Author: RumseyYost

Mary R. Worley

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Graveside service for Mary R. Worley, 59, Gardner, will be 10 am. Monday, February 13, 2017 at Oak Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 5:00 pm. Sunday, February 12, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Mary died Wednesday, February 8, at University of Kansas Hospital. She was born February 21, 1957, the daughter of Robert W. and Erma V. Conner Payne.

Mary graduated Lawrence High School in 1975. She worked for Lawrence Memorial Hospital and Lad-Law as a bus driver for several years. She went to dietary school and became dietary manager for several schools and nursing homes.

She was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include sons Ray of Ft. Wayne, IN, David of Gardner, John of Olathe, sisters Sharon McNish of Gladstone, Roberta Moore of DeSoto, brothers Mike and Robert Payne both of Lawrence, 10 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter.

Memorials may be made to Donate Life, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, PO Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Suzanne E. McColl

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Visitation for Suzanne Eleanor Ecke McColl will be Sunday, February 12, from 3:30 to 4:30 pm at Bella Sera at the Preserve, 4500 Bob Billings Parkway, Lawrence. Additional parking is available next door at the Police Department and Office Complex. Private family inurnment will be in Pioneer Cemetery.

After a long illness, Mrs. McColl, of Lawrence, Kansas, died on Monday, February 6, 2017, at Brandon Woods at Alvamar.

Suzanne was born to the late Rollin and Eleanor Ecke, in 1937, in Los Angeles, CA. She graduated from Pomona College in 1959 with a BA in Sociology, married and had two sons. She moved to Lawrence, Kansas in the mid 1960’s and worked for awhile as secretary to the Aerospace Engineering Department at KU.

Among her hobbies were knitting, reading and playing bridge. She also enjoyed walking with a group of friends known as the “Jabberwalkers”, as well as traveling, visiting many countries in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and South America.

For most of her life Suzanne was very active, enjoying playing golf and tennis, and swimming. She enjoyed golf so much that she was one of the regular players of Wii Golf at Brandon Woods.

Suzanne was known and appreciated by her friends as being a polite, considerate, and gracious lady with an endearing smile. She was a generous person with family, friends, and a variety of charities, including giving large donations to the Bob J. Dole Institute, Lawrence Memorial Hospital, and the University of Kansas for the Suzanne Ecke McColl Nature Reserve.

She was also active in many groups, including the University Women’s Club, her Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and the Zodiac Club in addition to volunteer work with such organizations as Brandon Woods nursing home, Meals on Wheels, and Trinity In-Home Care.

She was loved by many and will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to one of Suzanne’s preferred charities below or a church or charity of your choice.

Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation for scholarships (or The Suzanne Ecke McColl, Colorado College, Memorial Scholarship). Checks should be made payable to the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation and mailed to P.O. Box 38, Columbus, OH 43216-0038. Or www.kappa.org/donation.

Pomona College (“In memory of Suzanne E. McColl” in the memo line). Checks can be sent in care of Don Pattison, 550 North College Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711, or be arranged online: www.pomona.edu/give.

Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com.

Kelley Jean Curtiss

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Kelley Jean Curtiss, 87, passed away in Lawrence, KS, on February 5, 2017. Kelley was born on March 28, 1929, to Cleo and Naomi (Robinson) Curtiss of Hutchinson, KS. His beloved wife of 60 years, Eva Louise (Lawson) Curtiss, preceded him in death in 2013.

Kelley was raised in Hutchinson and graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1947. He received an associate degree from Hutchinson Community College and served four years in the Naval Reserve. Kelley worked in the family-owned paint store in Hutchinson and later in Colorado Springs. For many years he was a route man for Betts Bakery Rainbow Bread. He was also a sales representative for General Portland Cement, Machinery and Supply Co., Midwest Fly Ash, and LaFarge North America. During his career, the family lived in Hutchinson, Salina, Pittsburg, Topeka, and Guthrie, OK.

The most treasured gift Kelley shared with his family and friends was his love of music. A life-long member of the United Methodist Church, Kelley’s beautiful Irish tenor was heard in churches across Kansas. He was a choir director in Hutchinson and sang in the Messiah in Lindsborg. Also, he and Eva sang in the Country Spirit Band. The family often gathered at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, KS. In Guthrie, Kelley was a member of the Okie Dokie Banjo Band and helped found the Banjo Jazz Festival and the Banjo Hall of Fame. Kelley and Eva enjoyed dancing together throughout their marriage. In addition to music, Kelley loved sailing, fishing, and being with his family.

Kelley is survived by seven children, Ronald (Amelia) Curtiss of Guatemala City, GT; Cleon Curtiss of Colorado Springs, CO; Melody Curtiss (Jamie Beletz) of Washington, D.C.; Kelley (Myra) Curtiss of Colwich, KS; Kevin (Darcy) Curtiss of Kansas City, KS; Patrick (Martha Coffman) Curtiss of Lawrence, KS; and Lyric (Larry) Bartz of Lawrence, KS. His quirky humor will be particularly missed by his thirty-six grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. He also leaves behind two sisters, Patricia Trantham, Valley Center, KS, and Donna Adcock, McPherson, KS, as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family will gather for a private celebration of life that will include lots of singing, stories, and laughter.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 8th Ave. 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001.

Pamela J. Post-Helm

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Graveside services for Pamela Jean Post-Helm, 60, Lawrence, will be 11 am, Thursday, February 9, 2017, at Oak Hill Cemetery. A visitation will take place from 6-7 pm Wednesday, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. A memorial Mass will take place after the burial at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 1234 Kentucky St. Lawrence, KS 66044.

She died February 3, 2017, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

Pamela was born November 08, 1956, in Lawrence, the daughter of Alfred Frank Post and Mabel Jo Smith Weeks.

Nothing was more important to Pamela than spending time with her children and grand children. She enjoyed family reunions and often journeyed to Arkansas to attend them. She loved watching KU basketball games, collecting precious moments and listening to Elvis Presley. She played softball for GBK and participated in a bowling league for many years.

She worked for Honeywell for 28 Years and later went to Pinnacle Career institute to become a Medical Assistant.

Pamela married Jimmy Helm in 1974, they later separated.

Survivors include two daughters Angela D. Helm, Andrea D. Helm, Lawrence; a son Ryan J. Stellwagen, Lawrence; two brother Gary W. Post (wife Lori), Cape Girardeau, MO, David L. Weeks (wife Renee), Eudora; five
grand children Ki’esha R. Mumford, Alexis K. Mumford, Christopher L. Mumford II, Ontareo X. Jackson, Frankie Ayala, all of Lawrence, numerous nieces and nephews and many more that called her granny.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pamela J. Post-Helm Memorial Fund, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street Lawrence, KS 66044.

Ella Margaret Steffek Hyatt

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Graveside services for Ella Margaret Steffek Hyatt, 99 Lawrence, will be at 10 am Wednesday at McLouth Cemetery. A procession will leave Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home at 9:30 am. A visitation will be held Tuesday from 6-7 at the funeral home. Ella died Thursday, February 2, 2017, at Baldwin Healthcare & Rehab Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Asera Care Hospice or Baldwin Healthcare & Rehab, in care of the funeral home. 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

A full obituary will appear here later.

Keith LeRoy Thomas

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Services for Keith LeRoy Thomas, 85, Lawrence, KS, will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 11, 2017 at Vinland United Methodist Church, Baldwin City, KS.

Mr. Thomas died of Congestive Heart Failure, in his sleep, at his home with family on Sunday, January 15, 2017.

He was born on May 2, 1931 in Ft. Scott (Bourbon County), KS, The only son of Kenneth and Edna (Farmer) Thomas. He graduated from Ft. Scott High School in 1949, and then attended Fort Scott Community College majoring in Sociology.

On March 11, 1959 he married his great love, Georgia Lee Bailey also of Ft. Scott.

From 1951 to 1953 Mr. Thomas was known as Pastor Keith Thomas whilst serving as a clergyman for the Methodist Ministry, Ottawa District, KS. He and his wife served three churches one each in Hiattville, Gerard and Pawnee.

In 1953 Mr. Thomas joined the United States Army and left in 1955 as a Corporal with an Honorable Discharge. He then went on to complete 8 years with the Army Reserves.

In 1955 Mr. & Mrs. Thomas settled in Lawrence, KS where Keith found work as an Auto Parts Manager for BF Goodrich. He then moved onto Dale Willey Automotive and then retired from Larry’s Auto Supply in 1993.

Mr. Thomas joined the Kansas Free Masons where he was a member for 65 Years. Keith was a firm believer of helping others and of those in need.

Among his patrons were the Disabled American Veterans (DAV.org), Paralyzed Veterans of America (supportveterans.org), Easter Seals (easterseals.com), St Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org) and Habitat for Humanity (habitat.org).

Mr. Thomas had a great love for his family and his country. He liked the outdoors and country music. He had an affinity for a good box of Russell Stover Chocolates, Cookies and Coconut Cream Pie. He took great joy in visiting the National Parks like Yellowstone National Park, Redwood National Park, Pikes Peak National Forest, Disney Land and camping in Denver, CO. He was equally fond of Zoo’s and Museums.

Survivors of the home include his wife of 66 years Georgia Lee (Bailey) Thomas, Lawrence, KS, his son, Dwayne K. (Elisa) Thomas of Lawrence, KS, his daughter Debra L. (Bruce) Thomas of Louisville, MS, 8 Grandchildren, Daniel (Kristine) Thomas, Lawrence, David (Leah) Thomas, Lawrence, Michael (Jackie) Thomas, Lawrence, Cary Smith, Lawrence, Seth Thomas, Kansas City, MO, Jennifer and Heather Burke, Salina, KS. Mr. Thomas also had 12 Great Grandchildren.

Mr. Thomas is preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Edna (Farmer) Thomas, his only sister Beverly Arlene (Thomas) Davis, his brother-in-law Conrad (Connie) Davis, granddaughter Heather and great granddaughter Gabriella.

Cards and letters can be sent to the family at 660 E. 1450 Rd., Lawrence, KS 66046.

The family suggests memorials to the church and/or his favorite charities sent in care of the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, PO Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Clarence Raymond Pobjoy Sr.

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A memorial visitation for Clarence Raymond Pobjoy Sr., 74, Lawrence, will be from 11-12pm Monday, January 30, 2017, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

He died Thursday, January 26, 2017, at the Tonganoxie Nursing Center in Tonganoxie, KS.

Clarence was born January 27, 1942, in Lawrence, KS, the son of Harold and Bertha Reed Pobjoy Sr. He worked for Quaker Oats in Lawrence for 26 years.

He married Shirley Bailey on a 15th in 1969 , they later divorced.

Clarence enjoyed fishing,camping and playing cards

Survivors include a sister Shirley Brouhard, three sons Brian Pobjoy and his wife Tracy, Jason Pobjoy, Clarence Pobjoy jr, 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

He is proceeded in death by Two Brothers Harold Pobjoy and Glenn Reed a brother in law Loren Brouhard.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St. Lawrence, KS 66044.

Shirley Mosser Davidson

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Shirley Mosser Davidson died from natural causes Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at Medicalodges in Eudora at the age of 86. She was born on July 8, 1930 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital to Vernon and Cecil Annis Mosser. She had one brother, Jean, and two half-siblings, Gary and Helen Lavern.

Shirley was born in Lawrence and grew up in the Fall Leaf and Linwood area. Her mother died when she was six years old, and Shirley lived in different homes in Fall Leaf and Linwood with her father and her grandparents. She attended school at Linwood and Eudora, and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1948. She then took college classes at the University of Kansas and Central Business College in Kansas City.

In January of 1950 Shirley met Melvin Davidson, and the two were engaged in March and married in August later that year. Shirley lived with Melvin on the Davidson farm, and they had three children, David in 1952, Russell in 1955 and Scott in 1962. She remained faithfully and happily married to Melvin for nearly sixty years until his death in 2010.

Shirley devoted her life to helping Melvin tend to the animals and crops on the farm, and also worked as the bookkeeper for the local Rural Water District for nearly twenty years. She was well known for being a passionate gardener and cook, and was active in the local community by visiting with friends and participating in the Happy Hour club . She was heavily involved as a member of the Linwood United Methodist Church, and taught Sunday school classes there for several years. She also played a large role in the Leavenworth County Fair and 4H, and helped judge entries in the gardening, cooking and canning competitions.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Melvin and her sister Helen Lavern. She is survived by her three sons: David and his wife Kathy, Russell and his wife Kathy, and Scott and his wife Lauri; her grandchildren: Lindsay and her husband Nathan and their two children Landon and Piper, Shelley, and Spencer and his wife Katie; and her brothers Jean and his wife Nora, and Gary and his wife Nancy.

Visitation will be held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence from 2-4 PM on Sunday, January 29. Funeral services will also be held at Rumsey-Yost on Monday, January 30 starting at 2:00 PM, and interment will take place at Mount Sidney Cemetery in Linwood following immediately after.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Linwood United Methodist Church, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

Martha Dell (Bright) Langley

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Martha Dell Bright Langley, loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 24th, 2017, at Brandon Woods at Alvamar in Lawrence, Kansas. A celebration of life will be held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home on Saturday from 2 to 4 pm.

Martha was born to John and Della Bright on January, 11th, 1926, in Cleburne, Texas.

She was a trailblazer in many ways: the first woman to receive a Masters of Business Administration from and to teach business courses at Texas Christian University. Martha worked her way through college as secretary to Ellis Sowell, Dean of the Business School.

While working at TCU, Dean Sowell introduced Martha to John Langley, then a book salesman for Prentice Hall. Martha and John were married in the TCU Chapel on August 25th, 1954.

She is preceded in death by her husband; both parents; and a sister.

Shortly after moving to Lawrence in 1970, Martha joined “Hilltop Nursery” as Financial Administrator. She invested their first $1,000 certificate of deposit which grew over 36 years and contributed to the construction of the Hilltop Child Development Center building on the KU Campus. During her time at Hilltop, Martha consistently lifted spirits and brought happiness to the lives of countless children and families.

She was involved in many university and community activities including University Women’s Club, 1970 – 2017, serving as President twice and publishing the club’s 100th Anniversary book. Martha was inducted into the Emily Taylor Hall of Fame in 2003. She was also a member of PEO Chapter EA, Founder of the First Tuesday Bridge Group, 1970 – Present, Founder with her husband of Informal Supper Club and Cocktail Fare and a member of Plymouth Congregational Church.

Martha is survived by two daughters, Cindy Leath Belot and Cathy Ann Cain (Matt) and two granddaughters, Katy Belot Hamilton (Barrett) and Martha Allen Belot; and countless friends.

Most of all she loved the beach, reading, playing bridge and gin rummy, Wheel of Fortune and all birds but especially bright red cardinals. She was a woman of strong character who will be remembered for her open heart and kind spirit.

Memorials may be made to the Martha Langley Families in Need Fund through Hilltop Child Development Center, 1605 Irving Hill Road, Lawrence, Kansas, 66045.

Leslie Rogers

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Inurnment with Military Honors for Leslie Rogers, 81, Lawrence will be 1 pm. Friday, January, 27 at Oak Hill Cemetery. He died Sunday at his home. He was born January 20, 1936 in Evening Shade, AR. The son of Loyd and Celia Clark Rogers.

Leslie was a Army veteran serving in the 101st Airborne. He was a meat cutter at Checkers retiring after many years.

He married Louise Wheeler on Oct. 2, 1959. She preceded him on Apr. 2, 2006.

Leslie was also preceded in death by his parents, step-mother Eloise, siblings Willard, Mary Lou and Melvin.

Survivors include a son Steve Rogers, daughter Terri Rogers, grandchildren Greg (Amber), Stephanie, great-grandchildren Saffron, Willa, siblings Connie (Joe) Davis, Helen Renick, Linda Jackson, and Billie Joe Wake.

Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.