George M. McClanahan, 52, Lawrence, died Thursday, Apr. 13, 2017, at his home.
He was cremated and will be inurned at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Author: RumseyYost
Barbara Jo Willits
Graveside services for Barbara Jo Willits, 76, Lawrence, will be 2:30pm Saturday, April 15th at McLouth Cemetery.
Mrs. Willits died Wednesday April 12th at her home.
She was born April 26, 1940, in Tonganoxie, Kansas to George Ambler and Virginia Mary Moore. She graduated from McLouth High School in 1956, and moved to the Lawrence area in 1961.
Mrs. Willits worked at FMC/Peak/ChemTrade from May 1980 to June 2007.
Barbara enjoyed flower gardening and bird watching in her free time. She enjoyed traveling, specifically taking road trips with her husband, Jack. She was an active member of the Lawrence Friends Church for many years, a Girl Scout leader, and was active with the East Lawrence Neighborhood Association.
She married Jack on July 9, 1956 in Lawrence. He died in 1997.
Survivors include daughters, Cheryl Spencer and husband Walt of Lawrence, Kim O’Bryon and husband Dennis of Lawrence; son, John Willits of Lawrence; grandchildren, Russell Spencer, Ryan Spencer, Lanae LaBonte, Jason O’Bryon, Makayla Willits, Jakob Willits, Asheli Barfield, Tristan Willits, Camdon Willits, Caden Willits; great-grandchildren, Kymiah Willits and Ja’nyah Willits.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Jack Willits; children, Deon Willits and Shannon Willits; and grandsons, Jake Spencer and Jack O’Bryon.
A visitation with the family will be held at Rumsey- Yost Funeral Home from 1pm – 2pm on Saturday.
Marion Alberta Thornton
Funeral services for Marion Alberta Thornton, 101, Lawrence, will be at 2 pm Thursday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. The casket will remain closed. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. Mrs. Thornton died Friday, Apr. 7, 2017, at her home.
She was born July 19, 1915, in Bonner Springs, Kan., the daughter of Glenn S. and Lenna Mae Cady Seamans. She graduated from Liberty Memorial High School, and later earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas. She was a homemaker, and had taught school in Henley, Neb. She also had worked for KU Alumni, Dillons, and KU Endowment. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and watching news and talk shows on TV, and had previously enjoyed square dancing.
Survivors include a daughter, Barbara Thornton, Lawrence; a son, Howard Thornton, Colorado Springs, Colo.; a cousin, David Seamans, Pullman, Wash.; and David’s children, Ruth Devlin and John Seamans.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Special Olympics or Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 852 Lawrence, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.
Anna Dell Davidson
Services for Anna Dell Davidson, 75, of Lawrence, will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.
Anna Dell Davidson passed away on Friday, April 7, 2017, at her home.
She was born July 6, 1941, in Bethel, Kansas, the daughter of Lester Elijah and Edna Mae White Hartford.
Anna married Charles Davidson in August of 1962. They had 3 daughters. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1981, However they remained close friends until his death in 2001.
Ms. Davidson worked as an assembler for Brahler Products. She was a member of Armourdale Trinity Church of God. She enjoyed working, watching CSI Miami, and soap operas.
Survivors include daughters, Sharon Fultz of Lawrence, Joyce Sharon and husband Jr. of Lawrence, Brenda Reyes of Lawrence and sister Betty Reid of Kansas City Kansas; 7 Grandkids, Christina Smith of Lawrence, Tisha Diaz and husband Ernie of Lawrence, Billy Sharon of Oskaloosa, Michael Reyes and wife Cassandra of Overland Park, Chico Reyes of Lawrence, Grace Sharon of Lawrence and Leslie Reyes of Lawrence; 6 Great Grandkids, Walker Renne of Rich Hill MO, Austin Renne of Rich Hill MO, Alexis Reyes of Baldwin, Isaiaha Reyes of Overland Park, Jasmine Sharon of St. Joseph MO and Sabastian Reyes of Overland Park; 9 step grandkids and 5 step great grandkids.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and daughter Linda Smith also preceded in death by 8 brothers Walt, Bill, Alan, Less, and Bob Hartford, Jim, Lou and John White. 3 sisters Maemie Stobaugh, Mable Conklin and Bess Turner.
Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, where the family will receive them from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday.
The family suggests memorials to the American Cancer Society, sent in care of the funeral home.
Ruth Ann Beebe
Ruth Ann “Ruthie” Windheuser-Beebe of Lawrence, KS passed away April 8, 2017 at her home in Lawrence surrounded by family and with her beloved cat, My Girl, at her side. She was 62.
Ruthie was born July 26, 1954 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, the second daughter of Teresa and John J Windheuser of Kenilworth, New Jersey. Ruthie moved with her family in the mid 1960’s to Madison, Wisconsin where she graduated from James Madison Memorial High School and grew to adulthood.
She moved to Lawrence, KS in 1976 to be near her mother Teresa. Ruthie was a devoted daughter and became her mother’s main companion and constant caregiver in her mother’s later years, eventually moving into the duplex owned and occupied by her mother to make care giving easier. Ruthie did not have an easy path through life. She always worked to provide for herself and her son Sam Beebe, born in 1984. To those she worked with she was known as “Chef Ruthie” because she worked as a cook for several KU fraternities/sororities as well as for Presbyterian Manor and Brandon Woods.
Ruth loved to read and watch mysteries, do daily crossword puzzles from the newspaper, and cook with her mother. She had a flair for decorating and surrounded herself with artwork and knick-knacks that gave her joy. Although she never had much money, Ruth was a generous and giving person. She understood being in need and helped others in need with gifts of food, clothes or even tires for their car. She enjoyed shopping for funny gifts for her nieces and nephews and was blessed with many friends from her various workplaces who will miss her no nonsense style and attention to detail.
Ruth is survived by her son Sam, Lawrence, her older sister Christine Windheuser, Washington, DC, her younger brothers John E Windheuser, Des Moines, IA and Michael Windheuser, Lawrence; her nieces Lydia White, Laura Nordgren, Kate Rodriguez-Windheuser, and Beth Windheuser, nephews Matthew Windheuser, Andrew Windheuser, and John B Windheuser. She was preceded in death by her parents Teresa and John J Windheuser, Lawrence.
A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held on a future date.
The family suggests memorials to the Lawrence Humane Society or the ASPCA, sent in care of the funeral home.
Lorenz E. Ochs
Lorenz E. Ochs, 92 of Lawrence, KS, passed away on April 6, 2017, beside his loving wife Norma of 69 years. He was born into a large German family with many aunts, uncles, and cousins on Dec. 20, 1924 in Hoisington, KS. He was the youngest child of Jacob and Lena (Krug) Ochs.
Mr. Ochs was drafted into the Army in June of 1943 and served with the 792nd Anti Aircraft Battalion, which served with the 9th Air Force in England, France, Belgium & Germany. He was discharged on Jan. 1, 1946. Lorenz graduated from Hoisington High School in 1947, and attended Bailey Technical School in St. Louis, studying the electrical trade. He moved back to Great Bend and went to work for Western Power in 1949. He retired in 1985 after 35 years of service as Line Foreman.
Lorenz married Norma Ackerman on Dec. 7, 1947 in Eureka, KS.
They raised their family in Great Bend, KS where he was active in Boys Scouts, The American Legion, and the Methodist Church. The family enjoyed summer vacations which usually involved a camping trip, and visiting with family. After retirement, he and Norma moved to Yates Center, KS and traveled the Southwest in an RV, their home away from home. They moved to Lawrence in 1994 and continued to travel the open road, and visit their extended family.
Survivors include his wife Norma of the home, and their children; Mitchell (Jeanette) Ochs of Great Bend, KS, Stephan (Judy) Ochs of McLean, VA, and Jeanette Ochs of Lawrence, KS. Grandchildren include Andrew Ochs, Cliffie (Derrick) Ives, Rebecca (Shawn) Probst, and Philip Ochs. Great-grandchildren include Darrin, Brady, Riley, and Presley Ives.
Funeral services for Mr. Ochs will be at 10:30 am Wednesday, April 12, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, with Rev. Dr. Tom Brady officiating.
The family will receive friends from 10 am to service time. He will lay in state on Tuesday from noon to 8 pm.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church or Great Lakes Caring (formerly Grace Hospice) in care of the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, PO Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Online condolences may be sent to www.rumseyyost. com.
Ida Jane Newell
Graveside services for Ida Jane Newell, 90, Wellsville, will be 11 am, Monday, April 10, 2017, at Oak Lawn Cemetery, 13901 South Blackbob Rd, Olathe, KS 66062.
She died Wednesday, April 5, 2017, at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park.
Ida was born June 16, 1926, in Kansas City, KS, the daughter of John Leo and Minnie Jane Howard Brown.
She married Ralph Bustard from Pennsylvania, They were married for 25 years. She married Merle Newell on April 7, 1969 in Kansas City KS. He preceded her in death.
Survivors include a daughter Bonnie Logan, De Soto, KS, a son Charles Newell, 7 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents and brothers Raymond Brown and John Brown.
Friends may call from 1-8 pm on Sunday April 9, 2017, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lawrence Humane Society sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St. Lawrence, KS 66044.
Arthur H. Thomas
Arthur H. Thomas was born in Minneapolis, MN, on April 24, 1929 and passed away on April 4, 2017 in Lawrence, KS. He was the son of Clyde S. and Louise L. Thomas. Art grew up in Sauk Centre, MN where his family lived in the former home of Sinclair Lewis. While growing up, Art spent idyllic summers at Camp Warren, a YMCA boys’ camp in Eveleth, MN, eventually working as a camp counselor and waterfront director during his college years. He graduated from Carleton College and earned an MA in school counseling at the University of Minnesota. During that time, he met his future wife, the former Barbara J. Butters, on a blind date. They were married on June 15, 1955, in Minneapolis, MN. After a decade of high school teaching and counseling, Art, Barb, and their three young sons moved to East Lansing, MI where Art earned a PhD in counseling in 1967.
Following graduation, Art joined the University of Kansas School of Education Department of Counseling faculty in 1968. His dissertation research was regarded as groundbreaking in the field of school counseling. It demonstrated inherent gender bias among high school counselors when advising students about potential career choices. At a time when young women were advocating for equal rights and better career opportunities, Art’s work influenced the quality of school guidance they received. His scholarship received several professional awards. During the late 1970s and early1980s, Art worked in collaboration with KU colleagues and Ft Leavenworth leaders to develop and implement advanced officer training in the areas of communication, problem solving, and team building skills. By far, the professional achievements Art treasured most were the hundreds of school counselors and counselor educators he helped prepare through the Department and the countless KU students he counseled and mentored through his work at the KU Counseling Center. He retired from KU in 1994.
In retirement Art enjoyed travel, entertaining, theater, puzzles, summer time at Ten Mile Lake in northern MN, and opera. He was an avid bridge player and a master knitter. He was a dedicated Lawrence Visitors Center volunteer, Lawrence Community Theater supporter, and an enthusiastic member of the University Bridge Club. Art will be remembered as a caring and gentle man who was devoted to his family and loved them unconditionally. His three sons are grateful for the friendship, life lessons, and support he provided. He encouraged all to pursue their dreams—even when they were not necessarily the ones that Art might have chosen. He instilled a strong sense of personal responsibility in his them for their actions; he was always there to provide encouragement, wise counsel, and good problem solving skills–especially when things didn’t go as well as planned. Most importantly, Art taught them the importance of talking through problems, listening to others, and working toward common goals with others to ensure good outcomes for all. He also taught his sons and grandchildren to appreciate long-term friendships, fine wool sweaters, good shoes, weather forecasts, Dove ice cream bars, white cars, and impromptu naps.
Art is survived by Barbara, his wife of 61 years, three sons and their wives: Scott and Chriss Walther-Thomas of Richmond, VA, Kirk and Barbara Thomas of Kansas City, and Ross and Heather Thomas of Topeka; six grandchildren and their spouses: Lyndsey Fjellstedt (Anders), Emily Guffey (Nick), Drew Scott (Ryan), Alan Thomas, Jennifer Thomas (Harry Althoff), and Molly Thomas; and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Jeff Human, Bethesda, MD; and his sister-in-law, Ruth Ferris, Northbrook, IL; as well as five nieces and their families.
There will be a visitation Friday afternoon at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home from 5:00-6:30 pm, and a coffee and cookie hour on Saturday afternoon at Presbyterian Manor from 2:30-3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Art’s family encourages friends to honor his memory by volunteering in the community, appreciating good service and thanking people for their help, sending kids to camp, and listening to opera. Memorials may be made to YMCA Camp Warren in Eveleth, MN, the Lawrence Community Theater, or a charity of your choice. Online Condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.
Walter (Alan) Button
Walter Alan Button, 77, of Lawrence, a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend, passed away at home on Tuesday, April 4. A tireless optimist, Alan outlived his many doctors’ prognoses by several months.
Alan was born in Lawrence in 1939 to Olin and Anna Button. He attended Lawrence High School and graduated in 1957. A year later, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served his country from 1958-62. Following the service, Alan worked at the Kansas Public Gas Co. for more than 35 years. Among other posts, Alan worked as Safety Director and Assistant Customer Service Manager. He also served on the Board of Directors for Quail Unlimited, the Red Cross, and as treasurer for the Wakarusa Township.
In 1966, he married Zee Allison, also of Lawrence. They were married more than 50 years.
Alan was a passionate hunter and an exceptional shot. Whether hunting for pheasant, quail or turkey, Alan’s instincts and accuracy often led him to reaching his daily limit so early that he’d spend the rest of the day helping his hunting partners’ reach theirs. Alan loved training his dogs and watching them work. He raised several German Shorthairs, including Molly, Dottie, Samantha, Heidi, Sadie and Kate.
Alan and Zee loved to travel. They visited more than 40 U.S. states and parts of Canada. They also traveled to Europe twice.
An avid sports fan, Alan was known to yell at the TV during Kansas Basketball and K.C. Chiefs and Royals games. During the 1980s, he was an active supporter for the Douglas County Amateur Baseball Association.
Alan coached his son Mark’s Chargers team to the DCABA Championship in 1983 with an 8-2 win over the heavily favored Cardinals. Before the title game, Alan promised his team if they won they could paint his feet “Cardinals red” and he would run the bases barefoot. After the victory, the team and their families cheered as Alan kicked up dust, dirt and red paint as he circled the bases. Alan also loved attending his grandsons’ sporting events and band performances. He often took them fishing.
Alan is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Zee Button, his son Mark Button and wife Amy, daughter Kim Ingalls and husband Jon C., grandsons Jeremy and Jack Ingalls, sister Lois Hardtarfer, brother Russell Button and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will celebrate Alan’s life at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 8. In lieu of customary remembrances and flowers, contributions to the Lawrence Humane Society and Meals on Wheels are welcomed.
Helen Metaxas Roof
Helen Metaxas Roof, 92, passed away Monday, April 3, 2017. Helen was born May 28, 1924, in Kansas City, Kan., the second daughter of George and Sperithoula Metaxas.
She graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1942 and began working for the TWA Corporation. After marrying Floyd K. Roof in 1959, she stayed home while their daughters were young and spent many hours volunteering for their school and PTA.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd, and by her sisters Constance Jouras and Mary Cousparis.
Surviving are her daughter Anna Lea Matysek and husband Jim; daughter Lisa Orwig and husband Rick; sister Sylvia Hague; sister Esther Konomos and husband Jim; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Visitation will be 3-6pm on Thursday, April 13 at Overland Park Chapel, 8201 Metcalf Avenue; no funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Mid America Chapter of the MS Society, 7611 State Line Road, Suite 100, Kansas City, MO, 64114.
