Author: RumseyYost

Mercedes Lynn Austin

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Mercedes Lynn Austin was granted her angel wings on January 14th 2016. Leading up to her passing at home, she was diagnosed in December 2015, with Lymphoblastic Lymphoma Stage II Cancer. In her final days, Mercedes was awaiting a cure. Her faith was promising, her strength was of a greater purpose and she envisioned in due time, she would be a survivor.

Although she didn’t get to see the beauty in growing old, fourteen youthful years of her free-spirit impacted those she touched around her. Mercedes’ understanding of unconditional love came from within her pure beautiful soul. She was nice to all, filled with happiness, deeply caring and a compassionate person who enjoyed life and being around people. She had a vivacious smile that could fill you with joy. Her affection was so present, it found a way of attracting your soul and in a sense making one feel complete.

Mercedes’ illness was so sudden, her curiosity; of what would be her last few remaining weeks in life kept her fighting to dig for answers. In all of her confusion, she trusted overcoming the odds. She managed to stream sun rays of positivity throughout her battle with cancer. There’s many memories of her dancing, and singing along with her iPad. She loved doing puzzles, word searches with mom, riding her bike with her cousins, swimming and visiting with animals. She loved dressing up as a princess and going to sleepovers.

Since preschool Mercedes was always eager for school days, she attended Sunflower Elementary School. After graduating from there, she went on to South Middle School where she completed eighth grade. She enjoyed riding the school bus, school staff and students, and had a special bond with the students in her class.
She was born on October 19th 2001, in Pasadena, Texas. Raised in Lawrence, Kansas. She is survived by her loving mother Stephanie Lynn Austin; brother Cedric Austin; sister Shiandra Austin; brother Tyson Austin; sister Brittney Austin; brother Dominique Austin; two nieces and three nephews.

With her passing over, leaves opportunity to create lasting memories, to latch onto one another for courage, maintain a meaningful life and a path of direction for living our own life when we reflect of the past.

Graveside service will be held Friday January 22, 2016, at 11am at Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday January 21, 2016, from 6-7pm, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Friends may call from 9am-6pm Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mercedes Austin Memorial Fund, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, PO Box 1260, Lawrence, Kansas, 66044.

Dawn C. (Henderson) Grosdidier

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A memorial visitation for Dawn Christine (Henderson) Grosdidier, 47, Stoughton, Wisc., formerly of Eudora, will be Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, from 10 am to noon at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory. Dawn died Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2015, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, Wisc.

Dawn graduated from Eudora High School and Baker University, where she was a standout athlete. Some of her track and field records still stand at Eudora High School, and she was enshrined in the Baker University Athletics Hall of Fame.

Survivors include two children, Claire Grosdidier and Zachary Grosdidier; her fiancee, Mike Ganzman; and a brother, Danny Henderson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lowell and Shirley Henderson, and two infant brothers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Baker University Athletics, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

Albert G. (Sonny) Smith

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Services for Albert George “Sonny” Smith, 82, Lawrence, will be 11 a.m. Monday at First Presbyterian Church. Burial will be 4 p.m. Monday at Hosey Hill Cemetery in Weir, Kansas.

Al died Thursday, January 14, 2016 at his home.

He was born December 22, 1933, in Carona, Kansas, the son of Albert George and Anna Marie Ghilino Smith. He graduated from Kansas State University in 1957 with a Bachelors of Science in Dairy Husbandry.

Al served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956. From 1957 to 1977 he was employed at the University of Kansas as the manager of the Mammalian Genetics Lab. He then was the business manager of the K.U. Animal Care Unit from 1977 until retiring in 1999. Al was a member and trustee of the First Presbyterian Church, volunteer for Meals on Wheels & L.I.N.K., a former member of Breakfast Cosmos, Kiwanis, scout master of Troop 59, member of Lawrence Bridge Club (formerly University Bridge Club) for 37 years. He was very generous, gentle, kind, and caring. His family was most important to him.

He married Carol Ann Mummert, October 12, 1957 in Miami, Oklahoma. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include a son, Robert Freeman Smith and wife Lisa of Lawrence; daughters, Stephanie Jean Smith of Lawrence, Jamie Jo Hatfield and husband Mark of Lee’s Summit, MO; grandchildren, Christina Smith and husband Ryan Shaughnessy, Jessica Smith and fiancé Matthew Teague, Nicholas Hatfield, Amanda Hatfield; great grandson, Liam Shaughnessy; sisters, Alberta June Chesner of Columbus, KS, Valorie White and husband Dennis of Wichita, KS; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, where the family will receive them from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The family suggests memorials to First Presbyterian Church (L.I.N.K.) and Lawrence Bridge Club, sent in care of the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.

John Henry Ray

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Funeral services for John Henry Ray Sr., 85, Baldwin City, will be 1 pm, Wednesday, January 13, 2016, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

He died Sunday, January 10, 2016, at his home.

John was born March 25, 1930, in Lawrence, the son of John Sherman and Fleeta Anna Poeverlein Ray.

He worked for many years as a mechanic and auto body repairman.

He married Edna Mae Faler, November 10, 1983, in Green River, Wyoming, She survives of the home.

Other survivors include his children John H. Ray JR, Lonnie E. Ray and wife Sharon, Angela LaCasse and husband Robert, Jerry D. Ray and wife Sabrina; stepchildren, Alvie Tate and wife Anna, Keith Tate and wife Marty, Lawrence Tate and wife Linda, Mike Tate and wife Carolyn, Patty Jorgensen and husband Brad; sisters, Betty Vesco and Fleetta Mae Higgins; grandchildren, John S. Ray, D.J. Ackerman, Tamara L Smith, James S Ray, Dustin Ray, Steven M Ray, Carissa L Ray; eleven stepgrandchildren; several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews from both sides of the family.

The family would like to acknowledge Ron Vesco and wife Kathy, John’s Nephew but has been more like a son.

Friends may call from 5-8 pm Tuesday night at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Visiting Nurses

Dorothy E. Miller

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Dorothy (“Dottie”) Edwards Miller passed away January 5, 2015, at her home in Lawrence, Kansas. Dottie was born Blanche Dorothy in London, Ontario, Canada to Maurice and Rosie Violet Fluin Edwards. She came to the United States as a young girl and became a naturalized citizen in 1942 while was living in St. Louis.

After her mother’s death and father’s remarriage, Dottie and her younger sister Phyllis spent time in an orphanage. Dottie started supporting herself at age 16 as a Mother’s Helper in the St. Louis area. She eventually received her GED and worked many years for the IRS as a Cashier. She was proud of her work and did her own taxes up until a few years ago.

Dottie enjoyed painting and riding horses. She also enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family.

Dottie married Henry (“Hank”) L. Miller, Sr. on February 3, 1951 in Las Cruces, New Mexico where he was stationed at the time. Hank and Dottie had two sons, Henry (“Hank”) L. Miller, Jr. and Frank Fletcher Miller. The family lived in Wichita, Topeka and the Phoenix area. Upon retirement, Hank and Dottie lived in San Antonio, Texas, Elizabethtown, Kentucky, Savannah, Georgia and Lawrence, Kansas. They made friends easily wherever they landed and kept in touch with many of them over the years. Together they spent many happy hours dancing and playing bridge.

Dottie was predeceased by her parents, sister and step-sisters and by her husband Hank, Sr. on February 24, 2010. She is survived by her sons Hank, Jr. (Becky) and Fletcher (Peggy) and by her adored grandchildren: Grant Miller, Lauren (Aaron) Moore, Jack Miller, Daniel Miller and Abigail Miller.

Visit with the family at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 19 at Rumsey Yost Funeral Home with the memorial service following at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Lawrence Humane Society 1805 E. 19th, Lawrence KS 66046 or The Salvation Army, 946 New Hampshire St., Lawrence, KS 66044.

Tiezhu “Tony” Wang

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Tiezhu “Tony” Wang, 50, passed away on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 in Kearney Nebraska.

Funeral services will be 9:00 a.m. Tuesday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory.

He was born May 12th, 1965 in Jinzhou, Liaoning province, China. He attended college at Liaoning University in Shenyang, China and graduated from the English program. He moved to the United States in 1990 and became a citizen in the early 2000s.

Tiezhu, known by many as Tony, worked as the Chinese kitchen manager for the Kearney, Nebraska Hy-vee. He received the “Best Manager” award in 2015.

He is survived by his wife, Xianghong Fang and son Chao (Jerry) Wang.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Tiezhu Wang memorial fund, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street Lawrence, KS 66044

Harold R. Massey

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Funeral services for Harold Raymond Massey, 77, Eudora, will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will be in Eudora Cemetery.

Harold died Monday, January 4, 2016, in the ER at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

He was born December 28, 1938, in Eudora, Kansas to Lester Leland and Eula Etta Reusch Massey. He was a lifelong Eudora resident.

Harold graduated from Eudora High School in 1957.

He worked many years at Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant as well as Koch Industries. After his retirement in 1999, he served his country working as a reservist for FEMA. He traveled the country as well as a deployment to Guam. He also managed the Regional fleet of government vehicles, overseeing the shipping and receiving for the Kansas City office. Harold was most known for his kind and gentle approach. He never said a cross word towards anyone and always was there to start the day with a smile and a laugh. We all learned a lot from this wonderful man. He will be missed by many.

He married Joyce Ann McConkey on June 8, 1958, in Eudora, Kansas.

Harold is survived by his wife of 57 years, of the home; son, Mitch Massey and wife Cathy of Lawrence; daughter, Shari Eichenberger of Ottawa; grandchildren; David Massey of Hays and Lauren Massey of Lawrence, Shelby Eichenberger of Ottawa, and Megan Steinberger of Garrettsville, Ohio; great-grandchildren, Isayah Green and William Steinberger of Garrettsville, Ohio; and brothers, Leland, of Eudora, and Bob, of Kingman, KS. He had many sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Eula Massey of Eudora, his mother and father-in-law, Francis and Betha McConkey.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, where the family will receive them from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday.

The family suggests memorials to the Ronald McDonald House, sent in care of the funeral home.

Daniel Joseph Menke

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Daniel Joseph Menke, 34, Olathe,KS, formerly of Topeka, KS, passed away Friday, January 1st, 2016 from injuries resulting from a car accident on November 16, 2014.

Dan was born May 18th, 1981 in Streator, IL, the son of Barbara and Steve Menke. He spent his youth in Great Bend, KS and his teenage years and early twenties in Lawrence, Kansas. He attended KU, but finished his education at Washburn University in Topeka. Dan and his wife, Heather, celebrated their one year wedding anniversary this past October 10th.

A Telecom Communication Networking Specialist, Dan, worked for High Touch Technologies in Wichita, and Dynamic Computer Solutions in Topeka. He had several Microsoft certifications and a Bachelor’s in Business. Dan was passionate about being outdoors; GeoTracking, hiking, running with is dog, Macy, and playing out-door sports (frisbee, football, and volleyball). He was a big fan of KU Basketball and Miami Dolphins Football. Dan enjoyed tinkering and inventing. He was self-taught in home renovations and repairs and had a special eye for interior designing. Dan also could Google anything and figure out how to do it – cooking, repairs, lawn work, web design, etc.

He was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, John and Elna LaFayette, maternal uncle, Gary LaFayette, and beloved friend and pet, Cougar.

Dan is survived by his wife, Heather Hinshaw; parents, Barbara and Stephen Menke; brother, Davis Menke and wife Megan, and sister, Sarah LaBarge, her husband Brandon LaBarge and niece and nephew Emily and Connor LaBarge

A special thank you to the medical team of the emergency room and ICU at Wichita’s Wesley Medical Center, Select Specialty, Wichita, KS and their LTAC team, the Emergency and ICU miracle workers at Overland Park Regional Hospital in Overland Park, KS, and lastly, to those angels who helped us say good bye, at Olathe Hospice House in Olathe, KS. You all hold special places in our family’s hearts. God bless.

Visitation: Wednesday, January 6th, 2016 from 5-7pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home

Funeral: Thursday, January 7th, 2016 at 10 a.m. At St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church with burial following at Mt. Calvary Cemetary.

Memorial contributions may be made to

https://www.gofundme.com/doingitfordan

Or

https://m.secure.humanesociety.org/site/Donation2?df_id=1505&1505.donation=form1&s_src=web_hp_yellowbox_giveanotherway_id93480558_web_donatepageD1505_id347404142

Janie Wyvone Arwine Dethloff

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Private family services are planned for Janie Wyvone Arwine Dethloff, 93, of Lawrence, KS. Mrs. Dethloff died Friday, Jan. 1, 2016, at Brandon Woods at Alvamar.

She was born Oct. 23, 1922, in Ardmore, OK, the daughter of William Isaac and Nellie Young Arwine. She attended school in Bridgeport, TX, and then moved to Oakland, CA., for one year. She returned to Texas and worked in Fort Worth’s Worth Mills in 1942. After her marriage to Verrell, she moved to Kansas City, MO., where she spent her days as a mother and homemaker. They moved to Lawrence, KS in 1972 where she worked at Weaver’s Department Store. She had been active in Evangel Temple in Kansas City, Mo. and Englewood Assembly of God in Independence, MO. Most recently she attended Pebble Creek Assembly of God in Kansas City, Mo.

She married Verrell L. Dethloff Sr. on Feb. 4, 1945, in Fort Worth, TX. They enjoyed 60 years of marriage. He preceded her in death in 2005. She was also preceded in death by brothers Dave, Bill, Jim, Lewis, John, and Junior Arwine, and a beloved sister Nellie Lorene Arwine Shawn Williams. Survivors include five children, Verrell L. Dethloff Jr., Bothell, WA. Gaythal D. (Dethloff) Boyd, Belton, MO., Stephanie L. (Dethloff) Taylor, Independence, MO., Lloyd A. Dethloff, Killingworth, CT., and Tracy L. Dethloff, Lawrence, KS.; ten grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

The family suggests memorial contributions to The Salvation Army, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.