Author: RumseyYost

Deborah Lavon Bretthauer

Posted on by RumseyYost

Funeral services for Deborah Lavon McKinzie Bretthauer RN BSN, 67, Lawrence, will be 10 AM Tuesday, January 5, 2016, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.

Deborah was born March 14, 1948, in Kansas City, KS, the daughter of John Henry and Roberta Lavon (Rhodes) McKinzie. In 1966, she graduated from Wyandotte High School and then Kansas University with a Bachelor of General Studies & Sociology (1976) and St. Mary University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with honors (1989).

She was an excellent nurse, supervisor, and a leader in her field. She also taught allied health courses throughout the region.

Deborah married her best friend, Frank Bretthauer, on March 17, 1978. Deborah and Frank have three daughters, Melinda (Richard), Elizabeth (Tim), and Molly. Beloved grandchildren include Jaered, Charlotte, Bob, and William.

She is preceded in death by her father. Survivors include parents Roberta and Jim Winney, brothers John Henry (Dianna) and Robert Stephen (Teresa), other adoring family, countless friends, and the many lives she graciously touched over the years.

Friends may call from 2PM until 6PM Monday, January 4, 2016 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. A Vigil service will begin at 6PM and visitation will follow.

Family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Social Service League and/or Just Food, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St. Lawrence, KS 66044. A Scholarship Fund is being established for those pursuing the nursing profession.

Lily Bailey

Posted on by RumseyYost

Lily Bailey, 98, of Lawrence, Kansas, died Thursday, December 31, 2015 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital after a short illness. Her son, Victor, and daughter-in-law, Ann-Kathryn were at her side.

Lily was born in Sheffield, Yorkshire, England on November 3, 1917, the daughter of Frank and Lily Meadows. Her father was a mason employed by the local colliery to build homes for miners. Lily was one of six children, five girls and one boy. She grew up in the Primitive Methodist faith. At 14 years of age, she and sister Phyllis went into domestic service, but so disliked their servitude that they ran away. They were then sent to Keighley, Yorkshire, fifty miles away, to work in a woolen textile mill, living in an attached hostel for women. She earned 20 shillings a week, and paid 19 shillings and sixpence for room and board. It was there, on the dance floor, that Lily met her husband Fred, a painter and decorator. Their daughter Pauline was born as war broke out, and Lily took care of her singlehandedly for five years while Fred served as a tank commander in the Eighth Army in North Africa and Italy.

Lily was a millworker until the age of 60, yet always ran the home with love and laughter. She was a resilient and optimistic soul, with a quiet simplicity, who laughed readily, quite against the grain of the dour Yorkshire archetype. Throughout her life, she was a truly accomplished seamstress and knitter. Family was everything to her. She thought the world of her granddaughter and great-grandchildren, and lovingly assisted their growth. They carry forward her life spirit.

In 2001, aged 83, she took the bold decision to move to Lawrence, Kansas, at the invitation of her son and daughter-in-law. She became a fixture of social events at the Hall Center for the Humanities, where she especially enjoyed dancing to the Chuck Berg trio.

Surviving family members include her daughter, Pauline Farley of Baildon, Yorkshire; son, Victor Bailey, wife Ann-Kathryn, of Lawrence, Kansas; granddaughter, Karen (Farley) Jackson, husband Kevin, great-granddaughter, Freya Jackson, and great-grandson, Jarl Jackson, all of Gargrave, Yorkshire. She is also survived by nephew Peter Midgley, wife June, nieces Kathleen Caulfield, husband Patrick, and Moira Harrison, all of England, and Lynn and Lee Bailey of Canada; and cousin Edna Myers of Keighley. Her husband, Fred Bailey, preceded her in death.

The family welcomes well-wishers to a “High Tea” celebration of Lily’s life at the Castle Tea Room on Friday, 8 January, 4:00–6:00 pm.

The family requests no flowers.

Calvin Frederick Bryan

Posted on by RumseyYost

Graveside services with military honors for Calvin Frederick Bryan, 87, Lawrence, will be at 2 pm Monday at Memorial Park Cemetery. Mr. Bryan died Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015, at his home.

He was born Feb. 28, 1928, in Lawrence, the son of William Frederick and Ruth Lorraine Daum Bryan. He graduated from Liberty Memorial High School, and later served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. He was employed as a machine operator at Lawrence Paper Co. for more than 30 years. He enjoyed metal detecting, collecting postcards, fishing, mushroom hunting, the outdoors, and bowling.

He married Goldie Byard. They later divorced. He later married Lea Wickerd, They later divorced. Survivors include four children, Steven Bryan, Calif., Ronda Brubaker and husband Steve, Midlothian, Tex., Regina Shelby and husband Tracy, Lawrence, and Russell Bryan and wife Kathy, Lawrence; twelve grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Susan Bryan, a grandson, David Bryan, and a brother, William Bryan.

Friends may call from 9 am to 8 pm Sunday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. The family suggests memorial contributions to VNA/Hospice, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

Scott Bradford Jackson

Posted on by RumseyYost

Scott Bradford Jackson (54) of Lawrence, KS passed away December 27, 2015 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital from complications of liver cancer.

Scott was born on March 17, 1961 the fourth of 4 children to LaDonna (Miller) and Richard Jackson in Seattle, WA. Scott and family moved to the Big Island of Hawaii in 1970 and he graduated from Hilo High School in 1980. Scott married Priscilla Taroma in 1980 before attending Whitworth College in Spokane, WA, majoring in music. His first marriage ended 3 years later. Scott moved to Waterloo, IA in 1990, and was married to Bonnie Simons in 1993. Their marriage led them to MN, HI and KS, as well as blessing them with a daughter, Auria, in 2002. Scott and family settled in Lawrence July of 2005; his second marriage ending in 2010.

Scott graduated from Upper Iowa University in 2001 with a Bachelors of Science in Human Services. His employment concentrated on the human service field, working with children and adults with mental or developmental disabilities, substance abuse, assisted living or case management. His employment in Lawrence included Cottonwood, Inc., DCAP, and DECCA.

Scott was an avid supporter of the arts, teaching dance in his younger years. He was also a poet, painter, composer, musician and illustrator. He enjoyed cooking, fine wine, photography, exercise and anything artistic.

Scott is survived by his daughter, Auria of Lawrence, KS; his sister Holly (and Gerry) Hollins of Hilo, HI; two brothers Barry Jackson of Hilo, HI and Kevin Jackson of Anchorage, AK; niece Athena Hollins of St. Paul, MN, two nephews Frank Hollins of Ainaloa, HI and Andrew Jackson of Anchorage, AK; and his partner Donna Dix of Lawrence, KS. He was proceeded in death by his parents and grandparents.

No Lawrence services are planned at this time. A Hawaii service and scattering of ashes are planned for summer 2016. Memorials may be directed to Bonnie Jackson (255 N Michigan St. #102, Lawrence, KS 66044)

John Eldon Montgomery

Posted on by RumseyYost

John Eldon Montgomery, of Lawrence, Kansas, died December 26, 2015. For 90 years he blessed those around him with his passion for living.

John was born in Junction City, Kansas, on August 3, 1925, the only child of Chris and Esther Oegerle Montgomery. John enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17, prior to his graduation from high school in Junction City, Kansas in 1943. He served in the Navy until April 14, 1946, and was the tail gunner on two aircraft carrier dive bombers. Taking part in such World War II operations as Wake Island, Truk Atoll, Saipan, and Iwo Jima, John experienced 327 carrier take-offs and 326 landings. At the end of the war, he was in the Philippine Islands, awaiting a possible allied invasion of Japan in a Normandy-like operation.

Following his discharge from the Navy, he attended Kansas State University and Kansas Wesleyan in Salina, where he obtained his bachelor’s degree. Later, he earned his master’s degree from Kansas State University. John began teaching in Junction City, where he married Patricia Jean Platt in 1954. They moved first to Limon, Colorado, then to Great Bend in 1956, where John taught school at Roosevelt Junior High School until his retirement in 1989. He took great satisfaction in instructing students in drivers’ education courses and coaching a variety of athletic teams. In 2005, John and Patricia moved to Lawrence, Kansas. Since retiring, John and Patricia enjoyed traveling and spent their winters in Mesa, Arizona, and summers in Estes Park, Colorado.

John is survived by his wife, Patricia, of Lawrence; son, Steve (Jane), of Spring Hill; daughter Terri Schenkel (Steve), of Great Bend; and son, Chris (Margaret), of Richmond, Virginia; as well as seven grandchildren.

John loved sports and reveled in the transformation of his beloved KSU Wildcat football team from doormat to national power. He and Patricia attended countless sporting events and cheered for their children and so many others during their many years in Great Bend. John’s distinct voice could be heard in the largest of crowds. He watched every pitch of the 2014 post-season run by the Kansas City Royals to the World Series. John never tired of telling how he sank a long putt or chipped in to win a coke from his golfing buddies. His love of golf was passed down from his father and on to John’s sons and grandsons. John was an avid reader and never content to accept others’ versions of history. He did his own research. John was strong and of an independent mind with clear opinions he would share, sometimes without invitation. He will be so missed. Jeezel Peezel!

A visitation will be held at Rumsey-Yost in Lawrence on January 3, 3:00-4:00 p.m. Graveside services will be at Marion Cemetery on January 4, 1:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held at the Great Bend First Congregational United Church of Christ on January 5, 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church/UCC Women’s Fellowship, 3400 21st Street, Great Bend, KS 67530; or to Midland Hospice, 200 S.W. Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66066.

James M. ‘Pitter-Pat’ Patterson

Posted on by RumseyYost

James M. Patterson, 77, Oskaloosa, Kansas died Sunday, December 20th at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. He was born on January 3rd, 1938 in Cloud County, Kansas to Thomas R. and Anna (Eiznhamer) Patterson and was the fourth of six children. James was a 1956 Lawrence High School graduate. After high school, he spent a tour of duty in the U.S. Army. Upon leaving the Army, he went to work for Co-op/Farmland Industries in Lawrence until retirement.

James was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Robert and sister, Mary. He is survived by daughters, Salena and Lesa and their families; brothers, George (Sylvia) of McCook, Nebraska, Joe (Shirley) of Lawrence and sister, Amanda Barnes of Baldwin City.
James was an active member of the Lawrence Fraternal Order of Eagles. He was an original member of the “OUTKAST” car club in Lawrence. It was about this time that he was given the nickname of “Pitter-Pat”.

The family would like to thank all of the staff at Hickory Pointe Care Center in Oskaloosa for the love, care and attention given to James during his time there. James had chosen cremation. Visitation for family and friends will be at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home on Sunday, January 17 from 4 to 6 p.m. Memorials can be made to Hickory Pointe Care Center in care of the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Charles (Charlie) Raymond Grahnert

Posted on by RumseyYost

Charles (Charlie) R. Grahnert, 65, Lenexa, formerly of Topeka, passed Friday, December 18, 2015, at his home.

He was born January 7, 1950, in Leavenworth, Kansas, the son of Adolf R. and Josephine P. DeVeau Grahnert. He spent his early childhood in Tacoma, Wa , before moving to Topeka, Ks where he attended Jr High, and High School, graduating in 1968 from Topeka High School.

Mr. Grahnert worked at Performance Glass as an Estimator, and has lived in the Kansas City area for 30 years.

Charlie was very active in sports from Junior High through adulthood and was most passionate about baseball. He not only played, but coached as well. He was an avid fan of the KC Royals, KC Chiefs, and his beloved KU Jayhawks.

Survivors include wife Cynthia R. Rodman of the home; a daughter, Heather Grahnert, Topeka; two sons, Brett C. Grahnert, Lawrence, and R. Scott Grahnert, Topeka; two step-daughters, Catherine T. Hawkins, Belton, Mo, and Julie K. Morrison, Lawrence; one step-son, Lonnie R. Hawkins, Lawrence; one sister, Linda Newcomer, Tacoma, Wa; sixteen grandchildren, one great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Connie L. Noack.

Funeral Services will be 1 pm Wednesday, December 23, 2015, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, Lawrence, Ks, burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mr. Grahnert will lie in state after 6 pm, Tuesday, December 22. Visitation will be at 12 pm, Wednesday prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Charity of Donor’s choice.

Linda Sue McNish

Posted on by RumseyYost

Graveside services for Linda Sue McNish, 50, Lawrence, will be 11 am, Wednesday, December 23, 2015, at Maple Grove Cemetery, Lecompton, KS.

Linda passed away peacefully Friday, December 18, 2015, at her home, with her family at her bedside.

She was born April 19, 1965, in Little Rock, Arkansas, the daughter of James Franklin and Justine Pauline Barrett McNish. She attended Perry /Lecompton High School.

Linda worked at Henry’s, Hardees and Hallmark Cards as a machine operator.

She is preceded in death by her dad (Jim), mom (Justine), a brother (James Jr.), a sister (Betty Jo Corel), a nephew (Blake McNish) and maternal and paternal grandparents.

Survivors include two sisters, Mary and husband Phillip Markmann, MO, Judy McNish, Lawrence; three brothers, Paul McNish, Avondale, LA, Tim McNish, Lecompton, KS, Tom and wife Brandi McNish, Eudora, KS; seven nieces, six nephews, two great nieces and one great nephew.

A visitation will be 6-8 pm Tuesday December 22, 2015, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral home.

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

Ruth Marie Johnson

Posted on by RumseyYost

Ruth Marie Johnson, 92, Lawrence, passed away on December 19, 2015 at Bridge Haven at Alvamar in Lawrence, KS. with her daughter at her side. Ruth was born to Norman and Lucella (Peterson) Hanson on August 15, 1923 at the home of her grandparents, Nels and Caroline Hanson in Lyle Township, MN.
She graduated from Lyle High School in 1941.
She married Gordon Johnson on January 9, 1943 in Lyle, MN. He preceded her in death on Dec. 4, 2004.
She worked at Herb and Bills Grocery, Woolworth’s, Simonson Paint Store and retired from Wallaces.
She and Gordon were ling time active members of St. Olaf Church. She was also a past board member at St. Marks. She enjoyed playing cards, crocheting and dancing.
She is survives by a daughter, Marjorie Etzig of Lawrence, KS, three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, Trista Etzig and husband Adam Brecher and Abbott of Washington DC, Chad and Amy Etzig, Chloe, Dylan, and Emily of Olathe, KS, Alison and Paul Groenwoldt Hanna of LaPlata, MD. and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Patents Norman and Luella Hanson, sisters and brothers-in-law, Virginia and H.C. Blume, Betty and Rudy Jansen.