Author: RumseyYost

Robin Ann Holladay

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Robin Ann Holladay, 68, passed away peacefully at home on April 15th, 2025 after a valiant fight with brain cancer.

A lifelong Douglas County resident, Robin was one for four children born to Robert Lee and Helen “Jean” (Kratky) Etherton on August 6th, 1956, in Lawrence, KS. She was preceded in death by her parents and her older brother Scott.

A 1974 graduate of Lawrence High School, Robin enjoyed playing in the marching band, which played in the Rose Bowl parade and was a majorette her senior year. She was involved with Job’s Daughters and was a Kanwaka Literary Club member. She was also a member of the Kanwaka 4-H club in her youth and took part in many activities and events with her husband and sons when they joined the Jayhawk 4-H club. After high school, she attended the Kansas City Business School and married her high school sweetheart, Willard L. Holladay Jr.

The majority of her career was spent at the University of Kansas. While working at the University, she established many friendships and relationships throughout the years. She provided her expertise to multiple departments, the most recent being the Human Resources Shared Service Center. In 2021, she retired after 40+ years of service.

Away from work, Robin greatly treasured babysitting her grandchildren often, spending time with family, and watching KU & Kansas City Chiefs sporting events. She also helped her sons work on 4-H projects and had a passion for restoring antique camelback trunks. She loved to sew and quilt, and mended generations of clothing. She was an avid gardener who enjoyed spending time outside, canning salsa for her family, picking blueberries with her grandkids, and always being asked to make her famous pea salad for special occasions.

Robin is survived by her husband of 49 years Willard; sons Dustin, and Jason (Emily); granddaughters Hailey and Shelby; her sister Diane Etherton Page (Darrell), and her brother Mark. She is also survived by her other sisters(in-law) Velma Flory, Gloria Musick (John) and Majorie Hoffman; brother-in-law Robert Holladay (Sharon), along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services for Robin Ann Holladay, 68, Lawrence, Will be 10 am, Monday, April 21, 2025, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, consider donations to Lawrence Humane Society in Robin’s memory. Special thanks to the members of the Home Health Care team who made her, and Willard’s lives easier and to nurses at Kansas City Hospice.

Charles Franklin (Chuck) Fisher

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Charles Franklin (Chuck) Fisher, 88, Lawrence, Kansas, passed away peacefully April 11, 2025. He was born on August 26, 1936, in Parsons, Kansas, to Mel and Betty Fisher.

Chuck spent most of his childhood in Lawrence and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1954, before attending the University of Kansas where he became a lifelong Jayhawk fan. He was a familiar face at The Round Corner Drug Store on 801 Massachusetts Street, the family business where he worked from 1941 to 1975. He later continued his career at the 1st National Bank until his retirement in 1996.

He served his country as a member of the Army Reserves, where he was honorably discharged in 1965. During his time in the Reserves, he met and married his wife, Erma Carstens on June 24th, 1960. In 1971, Chuck was elected to serve as a Lawrence City Commissioner, where he served for 2 years. He was an active member of the Plymouth Congregational Church, where he sang in the choir. He was also a member of the Luncheon Cosmopolitan Club, the Elks Lodge and the Lawrence All-British Car Club. Chuck enjoyed KU sports, restoring British cars, traveling with his family, and lending his time to causes close to his heart like the KU Audio-Reader Network, where he was a volunteer reader for over 40 years.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Erma, and their son Brad, who passed away in 1973. He is also preceded by his parents and his brothers, Bob and Tom Fisher.

He is survived by daughter Lisa, husband Jamie Gilbert, granddaughters Mallory and Loralei Gilbert, and his nieces & nephews: Mike Fisher, Steve Fisher, Meg Fisher, Doug Jordan, Pam Jordan, Don Jordan, Cheryl Miller, Debbie Carstens and Connie Arnstead.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 17, 2025, from 7:00-8:00 pm, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.  Graveside Services will be held Friday, April 18, 2025, at 10:00 am at Memorial Park Cemetery.

In memory of Chuck, donations may be made to Audio-Reader   https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1312/lg21/form.aspx?sid=1312&gid=1&pgid=650&cid=1568&bledit=1&dids=404.1897&sort=1&appealcode=WDP

Charlotte Ann McGee

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Charlotte Ann McGee, 84, passed away on March 29th, 2025 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence, Kansas.

Charlotte was born in Oklahoma on July 23rd, 1940 to Paul A. and Mary Ann Peare. The family then moved to Wichita, Kansas, where Charlotte attended primary and secondary school. She graduated from Wichita East High School in 1958.  Also in 1958, she married Franklin Brown McGee.  They settled in Olathe, Kansas in 1967, where they remained for the next 53 years.

Charlotte retired from Deluxe Corporation in 1995 after 29 years of service as a production secretary, a press floor inspector and other positions throughout her career.

She is preceded in death by her husband Franklin in 2016 and by her only sibling Paula Arlene Peare in 2022.

She is survived by her daughter Trace Ann McGee and her daughter’s wife Valerie Lynn Brunson, both of Lawrence. Charlotte lived with them until her death.

Charlotte loved to read science fiction, fantasy and classics. She loved anime, especially Naruto, Attack on Titan, Ghost in the Shell and Violet Evergarden. She dearly loved her dogs and cats, of which there were many over the years. Her final time was spent with her girls, enjoying her favorite things and snuggling up with three rambunctious black kitties.

At Charlotte’s request, there will be no visitation or funeral, however donations in her memory may be made to Lawrence Humane Society.

Virginia  L.  Tomlinson

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Virginia  L.  Tomlinson, 87, passed away April 8, 2025, at Pioneer Ridge Retirement Community in Lawrence, KS. She was born Jan. 13, 1938 in Dover, AR to Lee Roy and Ella (Bates) Pyle.
On  May  12  , 1954, she married Jerry Tomlinson in Morrilton, AR. He survives.  Other survivors include daughter Debra  (Francis) Meisenheimer, Pratt, KS and granddaughters Martha Meisenheimer, KC, and Emily (Chris) Seasholtz, Overland Park; two sisters Pat Singleton and Sharon Freeman, Ft. Smith, AR.
Cremation has taken place. Burial will be at a later date in Charleston, AR.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Patricia Ruth “Pat” Williams

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Longtime Lawrence resident Patricia Ruth “Pat” Williams, aged 92, passed away on March 31, 2025, due to natural causes at Homestead of Eudora Memory Care. Her youngest daughter, Betsy Alford of Lawrence, was with her when she died. 

Born on August 24, 1932, in Kansas City, Kansas, Pat attended public schools and graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1950. She obtained her degree in elementary education from Baker University in 1954, where she was a member of the Phi Mu sorority. At Baker University, she met her husband, Ira “Bud” Williams III, whom she married in August 1954 in Kansas City, Kansas. Upon graduation and marriage, the couple relocated to Seattle, where Pat taught first grade while Bud completed his military service. They later returned to Baldwin and eventually settled in Lawrence. 

A devoted mother, Pat was deeply committed to her children’s development and happiness. During their elementary school years, she founded the Golden Star Sewing Club in their Barker Court neighborhood, served as a Brownie Girl Scout troop leader, a Cub Scout den leader, and frequently volunteered as a school room mother. As a lifelong Methodist, Pat taught Sunday School and ensured her children participated in the weekly family candle-lighting celebration of Advent before Christmas, even when they left home to attend the University of Kansas. 

In 1967, Pat began full-time employment within the Lawrence school district, ultimately serving as the attendance secretary at West Junior High School from 1969. Approximately five years later, she commenced over 25 years of employment at the University of Kansas, culminating in the role of lead accountant for the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry. Known affectionately as “Mother Pat” by the “Pharm Chem” community, she was revered by students and faculty alike. 

“She impacted our lives, our children’s lives, and the lives of hundreds of faculty members, staff, and students in our department,” stated Dr. Ronald Borchardt, distinguished professor emeritus. Following Pat’s retirement, the Department honored her by naming a seminar room in her memory within the Pharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratories, part of the Higuchi Biosciences Research Area. 

Predeceased by her husband, her parents, Royal Theodore “Ted” Williams and Evelyn Sarah (Cordner) Williams, and her younger sister, Mary Ann (Williams) Turkington, Pat is survived by two daughters, Suzanne Kay “Suzi” Peerbolte of Little Rock, Arkansas, Elizabeth Ann “Betsy” Alford of Lawrence, and a son, Michael Ira “Mike” Williams of Salem, Oregon. Additionally, she is survived by four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. 

Pat was renowned for her kind spirit, ever-present wry humor, and exceptional jigsaw puzzle-building skills. Although occasionally stubborn, she was unwaveringly dedicated to her family and friends. Her absence will be profoundly felt by all who knew her. 

In accordance with her wishes, a simple family graveyard gathering will be held. Donations in her memory may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association or Good Shepherd Hospice in Lawrence. 

Jeffrey Lee Dover

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Jeffrey Lee Dover, 69 of Ozawkie, Kansas passed away Wednesday, April 2nd 2025 in Topeka, Kansas.   

 Jeff was born March 12th, 1956 in Lawrence, Kansas to Alfred Dover and Barbara Blatt.  He spent his life working as a union commercial roofer in the Kansas City area and in many other cities across the United states.  

Jeff was preceded in death by his father Alfred Dover, his grandparents Clarence and Audrey Hummelgaard, and his step-father Jimmy R. Wilkins.  

He is survived by his mother Barbara Blatt of Meriden, Daughter Angela Jones of Oskaloosa, 2 grandchildren Dakota and Cheyenne of Oskaloosa, 4 sisters Robin Taffet, Tammy Wilkins, Brenda Decarlo and Bernice Stogner, 2 brothers Jimmy Wilkins and Randy Wilkins.  

Jeff was a hardworking, caring and generous man. Growing up he loved to hunt, fish and do everything outdoors. He would help anyone who was in need and he particularly loved to help his grandparents, mother and brothers and sisters. He would always give more of himself and his things so the people he loved could have a better life. Jeff was extremely ornery and he absolutely loved to use that orneriness to make people laugh and smile. He would do anything he could to make sure people around him were enjoying life. Jeff never met a stranger. He could talk to anyone and the people he met would instantly be his friends. He cherished his friends and friendships almost as much as he cherished family. We have been told that his friends cherished him for the way he lived and loved the people in his life. 

Anyone who knew Jeff for any length of time had a story or two they could tell of him. Some of those stories may or may not be appropriate for this setting. I think it is best to summarize Jeff’s life with the following piece of reality. Jeff bragged about the fact he stood 5′ 6 ¼” tall, which was perhaps shorter than all six of his brothers and sisters. However, with that 5′ 6 ¼” frame he was a big man who accomplished so much and lived life larger than life itself. His life was a troubled, rough, crazy, fun, funny, silly, loving, compassionate hot mess all rolled into one 5′ 6 ¼” giant man.       

Graveside funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday, April 9th at 1:00 pm at the Clinton cemetery. Flowers can be sent to Rumsey-Yost funeral home in Lawrence, KS. 

Lesley Trolan “Lee” Ketzel

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Lesley T. “Lee” Ketzel passed away on April 2 at the age of 97 at her home in Lawrence. Born October 28, 1927, in Rockville Centre, New York, she was the daughter of Florence Trolan Cunniff and Frank George Cunniff.

A lifelong lover of learning and adventure, Lee graduated cum laude from Middlebury College (Vermont) in 1949 with a double major in English and Political Science. During college, she earned her solo pilot’s license and learned to ski. That same year, she married Clifford P. Ketzel, whom she met on a student trip to Europe—a journey that sparked a passion for travel that she would share with her family throughout her life. Lee and Cliff moved to Lawrence in 1954 when Cliff became a Political Science Professor at KU.

Lee’s commitment to education and public service led her to earn a Master’s degree in English at the University of Kansas. She later worked with the League of Women Voters and the Kansas Arts Commission, advocating for the arts and women’s rights. A devoted community member, she served on the board of The Villages, Inc. for 30 years and was a founding member of the organization that became Kansas Advocates for Better Care. She joined the Unitarian Fellowship in April 1959, and spent the rest of her life as an active member.

Her love for the arts and humanities was evident in her decades-long involvement with organizations including the Spencer Museum of Art (where she volunteered for over 20 years), Theatre Lawrence, the KU Hall Center for the Humanities, and the Lyric Opera Guild of Kansas City. She and her family lived abroad in Pakistan, Poland, the UK, and Italy—experiences that deepened her cultural appreciation and global outlook.

Lee is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law: Christopher and Sarah Ketzel of Kennett Square, PA, Eric and Randee Ketzel of Austin,TX, Marc and Lita Ketzel of Sunnyvale, CA, and grandchildren Samantha, Nicholas, and Amelia. She was preceded in death by her husband Cliff, as well as her two brothers and sisters-in-law.

Lee’s life was rich with purpose, creativity, compassion and libations. She will be remembered for her intellect, curiosity, and unwavering commitment to the causes and communities she cherished.

A celebration of life will be held in Lawrence in the next several months. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the KU Endowment Lesley & Clifford Ketzel Student Support Fund, or Planned Parenthood.

Lanny Warren Maddux

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Lanny Warren Maddux, 80, of Lawrence, Kansas went to be with the Lord on April 3, 2025, after a several year fight against cancer.

Lanny was born on September 16, 1944, to Cecil and Beulah Maddux in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. He graduated from Buffalo High School in Buffalo, Missouri, and went on to receive a multiple Bachelor degrees in 1968 from Ozark Bible College to prepare him for ministry.

He met his wife, Patricia, at Ozark Bible College and they were married on August 2, 1966. Together, they had five children: Sara, Philip, Mark, Felicia, and Laura.

Lanny and Patricia served on the Brazilian mission field from November of 1970 to May of 1977. They returned to the states where Lanny began local church ministry at Countryside Christian Church in Topeka, Kansas. In the late 80s, Lanny and the family moved to University Park, Illinois where he served at Deer Creek Christian Church in Crete, Illinois. In 1991, the family returned to Kansas and Lanny began ministry with Campus Christians at the University of Kansas. For the next 25 years, Lanny would serve countless international students who came to KU for their education through ESL teaching and assistance, but primarily through a Christ-centered relationship focused on showing them Jesus. Lanny could be found handing out Bibles in a variety of languages in the Student Union, leading Bible-centric English classes in the evening, making middle-of-the-night runs to the Kansas City Airport as new students arrive, giving driving lessons in his personal car to students needing American licensure, among many other things. Lanny continued to serve the local church by serving as an Elder at Lawrence Heights Christian Church for a number of years, engaging in and leading Bible studies, serving with his musical skills, and any place that he was needed.

Lanny loved to care for his home, and one of his favorite activities was the collection and preparation of firewood for their wood stove. He often assisted others in clearing downed limbs from their property. No matter where they lived – rental or owned – Lanny took impeccable care of their home, making improvements along the way and making their home a welcome and hospitable space for anyone that might show up.

Lanny is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Maddux, his parents, Cecil and Beulah Maddux, his brother, Norman Maddux, and his daughter, Felicia.

Lanny is survived by his children: Sara (Sara (John) Desmond of Joplin, MO., Philip (Elizabeth) Maddux of Warsaw, OH, Mark (Janice) Maddux of Columbus, OH, and Laura (Tyler) Green of Lawrence, KS, his 12 grandchildren, and his 8 great-grandchildren.

Services for Lanny and Patricia will be held on April 5, 2025, at Lawrence Heights Christian Church, 2321 Peterson Rd, Lawrence KS 66049. Visitation will be at 11:00 AM, followed by a service at 1:00 PM.

Memorial gifts may be directed to MMS Aviation, P.O. Box 1118, Coshocton, OH 43812. MMS Aviation serves missionary aviation by training apprentice mechanics and pilots, as well as maintaining missionary aircraft that support the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ around the world.

Patricia Rae (Pat) Maddux

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Patricia Rae Cable Maddux, 78, of Lawrence, Kansas, went to Jesus on February 7, 2025, after a battle with various health challenges.

Patricia was born October 25, 1946, to Wilburn and Ruby Cable in McLeansboro, Illinois. After graduating from Fairfield High School in Fairfield, Illinois, Patricia went on to receive a Bachelor of Christian Education at Ozark Bible College in 1968.

It was at Ozark Bible College where she met her husband, Lanny. They were married August 2, 1966. Patricia and Lanny had five children, Sara, Philip, Mark, Felicia, and Laura.

Patricia served with her husband on the mission field in Brazil from November of 1970 to May of 1977, as well as in local church ministry in Topeka, Kansas, and University Park, Illinois, before moving to Lawrence, Kansas in 1991 where Lanny worked in international student ministry at the University of Kansas. She was a homemaker, a piano teacher, a church secretary, the Assistant Activities Director at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor, and a faithful employee of the Lawrence Public Schools for many years. She was a long-time member of Lawrence Heights Christian Church.

Patricia loved to cook wonderful meals for her family, play the piano, read selections from her incredible library, and crochet. She crocheted countless afghans, hot pads, and baby blankets for all of her grandchildren and many others. Patricia and Lanny opened their home for over 20 years to countless international students and friends, continually showing the utmost hospitality. She was a woman of great grace, and will be remembered for her unfailing love for all, her sweet smile, and her faithful service to the Kingdom of God.

Patricia is preceded in death by her parents, Wilburn and Ruby Cable, her sister, Glenda McCarty, and her daughter, Felicia.

Patricia is survived by her husband, Lanny, her children: Sara (John) Desmond of Joplin, MO., Philip (Elizabeth) Maddux of Warsaw, OH, Mark (Janice) Maddux of Columbus, OH, and Laura (Tyler) Green of Lawrence, KS, her 12 grandchildren, her 8 great-grandchildren, and her sister, Lisa Felix.

Services for Patricia will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to MMS Aviation, P.O. Box 1118, Coshocton, OH 43812. MMS Aviation serves missionary aviation by training apprentice mechanics and pilots, as well as maintaining missionary aircraft that support the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ around the world.

Gregory Don Burris

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A memorial service for Gregory Don Burris of Garland, Texas, will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Concordia Lutheran Church, 5702 N Jupiter Rd, Garland, TX 75044. Reception to follow. Burial at Rosendale Church cemetery in Madelia, Minnesota, at a later date.

Greg died unexpectedly overnight between Wednesday, March 19 and Thursday, March 20 in his home in Lawrence, Kansas, passing peacefully in his sleep.

Greg was born on August 17, 1956, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Sue and Jack Burris. His siblings Judy, Gary, and David were born in 1952, 1955, and 1961, respectively. In 1958, Jack started working for Kraft Foods, and the family moved to Garland, Texas. Greg attended Caldwell Elementary and O’Banion Junior High School.

Greg graduated from South Garland High School in spring 1974 after serving as the center midfielder on the school’s first boys’ soccer team and as a trainer for other sports. He began working on a Bachelor’s in Architecture at the University of Kentucky that fall while also playing soccer, but returned to Garland after one school year.

In 1976, Greg began working for E-Systems, a company contracted by the U.S. government to support the Sinai Field Mission to monitor peace between Egypt and Israel. Greg spent a year and a half split between living in the Sinai and Israel.

After returning to the U.S., he struggled with alcoholism, eventually winning that battle. He was sober from 1990 until the end of his life. His own struggle with alcoholism inspired him to help others in their fight with addiction. He lived and worked at Oxford House, a halfway house for those struggling with alcoholism and drug addiction, from 1990 until 1997. He helped open several new Oxford Houses around the country during that time.

In 1994, Greg earned his Associate of Arts and Sciences from Richland College at the age of 37. He played on the Richland soccer team, and at one point, they were ranked #2 in the country among junior colleges.

Greg met his future wife, Terry Lyn Leines, while both were working at Excel Telecommunications in 1995. They were married on July 3, 1999. Their only son, Zane Elijah Burris, was born in 2002. When Zane was little, much of Greg’s time was spent watching the movie “Finding Nemo.” Greg and Zane would often watch “Finding Nemo” together two or three times per day. Greg left Excel in 2001, and managed to find free time from “Finding Nemo” viewings to work in telecommunications for the rest of his career.

Greg earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Dallas in Interdisciplinary Studies, Sociology and Management in 2004. He was 47 years old.

Greg was a caring husband. Much of the last few years of Greg’s life were spent caring for Terry, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. They moved to Lawrence, Kansas, in the summer of 2022 to be closer to Terry’s family. Greg unofficially retired in March 2023 to take care of

Terry full-time. Terry went into memory care in October 2023, and Greg visited her every day. Terry died in December of 2024, in the arms of Greg and Zane.

Greg is survived by his son, Zane; sister, Judy, and brother-in-law, Luis Rey; brother, Gary; mother-in-law, Jan Leines; brother- and sister-in-laws, Rick and Shirl; brother- and sister-in-laws, Jon and Elyce; and arguably-spoiled, but beloved dogs Obi and Trixie. Greg was preceded by his wife, Terry; brother, David; father, Jack; mother, Sue; and father-in-law, Dick.

Greg was an avid soccer player and fan. He began playing with a local team, Bucky’s Banana Bangers, in fall 1989. Several of the friendships he made on the team lasted his entire life. Greg would often bring Zane to his soccer practices to play with the team, and Greg played with them until moving to Kansas in summer of 2022. In his early years with the team, he was awarded many yellow cards, mostly for dissent. He never once convinced a referee that they had made an incorrect call. Gradually, he became less outspoken.

Greg became scuba certified in 1977 in the Red Sea, while living in Israel. Greg went on hundreds of dives throughout his life. Terry was also a scuba diver. They went diving many times together, mostly in Cozumel, Mexico. Greg and Terry had their honeymoon in Cozumel and returned many times, including with Zane.

Greg and Terry shared their love for the oceans with their son Zane, who is now a deep-sea explorer and oceanographer working towards his Ph.D. in Marine Sciences at the University of Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org/) or the Ocean Conservancy (https://oceanconservancy.org/).

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025, with a reception to follow, at the church:

Concordia Lutheran Church

5702 N Jupiter Rd

Garland, TX 75044

(972) 495-4714

Arapaho Flowers (https://www.arapahoflowers.com) will deliver flowers to the church the day of the memorial service, if ordered by Wednesday, April 9.