Author: RumseyYost

Dennis Richins Frederickson

Posted on by RumseyYost

Dennis Richins Frederickson passed away Friday, July 25th, 2025, in his home in Eudora, KS with his loving wife & daughter by his side holding his hands.

He was born on June 22nd, 1952 in Twin Falls Idaho, the son of John C. (Jack) and Zelpha Frederickson. He graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1970 and earned his bachelor’s degree in organizational communication from the University of Kansas in 1992 at the age of 40.

He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to the Oakland, California mission from August of 1971 to August of 1973. While on his mission he was passionate about serving the Lord. He was allowed to enter prisons & teach the inmates about Heavenly Father & give them hope. When he returned from his mission he courted his loving wife, Kathy (Whitehead) Frederickson for four weeks and then they were engaged to be married. They were sealed for all time and eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple on January 11th, 1974 & were married for 51 years. He was in business with his brother, Grant. They ran a residential construction business together. Dennis & Kathy started their family & have four amazing children & seven spectacular grandchildren. They moved to Kansas in 1988 & after graduating from KU he worked for the State of Kansas as a very successful disability examiner.

His children are Justin Frederickson(deceased), Nick Frederickson (Kelly) Corinth, TX, Patrick Frederickson (Amy) Caldwell, ID, and Jodi Kesinger (Casey) Baldwin City, KS. His grandchildren are Travis, Spencer, Danielle, Justin, Jason, Garret & Colby.

Living brothers and sister are, John (Annette) Salt Lake City, Utah, Kent (Sharon) Idaho Falls, Idaho, Grant (Valeta) St George, UT & Mary Twin Falls, ID.

He was a great handy man, friend to all, loving husband and father as well as a compassionate grandfather. He enjoyed serving others & letting them know how important they are. He never met a stranger. The world will not be the same without the laughter & encouragement of Dennis Frederickson.

Services for Dennis Richins Frederickson, 73, of Eudora are as follows:

Visitation: Friday, August 8th, 2025, 6-8pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. The address is 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044

Viewing & Funeral: Saturday, August 9th, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The address is 3615 W. 10th Street, Lawrence, KS 66049

Viewing: 9-10am

Funeral: 10am

A zoom link for the funeral will be updated once received for those that wish to attend but are not able to travel.

Memorial contributions may be made to Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, to help the family purchase Dennis’s headstone.

 

Zoom the service at

https://zoom.us/j/95487675931

 

In the Zoom app or on the Zoom website (www.zoom.us)

Webinar ID: 954 8767 5931

 No passcode is needed to view the funeral. Also, a participant does not need to have their own Zoom account

 

 

 

Doris Jean John

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Doris Jean (Boyd) John, 85, passed away peacefully on Thursday July 24th, 2025.  She was born on May 1st, 1940 to Vernon and Grace Boyd in Fullerton, CA.  She graduated from Holcomb high school and briefly attended Eastern New Mexico University.
She married Norman John on August 16th , 1959 in Garden City KS.  They enjoyed traveling and taking cruises with good friends.  They were just short of celebrating 66 years of marriage.
Doris spent her work career in medical and professional offices.  Doris also enjoyed making her home beautiful with her decorating abilities.
She will be missed by her husband, Norman, her sister, Judy of Fairview, TX, her daughters, Cheryl(Doug), Pamela(Steve), four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Ascend Hospice for the great care and comfort they provided or the Southside Church of Christ where Doris was a member.
A Celebration of Life Service will be 10:00 A.M.  Saturday, August 30, 2025 at the Southside Church of Christ, 1105 W. 25th St. Lawrence, KS 66046.  Arrangements are with Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence.

Price Terrance Banks

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Price Terrance Banks, 82, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 21, at Bridge Haven. Since December 2020 he fought the debilitating disease of multiple myeloma caused by his exposure to Agent Orange while in Vietnam in 1965.

He was born in Saginaw, Michigan, the son of Wayne and Vera (Archambault) Banks, on May 17, 1943. He graduated from Alma High School in Alma, Michigan. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in Resource Development from Michigan State University. He earned a Juris Doctorate degree from Cooley Law School in Lansing Michigan.

He married Marge (Marjorie) Jordan in 1968.

In his early career he was an Urban Planner for the City of Lansing, Michigan, for Genessee County, Michigan, and for the City of Howell, Michigan. Then he was County Administrator for Livingston County, Michigan. In 1982 he and Marge and family moved to Lawrence, Kansas where he was the Planning Director for the City of Lawrence and Douglas County. In 1994 he opened his own law practice in Lawrence, Kansas and retired in 2012. He conducted seminars for the Michigan League of Municipalities and Michigan Association of Counties, the Kansas League of Municipalities and the Kansas Association of Counties. He taught at the Kansas Graduate School for Urban Planning.

Price and his family were very active and he prompted many adventures.

His primary passion was his family. In addition to those travels and activities, he was dedicated to running. He completed three Detroit Marathons. He enjoyed fly fishing and fished in multiple states with Marge and with dear friends. Having enjoyed hunting birds and deer with his father and brother in his childhood, he continued hunting with friends in and out of state. Sailing was another favorite, including bare-boat chartering in the Caribbean and Mexico with his cousin, with Marge and the kids, and with close friends.

Survivors include wife Marge, son Trevor Banks of Arvada Colorado, daughter Taylor Reynolds of Lake Orion, Michigan. Grandchildren – Kayden and Carter Reynolds of Lake Orion, Michigan and Zoe and Maya Banks of Arvada, Colorado and sister-in-law, Gladys Banks. He is preceded in death by brother Robert Banks and sister Charmaine Robinson. Both Trevor and Taylor graduated from Lawrence High School and the University of Kansas.

The family wishes to acknowledge the outstanding care Price received from staff at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Pioneer Ridge and Bridge Haven, surgeons at the University of Kansas Medical Center, and caregivers of Elara Caring and VNA Hospice.

The family suggests acts of kindness and/or donations to the Lawrence Community Shelter would honor Price.

Celebration of Life of Price Banks, Saturday, September 6 at Arterra Event Gallery, 2161 Quail Creek Dr., Lawrence, KS.  Drop in between 3:00 and 5:00 and share a memory or two with family and friends.

Walter Charles “Walt” Houk, Jr.

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Walter Charles Houk, Jr., 84, of Lawrence, passed away Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living of Lawrence. He was born in Lawrence on February 13, 1941, to Walter Charles Houk, Sr. and Elizabeth (Betty) Houk Spencer. He was raised in Lawrence, Kansas, graduated from Lawrence High School and attended The University of Kansas.

He married his beloved wife, Janice LeeAnn (Stewart) Houk, on August 9, 1959. They have two children, Kent Houk and Kimberly (Houk) Bickling and her husband, Ryan; four grandchildren, Zachary Bickling, Mackenzie Bickling, Coleman Houk, and Chase Houk; one great-grandson, Calvin Walter Houk; and one sister, Becky Gaurotte.  Walt was with Maupintour for 35+ years and was an owner of Travellers, Inc. He is also survived by his close friends and business partners Judi Rawlings (>50 years), John Novotny (>40 years). and Rosemary Stipe (>30 years).

He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Houk Spencer, and father, Walter C. Houk, Sr. who was killed in action in WWII in Germany.

Walt was in the travel business since he was 17 years old and travelled extensively to many places in the world, often with his family and business partners. His travels took him to the Caribbean, Mexico, Cozumel, Merida, Central America, South Pacific, Alaska, Canada, Hawaii, the Bahamas, Europe, the Orient, and the entire United States. He was President and Board Member to many travel organizations. He enjoyed spending time with those he loved.

His main hobby/interest was in baseball, and he was one the founders of DCABA (Douglas County Baseball Association), Travellers Semi-Pro team and coached in the South Park League and American Legion, working with youths and young men for over 50 years. He established friendships with hundreds of his players.

He was active in other organizations: Lawrence Country Club, Board of Directors on the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Cosmo Breakfast Club, and the Quarterback, Roundball, and Diamond clubs at KU. He also helped start Crime Stoppers.

A celebration of Walt’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, August 1, 2025 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Walt Houk Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS 66044.

Wayne Ernest Kanzig

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Memorial Services for Wayne E. Kanzig, 89, Eudora, will be 11:00 am, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3615 W 10th St, Lawrence. A Visitation will begin at 10:00 am.

Wayne passed away on the evening of July 14, 2025, doing what he loved most—fixing things in the shop on the family farm. Fittingly, he left this life in the very same space where his father, Johnny, passed 42 years earlier.

Wayne was born January 6, 1936, in Lawrence, Kansas, the only (and admittedly spoiled) son of John and Bessie Kanzig. Ornery, hardworking, and sharp as a tack, he graduated from Baldwin High School in 1956 and earned a bachelor’s degree in Geology from the University of Kansas in 1969. He grew up on the family farm, which his ancestors purchased in 1850 after immigrating from Switzerland by way of Ohio.

He served in the Coast Guard Reserves and later became a beloved science teacher in Olathe, Kansas. His unforgettable—and occasionally explosive—classroom experiments delighted his students (and sometimes rattled school administrators). Even after he left the classroom, he never stopped teaching, always eager to share knowledge with friends, family, and anyone lucky enough to know him.

Wayne also worked for decades as a heavy equipment operator with Operating Engineers Local 101, helping build major projects including Oak Park Mall and the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas.

Devoted to the farm and to his parents throughout his life, Wayne raised his son Terry and daughter Susie there—both becoming his loyal farm hands. After Susie left for college, Wayne met Helen—the love of his life and the best partner and farm hand he could have asked for.

Wayne had four children: Christina (who passed away at age 3), Terrence (Terry), Patricia (Patsy/Patty), and Suzanne (Susie). After 16 years as a single father, he met Helen at Clearfield Church in Eudora. Together, they raised a second family: Lee, Kirschen, and Remmey. Wayne and Helen shared 37 devoted years of marriage and were active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He is survived by his wife, Helen Kanzig; sister, Roxie Hausman; children: Patty Allen (Tim), Susie Kanzig, Terry Kanzig (preceded in death by his wife Jan), Kirschen Minsky (preceded in death by her husband Mike), and Remmey Kanzig; grandchildren: Chip Allen, Libby Allen, Grace Murphy, Miles Murphy, Elly Stewart, Mack Stewart; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Greta Chubb; daughter Christina Kanzig; and son Lee Nelson.

Wayne also leaves behind a legendary sweet tooth. A double scoop of ice cream on a slice of pie was one of life’s great pleasures. Chocolate came in a close second.

May heaven be filled with sweets, tools that work perfectly, and fields ready to be harvested. You were a good man, deeply loved, and you will be missed more than words can say.

Memorial contributions may be made to Kansas Public Radio.

Mail checks to:

Kansas Public Radio

1120 W 11th St

Lawrence KS 66044

Or online; kansaspublicradio.org

Please mention Wayne Kanzig in the comment section.

 

Zoom the service at https://app.zoom.us/wc/96783664556/join?fromPWA=1

Webinar ID 96783664556

Passcode 072025

Kendra Lyn Vantuyl-Escalante

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The world has lost a loving and giving soul. Kendra Lyn Vantuyl-Escalante passed away peacefully at her home in the early hours of July 14th, 2025. Kendra was born in Lawrence, KS, on March 1st, 1995, to Kristen Vantuyl (Lawrence, KS) and Rick Sheley (St. George, Utah). She was the first grandchild of Barbara Vantuyl (Lawrence, KS) and the first great-grandchild of Evelyn Burk (deceased). She spent her early years under the same roof with three generations of women, making her the fourth generation.

Kendra embraced one of her most cherished roles when she became a big sister, first in 2004, when Kristin and Martin Madorin (Cedar, KS) welcomed Kamdin Madorin (Los Angeles, CA), and again in 2007 with the birth of Makayla Madorin (Lawrence, KS). In 2013, she graduated from Lawrence High School and moved to St. George, Utah, to study nursing at Dixie State University with the support of her father Rick. She was an accomplished cello player, earning a seat in the Dixie State Symphony Orchestra.

She moved back to Kansas and soon met her husband, Christopher Escalante. Christopher took her on their first date on February 29th, 2020, on the eve of her birthday. The love and romance were instantaneous, and they married on July 14th, 2020. Kendra was a loving and devoted wife. Her hobbies included creating art projects, playing music, and making a life full of love with Christopher and her family. She was dedicated to her work as a CNA. An incredible caregiver, she worked at Bella Terra in Utah, Pioneer Ridge in Lawrence, KS, and Brewster Place in Topeka, KS.

Chronic illness sadly plagued her final years. She fought valiantly until the very end. Her life, though far too short, will continue to inspire and comfort all who were blessed to know her.

Kendra is survived by her half-siblings: Andrea Philips, Craig Sheley, Chelsea Roth, Abigail Sheley, Kamdin Madorin, Makayla Madorin, and Kelby Sheley. She had two stepdaughters, Jocelyn and Lily Escalante, and is also survived by her father- and mother-in-law, Robert and Brenda Escalante (Topeka, KS).

Other surviving family includes her great-uncles Randy and Scott (Kansas City, MO), her great-uncle Mike Vantuyl (Topeka, KS), her great-aunt Veda Vantuyl (Plano, TX), her aunt Janice Zishka (Liberty, MO), her uncle Danny Vantuyl (Lawrence, KS), and her cousins Tanner, Cali, Jace, and Robbie. Her surviving grandparents are Barbara Vantuyl, and Edgar and Joan Marie Sheley of Corning, KS.

She was preceded in death by her great-grandmother Evelyn Burk, grandfather Daniel Vantuyl, her aunt Lori Vantuyl, and her aunt Pam Aversano.

Rumsey-Yost will host a visitation on Friday, August 1, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM, with the memorial service on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 10:30 AM.

Livestream services at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc1Mzk3Nzg1MTM3NDA2OSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==

Davaughn James Pellis

Posted on by RumseyYost

Davaughn James Pellis passed away on Wednesday, July 9, 2025

He was born April 28, 1994, in Lawrence, Kansas. He was the son of James Earl Pellis, Lisa Lynn Lathrom and Stephen L. Webb Sr.

He graduated from Lawrence High School and was a member of the Lawrence High School Marching Lions Band.

Davaughn had many brothers and sisters, just to name a few, Mikel Jeromy Lee Wray, Lacie (Wray) Spiker, Nina Simone Atkins, Toy Harrison, Stephen Webb II, Bria Cruse, Robert Moore, Jamaine Williams, Shay Peller, Christopher Needham and Jaiden Pellis, Allen Harrison, Vinnie Brooks, Trey Dudley, Jamal Pellis, James Peller Jr., Audrina Pellis, Aubrey Pellis, Jameise Needum, Gabrielle Davenport, Shenita Townsend, Terrance Carter.

Other relatives include his Niece, Latalya Spiker, Nephews, Jeromy Cumpton, Rylan Patterson and Jordon Spiker.

Grandfathers, Jerry Lathrom, Sidney Gonce Sr, Willie Webb and James Phillips.

Grandmothers Carol (Nightingale) Gonce, Anne MiMi Nickson and Maggie Bennett

Aunts and Uncles, Lorri (Lathrom) Coleman, lynda Bennett-Newson, Juanita Croft, Patricia Bradberry, Luconya Williams, Nikki Phillips, Sherelia Webb Bowers, Larry Peller, Fredrick Bennett.

First Cousins, Danielle Coleman, Kevin Coleman II, Kionna Coleman, Zackiyah Sanders and many more.

A visitation will take place Saturday July 19, 2025 at 12 noon and Funeral services will follow at 1:00p.m. at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Celebration of Life will be held after services. Details will be available at the service.