Author: RumseyYost

Stephen R. Wilson

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Stephen grew up in Broken Arrow, OK and graduated from High School in 1970. Directly after graduation he joined the army and was sent to Fort Polk, Louisiana. He was awarded quite an honor by achieving the academic award of being 1 out of 10 in the whole nation to be chosen for air traffic control school. After this training he was immediately sent to Vietnam.

While in Vietnam he would meet a man who would become his lifelong best friend, Ron Ricley who prayed for him and introduced him to the Lord Jesus. Ron had bible studies there and the God opened the Word of the lord to Steve. He saw and learned things that changed his life forever! While Ron was an air traffic controller Steve was a radar controller. As an emergency came up at home for Ron and he received permission to go home to the states. So Steve learned the air traffic control system so Ron would be able to leave. After Vietnam Steve hunted Ron up and found him in Nebraska – so he and a friend, John Ezell, packed up and headed there. Spending time in prayer and in His Word, Steve flourished in his relationship with the Lord.

While in McCook Nebraska Steve became a Law Enforcement Officer and there met the lovely lady who would become his wife and mother to their 3 sons. Soon after words they moved to Harrison, Arkansas, where he began working at Claridge Extrusion Plant where he worked for 30 years and retired in September 2009.

After retiring, Steve moved to Lawrence Kansas where he met and married his loving wife Linda on September 12, 2009. Moving to Lawrence meant he was also closer to his best friend Ron Ricley who was pastoring a church in Lecompton Kansas. They traveled together and ministered in Honduras and Guatemala.

Steve loved studying his bible and gathering together with friends and family.

Steven went home to be with the lord August 9, 2025, at The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.  After a year of complications from liver cancer and kidney failure.

Steven was preceded in death by his mother, Carol Gwendolyn Wilson, age 63, who died April 5, 1996.  Steven’s father Richard Benjamin Wilson, passed away August 26, 2023, at age 95.

Also the lovely mother of his children Vivian DeEtte Wilson, passed away December 1, 2021.

He leaves his three siblings, Pamela Hilliard of Nashville, Tennessee,(Dennis), Barry Wilson, of Colorado, Kelly Wilson, of California

He leaves his three sons Joshua Lee Wilson, of Harrison, Arkansas, Johnathan Scott Wilson, also of Harrison, Arkansas, Jason Richard Wilson, of the 68th Theater Medical Command of Sambach, Germany.

Linda’s two sons David Michael Gleasure, of Newnan, Georgia, and Danial Micah Gleasure, also of Newnan, Georgia.

Two adopted sons Ricky Kennedy, Pomona, Kansas, and Ranny Boulton, California.

He also leaves 20 Grandchildren which some are adopted as well:

Joshua Lee Wilson is the oldest, of Harrison, Arkansas and has 6 children: Devan Wilson, Dekota Smith, Donovan Matthews, Melina Racley, Ava Racley, Ella Racley.

Jonathan Scott Wilson, of Harrison, has 3 girls: Rylie Avary Wilson, Hayden Leah Wilson, and Cameron Grace Wilson.

Jason Richard Wilson has 4 children: Kayleigh Wilson, Kyleigh Wilson, Krystina Anderson, and Dylan Carroll.

David Gleasure has 3 children: Sammy Gleasure, Maxxy Gleasure, and Gabby Gleasure.

Daniel Gleasure has 2 children: Jacob Gleasure, and Addie Gleasure.

Ranny Boulton has one son: Rane Boulton Jr.

Ricky Kennedy has 2 Children: Alexis Kennedy, and Hunter Kennedy.

Steve also leaves 2 nieces in Oklahoma, Nicole and Michele, one great niece Makayla, and one great great niece Lizzie who is 3 and one great nephew Darnell.

Services for Steve will be a visitation Thursday August 21 from 6-8:30. Funeral on Friday, August 22 at 2p.m. They will both be held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Graveside service will be following the funeral service at Maple Hill Cemetery, Lecompton. Following graveside service, will be a dinner at The Community Building in Lecompton.

We are asking guests to bring a side dish or dessert for those coming to the dinner. But for those who don’t have time to make a side dish – come anyway! We would love to see all of you.

 

Livestream at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc1NTU0MDkzNzM3NjU2NyZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==

Julie Ann (McLaren) Tucker

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Graveside services for Julie Ann (McLaren) Tucker, 77, Lawrence, will be August 28, 2025, 2:00 pm, at Oak Hill Cemetery, Lawrence, KS.

Julie passed away Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Lexington Park Health & Rehab in Topeka.

She was born December 3, 1947, in Buena Park, California, the daughter of Walter Gordon McLaren and Jo Ann (Roush) Scarborough.

Julie graduated from Western High School, Anaheim, CA in 1966.

She was the food service manager at Cordley Elementary School in Lawrence, retiring in 2010. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved the serenity of the beach, the escape of a good book, and the freedom of dancing. These passions reflected her vibrant spirit and her ability to find happiness in everyday moments.

On April 30, 1996, she married Charles Wilson Tucker in Lawrence. He preceded her in death on August 4, 2019. She was also preceded in death by Walter Gordon McLaren (father), JoAnn (Roush) Scarborough (mother), John William Damon Lloyd (son).

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Brandon Eller (Toni) of Lawrence and Amy Damon of Manhattan; her sister-in-law, Karen Anderson (Kent); her grandchildren, Bryce Elliott, Diane Kooser, William Schmidt, and Copper; and her great-grandchildren, Harper, Charles, and two more who brought her endless joy.

Julie also leaves behind her siblings Tammy Ratley (Gary), Jerry Scarborough (Cassandra), James Scarborough, and Terry McLaren (Jaynie); her cousins Steve McLaren and Craig McLaren; and many more extended family members and friends who were touched by her kindness and spirit.

Julie’s life was a gift to all who knew her. Her memory will continue to inspire love, laughter, and kindness in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lawrence Humane Society.

Sylvia Elizabeth Miller

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Sylvia Elizabeth Miller, 93 years old, passed away August 12, 2025 in Lawrence, KS. She died from stroke complications. She is now safe in the arms of Jesus.

Sylvia was born March 9, 1932 to Lloyd Marion Crabtree and Perle Leona (Schroeder). Sylvia lost her parents at an early age but she learned from them a deep devotion to the Bible and prayer.

When Sylvia was a youth she attended an evangelistic meeting in her home town of Ellendale, Minnesota with her teenage group. Marv Rosenthal was the evangelist and he shared how to give your life to Jesus and she did. She attended the Methodist Church, and later the Evangelical Free Church. While living in Lawrence, Sylvia attended Redemption Hill Church with her son’s family.

Sylvia enjoyed attending Sunday School, Church and Bible Studies. She and her husband, Donald, supported and hosted missionaries. She loved singing in the choir through the years and just singing out in church. She often shared the gospel wherever she was and most recently in her independent living apartment building with her friend and neighbor, David.

Many loved her sweet spirit. She grew up in simplicity, losing both parents during the Depression. She was 1 of 12 siblings. Four did not live beyond childhood. Through these humble circumstances she learned to cook, sew and serve well. Her children and others remember looking forward to her delicious breads, cookies, and meals!

One of the memories she liked to share was how her father would take his children on walks and tell them stories about God from the Bible. She said there was a tree in the field he liked to sit under.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband Donald Ray Miller on November 28th, 2017. She is survived by her four children, their spouses, grandchildren, and great grandchildren:

Debra (Miller) Sande, her husband Jack of Kalama, Washington. Their children are: Jonathan Sande; Timothy (Leah) Sande [children: Titus and Lydia]; Stephen Sande (Katie) [children: Josiah and Hannah.]

Marcia (Miller) Erickson, her husband John of Winona Lake, Indiana. Their children are: Jonathan Erickson; Daniel Erickson [children: Carter and Andrew]; Abigail Elizabeth (Erickson) Johnson, her husband Peter Johnson [children: Zion, Noah, Moriah and Naomi]; Joseph Erickson.

Marguerite Pearl (Miller) Sigafus, her husband Phil of Grandview, Missouri. Sylvia is playing with their precious children in heaven.

Craig Miller, his wife Lori (Howard) of Lawrence, Kansas. Their children are: Brek Miller, his wife Johanna [children: Remington and Theoden]; Bradi (Miller) Parkin, her husband Steven [children: Ruby, Primrose, Belle and Judah]; Bryce Miller, his wife Alli [children: Ian and Leland].

Sylvia was devoted in prayer and love to her family.

She also held a deep devotion to her siblings and their families. She was number 7 of 8 adult children. She was the last living member of her family. Her siblings were: Henry (Ellamae) Crabtree; Lucy (Bob) Siedelmann; Ruth (Renier) Elenbaas; Walter (Dorothy) Crabtree; Hazel (Joe) Soukup; Daniel (Phyllis) Crabtree; Seth (Fern) Crabtree.

Some of Sylvia’s lifelong friends were, Rosalyn “Rosie” (Ferguson) Peterson; Doris Herrmann; Allalee (Crabtree) Miller Bubeck; and Kathy (Miller) Muhlenbruch.

Sylvia’s faith and strength were always in her Savior, Jesus Christ. She daily read from her Bible and devotional and enjoyed listening to David Jeremiah. Her favorite hymns were: It Will Be Worth It All; Love Found a Way; People Need the Lord; He the Pearly Gates Will Open; Look for Me by Dale Tornell; The Little Brown Church in the Vale.

She always mentioned with great respect her Aunt Grace and Uncle Dezell Crabtree. They helped her through the years after her parents passed.

All of her children and their spouses walk with God. Sylvia taught Women’s Bible Study at 90 years of age in her Lawrence, Kansas home church until her hearing and sight made it too difficult.

Sylvia worked many jobs throughout her life: Artist; Porcelain Painting Instructor; PBX Operator; Employee in a bakery; Nanny; Wood Shutter Maker; Tailor; Piece Assembly Worker; and her favorite – Full Time Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma.

She volunteered in Pioner Girls, Brownies, Choir, Sunday School, Children’s Church and Bible Studies. She and Don hosted an American Foreign Exchange Student from Norway, Berit (Stubberud) Guttormsen. She kept in touch with her all these years.

Sylvia was an accomplished artist and teacher in Porcelain, Photo Coloring, Acrylics, Oil and Water Color. She was President of PASA, Porcelain Artist Guild of Albuquerque.

Sylvia loved Romans 8, especially verse 18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” She also cherished and shared a chapter close to her heart, Isaiah 55.

Sylvia’s Memorial in Kansas is Friday, August 15 with visitation from 3 to 3:45 pm. Service at 4 pm. At Redemption Hill Church, Lawrence, KS. Steven Parkin officiating.

Sylvia’s Memorial Service in Iowa is 10:00 am, Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Blairsburg Christian Missionary Alliance Church, 501 3rd Street, Blairsburg, Iowa.  A luncheon will follow the service at the church at 11:30 am.  Family graveside service will be at 1:30 pm, Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Morgan Cemetery in Hampton, Iowa. John Erickson will be officiating.

Donations in Sylvia Miller’s memory may be made to Insight Women’s Center, Info@Insightlawrence.org or Redemption Hill Church 802 West 22nd Street, Lawrence, KS 66046.

Ellen Marie Vagner

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Ellen Marie Vagner died August 9, from cancer. Ellen was born on July 2, 1958, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Paul and Katherine Vagner. She was the youngest of three children. Her family moved to Bonner Springs in 1963. She attended Sacred Heart Elementary School, graduating as a co-valedictorian in 1972. She graduated in 1976 from Bonner Springs High School as the salutatorian.

Hers was a family of musicians. She grew up believing that playing an instrument was a basic life skill. She played the piano well, and loved to play the doumbek drum, as well as other miscellaneous forms of percussion.  Ellen attended The University of Kansas from 1976 to 1978, and then again from 1981 to 1983, as an honors student. She worked in the dorm’s cafeteria, and most of her paid work was in the food service industry.

She never married or had children. She was raised in the Roman Catholic church, but after 20 years of being unchurched, a health crisis let her to the Episcopal Church. She found a home
Trinity Episcopal Church in Lawrence, Ks, and officially converted in 2007. “It was one of the best decisions I ever made.”

In high School, Ellen started taking belly dancing classes. These proved to be very therapeutic in many ways, including the exercise, music, creating costumes, and expanding her social circle.
Her work in belly dancing spurred a desire to work as Respiratory Therapist. She did not achieve that goal, but did continue to excel in belly dancing. She joined a group in Lawrence,
and performed in several Cairo on the Kaw programs. She made many friends through her belly dancing, and remained friends with them even after she could no longer dance.  She loved to create costumes and sew. She created many of the costumes for her belly dancing performances, and continued to create after her belly dancing days were over. She loved to fashion costumes for the church Christmas Eve pageant, and loved to create elaborate costumes for All Saints Day. She was always planning her next saint costume!

After joining the Episcopal Church, Ellen worked in the Trinity Interfaith Food Pantry. She loved her work as a greeter at the pantry, helping people sign in making sure they got what they
needed. She did this work for 16 years, getting to know many of the people who would visit the pantry, and making friends with the other volunteers.

Languages were another passion for Ellen. At one time she was fluent in French, receiving an award from KU’s French department in 1983. She would dabble in other languages, including
Italian, Spanish, Arabic, and a couple of Scandinavian languages.  Ellen leaves behind her sister-in-law, Elaine Vagner, and several nieces. She was predeceased by her parents, Paul and Katherine, her brother Joseph, her sister Clara, and an infant nephew and  niece.

Ellen loved flowers and music. Flowers can be sent to Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.  Donations can be made to Trinity Interfaith Food pantry or the Women’s Shelter in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Memorial Services will be 1:oo P.M. Friday, August 15, 2025 at the Trinity Episcopal Church at 1011 Vermont St, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Gary LeRoy Stephenson

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Gary LeRoy Stephenson born July 6, 1940 to Roy E. Stephenson and Eula Frances Burdette of Onaga, KS.

Gary was a member of the Kansas Army National Guard. He was employed as a property manager in Lawrence, KS. He enjoyed Kansas University basketball and the KC Royals.

He married Joyce Lytton in the fall of 1980, blending two families consisting of seven children.

Gary was preceded in death by his daughter Julie Stephenson. He is survived by his wife Joyce, six children, Monica McGahey (Mark Cline), Sheila Hogoboom (J. R.), Kevin Gordon, Julie Brumley (Billy), Scarlett Gordon, Tracy Gordon (Marla), seventeen grandchildren, twenty four great grandchildren, nephew James Stephenson and cousin Kathy Barr.

Gary died Thursday August 7, 2025 at Pioneer Ridge Health & Rehab Lawrence, KS of esophageal cancer.

No Services are planned at this time.

In lieu of flowers please send memorial contributions to Douglas County Visiting Nurses 200 Maine St Ste C Lawrence, KS 66044 or http://www.kansasvna.org.

Connie Jean (George) Melton

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Connie Jean (George) Melton, born November 23, 1945, in Lawrence, Kansas, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and adventure.

Connie grew up on a dairy farm where she loved riding her horse and helped raise and milk Holstein cattle, instilling in her a lifelong respect for hard work, animals, and the land. That early life on the farm shaped her deeply and became a foundation for the values she carried throughout her life.

Connie graduated from Lawrence High School in 1963. With her lifelong love of animals, Connie pursued a career as a veterinary technician, caring for and helping countless animals throughout the years. She found her greatest joy in the outdoors and was most at home on the trail with her trusted mule and loyal dog always by her side. Whether riding through the woods or simply soaking in the stillness of nature, Connie embraced the peace and freedom that came with every ride.

She was a devoted mother to her daughter, Angie Barcus Golian, and a proud grandmother to Ally Rose Golian. She also leaves behind her son-in-law, Andrew Golian, and cherished the family they built together.

Connie is preceded in death by her husband, Gorden Melton; her parents, Walter and Viola (Hendrix) George; her brother, LeRoy George; and her beloved sister, Wilma (George) Patterson — lovingly known to Connie as simply “Sis.”

Later in life Connie retired and moved to Cape Fair, MO next to the Big Piney Forest where she loved the peace and beauty that surrounded her and enjoyed riding her mule through the Big Piney. She was a devoted Christian and was baptized in Flat Creek in The Big Piney. The last 5 years she resided in Sarcoxie, MO with her daughter.

Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Connie’s family takes comfort in knowing she is now rejoicing with all of her friends and family who have gone before her — and most importantly, riding Rascal and playing fetch with Skidboot and Zip.

A visitation will be held at **Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home** Lawrence, KS on **Tuesday, August 12, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.**, followed by a graveside service at **Memorial Cemetery, Lawrence, Kansas**.

In honor of her love for the land and animals, the family encourages those who knew her to **take a ride** and remember her in the open skies and quiet trails she so dearly loved.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Area Agency On Aging 531 E 15th Joplin, MO 64804.

Harold Eugene Barnes

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A Visitation for Harold Eugene Barnes, 78, of Lawrence, KS will be held, Saturday August 23rd at 2 p.m. at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial services will take place at a later date.

Mr Barnes passed on the morning of Wednesday August 6th at 5:57, at Baldwin Healthcare and Rehab Center surrounded by his closest family.

Harold was born October 22nd in 1946 in Rolla Missouri. The son of Norman and Norma Barnes. He moved to Lawrence, KS in 1953.

Mr Barnes Worked as a Douglas County Grounds Maintenance worker and retired in 2002. He had gotten restless from being retired and started up with the City of Lawrence until he couldn’t work anymore in 2024

He had married Virginia S Berry in 1977 in Dresden, Missouri.

He was proceeded in death by his son Rodney, both of his parents and his brother Charlie.

Survivors include his wife Virginia, Daughters Jani(Tyler) and Kristal(Johnnie). Others survivors include his sisters Judy and Little Mary(Roger) Grandkids Jacelynn, Kamiyah, Nylaa, Bentley and Zamara. Many other nieces and nephews.

Lynn Dale Votaw

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Lynn Dale Votaw of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away at his home on March 20, 2025 with complications from COPD after a bout of influenza A.

Lynn was born June 19, 1957, in Lawrence, Kansas, the son of Lyle and Elizabeth Votaw. He is survived by his wife, Anna; sister, Linda Votaw, Beverly Gardner (Don); and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Lynn graduated from Lawrence High School and was employed by the University of Kansas from May 18, 1977, until his retirement on December 23, 2010. Lynn enjoyed fishing and hunting in his spare time.

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 24, 2025 from 2:00pm to 4:00 pm at the Union Pacific Depot, 402 N 2nd St, Lawrence, Kansas.

Mick Bogart (Hubert William III)

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Mick Bogart (Hubert William III), 56, of Lawrence, Kansas, sadly left our world Wednesday, August 6, 2025. He passed away in his home with his family present after a hard fought battle with pancreatic cancer.

Mick was a Christmas blessing born 12/25/1968, in Phillipsburg, Kansas, to Hubert (Mick) William Bogart Jr and C. Leanne. Throughout his years he was known as Lil’ Mick (dad was Big Mick), Mickie, then Mick like his dad.

He attended school in Phillipsburg, KS where he graduated from Phillipsburg High School Class of 1987.

Mick and wife Laura were united in marriage June 4, 2005 in Lawrence, Kansas. To this union two beautiful daughters were born: Wittney Elizabeth and Mckenzie (Kenzie) Leanne.

He worked at Schlumberger since October 1991 and held various positions with his last position as Production Supervisor. We as a family are so appreciative of the support Mick’s Schlumberger family gave him and his family throughout his years of employment and while going through cancer treatments.

Mick enjoyed the outdoors and water with Clinton Lake being his peaceful place to boat and jet ski with his family. Family trips consisted of hitting up the sand and water with Maui being his last adventure with his family July 2025.

He was preceded in death by his dad Hubert (Mick) William Bogart Jr, paternal grandparents Hubert and Mary Bogart and maternal grandparents Karl and Ermyl Bohl.

Mick is survived by wife, Laura and 2 daughters, Wittney and Kenzie of the home; mother, C. Leanne of Pace Florida; sisters Toia Wisinger of Wichita, Tamara Wilson (Brownie) of Topeka and brother Heath Bogart of Kansas City; 6 nephews and 3 nieces; 9 great nephews and 4 great nieces. He also leaves many other family members and friends who will sadly miss him.

Celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday August 16, 2025 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St, Lawrence, KS followed by a memorial reception at 6 Mile Chop House and Tavern, 4931 West 6th Street, Lawrence, Kansas with burial at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery (Bogart Cemetery) south of Kirwin, KS at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made in honor of his daughters Wittney and Kenzie for college via GoFundMe link: https://gofund.me/7acff125