Author: RumseyYost

Neil M. Harris

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Memorial services for Neil Milton Harris, 95, Lawrence, will be at 2 pm Wednesday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory. Inurnment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

He was born October 4, 1921 to George W. and Susan (McGee) Harris in Lawrence, KS.

He grew up in rural Douglas County with his siblings George Thomas, Wilna Mae, Glenn Lester (Pete), Edward Paul, Laura (Nancy), and James. His youngest brother James born in 1929 died at the age of 4.

He attended several rural grade schools and graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in 1941.

He attended Kansas University a short time before enlisting in the Army Airforce. He served during WW II from July 1942 to November 1945. He completed basic training in Tulsa, Oklahoma and was based in Burma during the war. He was discharged from the service with the rank of Staff Sargent.

He completed solo pilot training in October 1947 and Line pilot in February 1948.

Neil married Marion Ella Dowers October 1, 1941 in Leavenworth, Kansas. They shared over 60 years of marriage. She preceded him in death November 27, 2005.

After returning from the war he worked at Sunflower and for a contractor in Kansas City building homes.

He eventually started his own business building and remodeling homes in Lawrence. In 1972 he joined his son Bo as co-owner of Harris Construction Company.

When he retired Neil and Marion built a second home is Estes Park, Colorado where they enjoyed spending six months during late spring to early fall. They enjoyed friends and social outings both in Kansas and Colorado.

After the death of Marion after her battle with cancer, he adjusted by getting out with friends and family and enjoyed Thursday nights at the American Legion. He loved the big band music of the 40’s and enjoyed dancing.

He is survived by his three children Claudia (Dale) Flory, Bo (Jane) Harris, Mike (Crystal) Harris;

Seven grandchildren: Lance (Jill) and Brett (Michelle) Flory, Toland ( Garreth) Hippe, Jessica ( Eric) Wolking, Adam Harris, Hunter (Annie) Harris, and Hannah ( Zac) Towns, and 10 great grandchildren: Austin and Mason Flory, Brooke Cooper, Haley, Parker and Walker Hippe , August and Harper Wolking, Hayes and Hill Harris, sister Nancy Schaffert and nephews and nieces.

His life was well lived. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Legion Post 14, Lawrence, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

 

Patrick Wozniak

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Patrick Andrew Wozniak, 73, passed away July 24, 2017 at his home.  He was born December 20, 1943 in Pittsburgh, PA to Margaret Patricia (Quigley) and Andrew Thaddeus Wozniak. He is survived by his wife, Ianthe (Percy) of the home outside of Lawrence, KS; children Jami (Ron) VanHercke; Blake, Abby, and Maggie of Olathe, KS; Andy; Minka, Ezra and Finian of Overbrook, KS; Brian (Candi); Lucas and Brent of Olathe, KS. He has 2 sisters; Colleen Wozniak and Kim Rexrode of Erie, PA and Niece Kelly and nephew Clark Rexrode.

Pat was always involved in sports from Little League baseball to high school football, basketball, track and golf. He attended Highland Junior College in Highland, Kansas on a basketball and football scholarship. That’s where he met his wife of almost 50 years. He attended K-State in Manhattan, KS, and transferred to Missouri Southern State College in Joplin, MO where he completed his degree. He lettered in 4 sports while in college. He was inducted into the Highland Community College Hall of Fame in July, 2017.

He coached high school football for 38 years in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, and Texas and won 2 state championships in his career. He was “Coach Woz” to hundreds of young people. He had a lifelong commitment to mentor and prepare students and athletes to be successful beyond high school. His coaching duties also included boys and girls basketball, track, and golf. He also loved to golf and fish.

His pride and joy were his family and spending time with his grandchildren. He also loved to hear from friends, family and his former players.

A Memorial service will be held at Corpus Christi Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 31st. Burial will follow at Clinton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Highland Community College, Highland KS Athletic Department in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Luise M. Wallace

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A Memorial Visitation for Luise M. Wallace, 70, Lawrence, will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Saturday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory.

Mrs. Wallace died Friday, July 21, 2017, at the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas.

She was born May 18, 1947 in Nuremberg, Germany, to Johann Paul and Ilse Martha Pueltz Ulrich.

Mrs. Wallace was a homemaker, and her dedication to her husband and children was amazing.

She enjoyed reading, crafting, knitting, and taking care of her home and family.

She has been married to Charles L. Wallace for 45 years. He survives of the home.

Other survivors include sons, Mark and Roy Wallace of Lawrence; brother, Thomas Ulrich (Debra) of Durant, Michigan; sister, Chris Fedder (Bob) of Gloucester, Virginia; nieces and nephews.

The family suggests memorials to the Lawrence Humane Society and Community Living Opportunities, sent in care of the funeral home.

Tatha L. Oshel

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Services for Tatha Lea (Rousselo) Oshel, 61, Lawrence, will be 11:00 a.m. Friday at Memorial Park Cemetery.

She was born July 18, 1955, in Gardner, the daughter of Earl and Mildred Rousselo.  She graduated from Baldwin High School in 1974.

She grew up most of her life in Edgerton, Baldwin, Wellsville, and later moved to Lawrence where she called home.

Tatha worked at Kansas Color Press until they closed their doors in the late 1970’s.  She later worked for Independent Cleaners and then retired from Scotch Fabric Care with over 20 years of service.

She leaves behind sons, Richard and Kenny of Lawrence; daughter, Melissa of Lawrence; grandson, Landon Hattabaugh; step daughter, Robyn Edwards; adoptive son, Justin Peterson and wife Brandy; adoptive daughter, Kacey Manwaring; companion, Harold “Junior” Starkebaum of Lonestar; brothers, Earl and wife Vickey Rousselo of Lawrence, Chuck Rousselo of Lawrence; sisters, Patricia Copp and husband Ronnie of Lawrence, Shannon Channel of Lawrence, Shelly Buchanan and husband Doug of Eudora; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many close friends she dearly loved; and granddogs, Cocca and Koda.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents and two sisters.

The family will receive friends and the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Friday.  After the visitation, family and friends will travel in procession to the cemetery.

The family suggests memorials to the Tatha Oshel Memorial Fund, sent in care of the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, PO Box 1260, Lawrence KS 66044.

 

Leora Fay “Tolli” Courtney

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Leora Fay “Tolli” Courtney, 90 passed away peacefully on July 14 in Lawrence, Kansas.  Born to Harry and Jewell (Whiteman) Carson in Sedalia, Missouri on March 15, 1927, Tolli spent most of her childhood there. She attended Northwest Missouri State Teachers College in Maryville, where she met her future husband, James D. Courtney. They were married on June 8, 1947, in Creston, Iowa, at a ceremony officiated by her brother-in-law.  Anxious to settle their first apartment, located in Maryville, they cut short their honeymoon automobile trip through Iowa, Missouri and Kansas. After Jay (as he was known) graduated, the couple lived briefly in Reserve, Kansas, then Falls City, Nebraska, before moving to Effingham, Kansas, where they would live for several years. While there, Tolli was a correspondent writing for the Atchison Globe and she authored “The First Hundred Years – Effingham Kansas – 1868-1968.” Tolli and Jay moved to Manhattan, Kansas in 1968 with the younger four of their eight children; the older four were in college at the time. While there, Tolli took classes at Kansas State University and student taught at Manhattan Junior High School to complete her college degree. She nursed her husband at home through cancer for three years before his death in 1975, after which she enjoyed a career with Manhattan Mutual Life Insurance Company until they relocated out-of-state. She then moved to Lawrence, Kansas to work for the University of Kansas School of Education from which she eventually retired.

 

Tolli was known for her lemon bars and chocolate fudge, the latter of which she attributed to Mamie Eisenhower’s recipe. A voracious reader of books, magazines and recipes, she completed crossword puzzles in ink, wrote personal letters in cursive, and would play games and read with her grandchildren for hours on end. Slow to adapt to new technology, she nonetheless mastered online solitaire and watching Netflix on her computer. Friends and family helped grow Tolli’s elephant collection to include critters from around the country and world and she cherished every gift she was ever given.

 

Tolli is survived by her eight children:

Roger, Overland Park

Scott (Eileen Koutelas), Glenwood Springs, CO

Clifford, Deland, FL

Clinton (Mary Jane), Mounds View, MN

Kathleen (John) Grieve, Wise River, MT

Karen (Don) Messner, Kirkland, WA

Larry (Karen), Overland Park

Roxy (Scott) Johanning, Berryton

 

Tolli is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, her sister, Alice Isbell, Kansas City, KS, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings Dorothy “Vera” Rains, Thresa, Clinton “Bub,” ”Lafe Clifford “Buzzy,” and Donald Mac “Jim” Carson.

 

Please join the family to share stories, memories, laughter, and each other’s company at a CELEBRATION OF LIFE OPEN HOUSE:

Saturday, July 22 from 2:30-5:00

Oak Room at the Community Center

Leawood City Hall

4800 Town Center Drive

Leawood, KS 66211

A shared prayer and family remembrances will begin at 3:30.

 

Memorial donations may be made to:

ACCHS Alumni Association Scholarship Foundation, Inc.

417 Main St.

PO Box 209

Effingham, Kansas 66023.

Please note for the Jay and Tolli Courtney Scholarship.

 

Love you more.

Lloyd D. Housworth

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Graveside memorial services for Lloyd David Housworth, 71, Lawrence, will be at 10 am Wednesday at Oak Hill Cemetery. A visitation will be held Tuesday from 6 to 7:30 pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association, in care of the funeral home.

Lloyd Housworth, 71, beloved fater, grandfather, brother, and uncle, passed away on July 14, 2017, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

Lloyd was born in Lawrence, the son of George Lloyd and Marjorie Ann (Pieratt) Housworth, and spent his life as a resident of the state. He was a graduate of Lawrence High School, class of 1963.

Lloyd was a sheet metal worker by trade and a BBQ cook/caterer by heart. He and his brother dabbled a little in the entertainment by opening the Rendezvous Club in North Lawrence, but his great accomplishment was being a dad! From baseball, football, driving lessons, and hunting instructor, to being the one we could always depend on.

Lloyd is preceded in death by his first wife and high school sweetheart Dottie (Dingman) Housworth, and by his second wife, Vickie Marie Butler-Housworth. He is the big brother to Larry Housworth, who he has rejoined, and sister Linda Decker. He is the father to David and wife Dena Housworth, Darrin Housworth, and Debbie Housworth. The proud grandfather of Desiree Mullikin and husband Bryce Mullikin, Destinee and Deirdre, Dottie, Dylan, and Levi Housworth, Machela, Paige, and Elijah, and Piper Butler-Reed. He also leaves behind an extended network of family and friends.

William R. ‘Bill’ Bryson

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William (Bill) R. Bryson, 82, passed away peacefully on Monday July 10, 2017, at Hospice House, Olathe, KS following complications from a stroke. He was born in Manhattan, KS, December 29, 1934, to Gladys Winifred (Musser) and Harry Ray Bryson.

Bill grew up in Manhattan, KS and received high grades in school, achieved Eagle Scout, and played piano with feeling and trombone with gusto. He graduated from Manhattan High School (1953) lettering in track and wrestling, appearing in plays and contributing to Manhattan Mercury sports coverage. He kept in contact with alumni friends throughout the years.

While receiving a BS (1958) and an MS (1960) in Geology from Kansas State University, Bill was active in Phi Delta Theta social and Sigma Gamma Epsilon honorary geology fraternities, and even had time for a trophy in intramural horseshoes. He was a teaching assistant as a grad student.

In 1960, he was hired by the Kansas Board of Health and Environment (KDHE) as district geologist, first in Topeka (195961), and then Dodge City (196174) where he met his future wife, Betty. During 36 years with the State of Kansas, Bill served as director of KDHE’s Division of Oil Field and Environmental Geology (197478). He was intergovernmental coordinator, Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) and director of their Conservation Division in the 1980s.

From the mid’ 90s until recently, he held an appointment with the Kansas Geologic Survey with an office on the University of Kansas campus. In 19871988 and 19931995, he served as president of the Ground Water Protection Council (GWPC) and on various EPA workgroups related to oil and gas regulation for both GWPC and the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission.

In retirement, as consultant for Hagler Bailly on USAID projects, he wrote oil and gas environmental regulations for the governments of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan for the Caspian Sea area. He was a frequently consulted expert by various states and congressional committees in groundwater management. Bill was noted for a comprehensive memory.

He demanded excellence by attention to scientific fact, research, and straighttalking communication sprinkled with a sardonic wit. He served the people of Kansas tirelessly to ensure they had clean water through close monitoring of energy development and carefully crafting regulations. His humorous and wellworded business and personal emails and handwritten letters are treasured mementos. Among many interests were gardening, stamp collecting, bowling, the Boy Scouts, and collecting postcards postmarked long ago in what are now ghost towns.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Elizabeth (Betty) (Dinkel) Bryson, Lawrence, KS and son Stewart C.; Elk Ridge, MD; sister G. Kathleen Pizar (John) and niece Shavaun M. Pizar, Denville, NJ and nephew Charles B. Pizar (Minerva) and twins Isabella and William J., Milltown, NJ; cousin D. Ronald Musser (Rowena), Kaley Batten (David) and Nicole Musser, all of Vancouver, WA, and Brett T. (Sarah) Musser, Malorie and Finn, Turlock, CA; and second cousin Eleanor (Pflug) Rundus, Urbana, IL and family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boy Scouts of America. No service is planned at this time.

Arrangements are through RumseyYost Funeral Home and Crematory, Lawrence.

Leonard Ray (Rusty) Holladay

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Funeral services for Leonard Ray (Rusty) Holladay, 91, Lawrence, will be 11 am, Wednesday, July 12, 2017, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. A visitation will take place from 10 am to service time. Burial will follow at Clinton Cemetery.

He passed away Saturday, July 8, 2017, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

Rusty was born September 3, 1925, in Lawrence, the youngest child of John Joseph and Fannie May Godfrey Holladay.

He had worked at the Lawrence Paper Company, farmer, road maintenance for the Kanwaka Township, and retired from Kansas University as a plumber. His hobbies included pitching horseshoes, gardening, going to the casino, genealogy, KU basketball, the Kansas City Royals, and enjoying his children and grandchildren.

Rusty married Georgia May Ice on October 10, 1948 in Lawrence, Kansas. Together they have shared 68 years of memories. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include children, Steve (Jennifer) Holladay, Marilyn Cabay (Bill) Montgomery, Carolyn (Lonnie) Downing, Melinda (Mark) Hegeman. Grandchildren, Brian (Sandy) Holladay, Brandon (Katie) Holladay, Brent (Casey) Holladay, Dustin (Becky) Downing, Derrick (Natalie) Downing, Erica (Theodore) Patz, Blake (Emily) Hegeman, Tara (Gage) Ham, Casey (Lance) Greenly, Jeff (Allison) Cabay, Haley (Nathan) Oehlert, 24 great-grandchildren, a brother John Holladay and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Stella Beerbower, Anna Copp, Edna Kesinger, and brother Walter Holladay.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the  Donor’s Choice, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Alan Louis Arner

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Memorial services for Alan Louis Arner, 72, El Dorado Hills, CA, will be held at 11 am, Tuesday, July 11, 2017, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

He passed away on Thursday, July 6, 2017, at his home in Lawrence, KS.

Alan was born on January 21, 1945, in New York City, the son of Albert and Beulah Arner.

He is survived by his wife, Carol, his son, Brandon, his brother Ric and two step-sons, Sean and Jayson, Alan and Carol were longtime residents of El Dorado Hills, CA. They had recently relocated to Lawrence, KS to retire near family.

The family requests memorial contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St, Lawrence, KS 66044.