Indiana St in Lawrence at 2 pm, Friday, May 2, 2025, Graveside inurnment to follow. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Novus Life Care Hospice 1333 Meadowlark Ln Ste 204 Kansas City, KS 66102

 

Nickolas Albrecht Zacharias

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Nickolas Albrecht Zacharias, September 25, 1984 – April 2, 2025

Nickolas “Nick” Zacharias, age 40, died from sudden cardiac arrest on April 2, 2025 at his place of employment in Lawrence, Kansas.

Nick was born in Lawrence on September 25, 1984, the middle child of Peter Walter Conrad Zacharias and Kathleen Rose Prosise Zacharias. He attended Pinckney Elementary School, Central Junior High and Lawrence High School, graduating in 2003. Nick earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Kansas University in 2008. After graduation, he moved to San Diego, CA. And found a job to support his immersion in the So Cal punk rock scene. He remained friends with the members of “Bad Cop Bad Cop” and “The Randies”!

After moving back to Lawrence, Nick worked for Midco and continued to study art and music. He was drawn to art and music from an early age. They remained the focus of his passion and energy his entire life. His inspirational north star was Akira Toriyama.

He became involved in politics and was a proud supporter of Bernie Sanders and 2024 Green Party candidate Jill Stein. He regularly hosted trivia night at Dexter’s Pub and Grill, and was a wealth of information on films, actors, and pop culture, with an uncanny memory for detail.

Nick was preceded in death by his father, Peter W. C. Zacharias. He is survived by his mother, Kathleen Rose Zacharias; his sister, Bernadette Rose Zacharias (Phil Chiles); his brother, Jacob Conrad Zacharias; his niece, Opal Chiles and nephew, Daniel Chiles; and Peter’s wife, Mary “Carita” Bullard, all of Lawrence. Other survivors include Nick’s girlfriend, Chelsea Harris of Portland, OR. and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins and friends who share in mourning his death.

A memorial gathering for Nick will be held on Saturday, May 3 at 4 P.M. at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St. in Lawrence. After the gathering, please join us for Nick’s celebration of life at Dexter’s Pub and Grill (formerly Murf’s Grill), 3115 W. 6th St. #D, in Lawrence, beginning at 6 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, send donations to the Lawrence Humane Society.

Nick loved his dogs

Doris Maxine Guggisberg

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Memorial services for Doris Guggisberg, 97, of Lawrence will be Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. A visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m. with the service following at 10:30 a.m.

Private family graveside services will happen at a later time at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Doris died Thursday, April 17, 2025 at Tranquil Haven in Lawrence, Kansas.

She was born August 4, 1927, on a farm in rural Peabody, Kansas, the daughter of Jule Henry Roberts and Tina (Laymon) Roberts. She graduated from Burns High School in 1944.

She married Carl Guggisberg on June 13, 1948, in Burns, Kansas.

She worked for seven years in the 1950’s at the Topeka Air Force Depot, then “retired” to become a full-time mother. Being a wife, mother, and homemaker brought her great joy. She loved working outdoors, taking care of her yard, flowers, and small garden.

She attended the First Baptist Church in Lawrence for twenty years, then later she became a member of the Mustard Seed Christian Fellowship (now Rev City Church). Over the years she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and belonged to many women’s bible study and prayer groups. She loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and wanted others to know that love, too.

She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, one sister (Elizabeth Wagoner), and a brother (Clifford Roberts).

Survivors include two daughters, Carol (Steve) Martindale of Lenexa, Kansas, and Kimberly (Clarence) Rayton of Lawrence, Kansas; a sister, Bonnie Richards of El Dorado, Kansas; 5 grandchildren, 9 great-grand children and 1 great-great grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.

The family suggest contributions to Rev City Church and Visiting Nurses (VNA) Hospice of Lawrence, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Karen Joy Schmitz

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Karen Joy Schmitz died peacefully Monday April 14, 2025, in her room at Tonganoxie Terrace, where she lived following a stroke in August of 2021 when she lost the use of her right side.
Visitation for Karen Schmitz, 71, of Lawrence, will be from 12:00 PM-1:30 PM at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home on Monday, April 21, 2025. Graveside service will begin at 2:30 PM at Eudora City Cemetery, 2223 N 1420 Rd., Eudora, KS.
She was born November 21, 1953, in Ottawa, KS, the daughter of Carl and Gail Converse.
Karen married Richard (Jack) Schmitz August 13, 1971 in Centropolis, KS. She is survived by her husband, Jack Schmitz, daughter Elizabeth Schmitz, grandson Quentin Mitchell, mother Gail Converse, and brother Danny Converse. She was preceded in death by her brother Kirk Converse, grandmother Vivian Powers, and her father, Carl Converse.
Karen moved with her husband, Jack, to Lawrence, KS in 1971. She worked for a few years at Hallmark Cards. After leaving Hallmark, she devoted her life to caring for her family. She loved living in Lawrence and taking in all of the local color. For many years, Karen enjoyed attending the Maple Leaf Festival, looking at quilts and shopping for crafts. She enjoyed collecting wicker baskets and antiquing with her mom. In her later years, she found joy collecting jewelry. She had a zest for life and exuded love everywhere she went. She was a fierce supporter of her daughter, Elizabeth, and frequented events at Lawrence High School and Emporia State University. Friends and family were always welcome in her home. She thoroughly loved the years she was able to live with her grandchild when he was young. Being a grandma to Quentin was one of her greatest joys in life.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral home: PO Box 1260 Oak Hill Ave, Lawrence, KS 66044. Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com.