Author: RumseyYost

Price Terrance Banks

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Price Terrance Banks, 82, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 21, at Bridge Haven. Since December 2020 he fought the debilitating disease of multiple myeloma caused by his exposure to Agent Orange while in Vietnam in 1965.

He was born in Saginaw, Michigan, the son of Wayne and Vera (Archambault) Banks, on May 17, 1943. He graduated from Alma High School in Alma, Michigan. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in Resource Development from Michigan State University. He earned a Juris Doctorate degree from Cooley Law School in Lansing Michigan.

He married Marge (Marjorie) Jordan in 1968.

In his early career he was an Urban Planner for the City of Lansing, Michigan, for Genessee County, Michigan, and for the City of Howell, Michigan. Then he was County Administrator for Livingston County, Michigan. In 1982 he and Marge and family moved to Lawrence, Kansas where he was the Planning Director for the City of Lawrence and Douglas County. In 1994 he opened his own law practice in Lawrence, Kansas and retired in 2012. He conducted seminars for the Michigan League of Municipalities and Michigan Association of Counties, the Kansas League of Municipalities and the Kansas Association of Counties. He taught at the Kansas Graduate School for Urban Planning.

Price and his family were very active and he prompted many adventures.

His primary passion was his family. In addition to those travels and activities, he was dedicated to running. He completed three Detroit Marathons. He enjoyed fly fishing and fished in multiple states with Marge and with dear friends. Having enjoyed hunting birds and deer with his father and brother in his childhood, he continued hunting with friends in and out of state. Sailing was another favorite, including bare-boat chartering in the Caribbean and Mexico with his cousin, with Marge and the kids, and with close friends.

Survivors include wife Marge, son Trevor Banks of Arvada Colorado, daughter Taylor Reynolds of Lake Orion, Michigan. Grandchildren – Kayden and Carter Reynolds of Lake Orion, Michigan and Zoe and Maya Banks of Arvada, Colorado and sister-in-law, Gladys Banks. He is preceded in death by brother Robert Banks and sister Charmaine Robinson. Both Trevor and Taylor graduated from Lawrence High School and the University of Kansas.

The family wishes to acknowledge the outstanding care Price received from staff at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Pioneer Ridge and Bridge Haven, surgeons at the University of Kansas Medical Center, and caregivers of Elara Caring and VNA Hospice.

The family suggests acts of kindness and/or donations to the Lawrence Community Shelter would honor Price.

Celebration of Life of Price Banks, Saturday, September 6 at Arterra Event Gallery, 2161 Quail Creek Dr., Lawrence, KS.  Drop in between 3:00 and 5:00 and share a memory or two with family and friends.

Walter Charles “Walt” Houk, Jr.

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Walter Charles Houk, Jr., 84, of Lawrence, passed away Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living of Lawrence. He was born in Lawrence on February 13, 1941, to Walter Charles Houk, Sr. and Elizabeth (Betty) Houk Spencer. He was raised in Lawrence, Kansas, graduated from Lawrence High School and attended The University of Kansas.

He married his beloved wife, Janice LeeAnn (Stewart) Houk, on August 9, 1959. They have two children, Kent Houk and Kimberly (Houk) Bickling and her husband, Ryan; four grandchildren, Zachary Bickling, Mackenzie Bickling, Coleman Houk, and Chase Houk; one great-grandson, Calvin Walter Houk; and one sister, Becky Gaurotte.  Walt was with Maupintour for 35+ years and was an owner of Travellers, Inc. He is also survived by his close friends and business partners Judi Rawlings (>50 years), John Novotny (>40 years). and Rosemary Stipe (>30 years).

He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Houk Spencer, and father, Walter C. Houk, Sr. who was killed in action in WWII in Germany.

Walt was in the travel business since he was 17 years old and travelled extensively to many places in the world, often with his family and business partners. His travels took him to the Caribbean, Mexico, Cozumel, Merida, Central America, South Pacific, Alaska, Canada, Hawaii, the Bahamas, Europe, the Orient, and the entire United States. He was President and Board Member to many travel organizations. He enjoyed spending time with those he loved.

His main hobby/interest was in baseball, and he was one the founders of DCABA (Douglas County Baseball Association), Travellers Semi-Pro team and coached in the South Park League and American Legion, working with youths and young men for over 50 years. He established friendships with hundreds of his players.

He was active in other organizations: Lawrence Country Club, Board of Directors on the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Cosmo Breakfast Club, and the Quarterback, Roundball, and Diamond clubs at KU. He also helped start Crime Stoppers.

A celebration of Walt’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, August 1, 2025 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Walt Houk Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS 66044.

Wayne Ernest Kanzig

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Memorial Services for Wayne E. Kanzig, 89, Eudora, will be 11:00 am, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3615 W 10th St, Lawrence. A Visitation will begin at 10:00 am.

Wayne passed away on the evening of July 14, 2025, doing what he loved most—fixing things in the shop on the family farm. Fittingly, he left this life in the very same space where his father, Johnny, passed 42 years earlier.

Wayne was born January 6, 1936, in Lawrence, Kansas, the only (and admittedly spoiled) son of John and Bessie Kanzig. Ornery, hardworking, and sharp as a tack, he graduated from Baldwin High School in 1956 and earned a bachelor’s degree in Geology from the University of Kansas in 1969. He grew up on the family farm, which his ancestors purchased in 1850 after immigrating from Switzerland by way of Ohio.

He served in the Coast Guard Reserves and later became a beloved science teacher in Olathe, Kansas. His unforgettable—and occasionally explosive—classroom experiments delighted his students (and sometimes rattled school administrators). Even after he left the classroom, he never stopped teaching, always eager to share knowledge with friends, family, and anyone lucky enough to know him.

Wayne also worked for decades as a heavy equipment operator with Operating Engineers Local 101, helping build major projects including Oak Park Mall and the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas.

Devoted to the farm and to his parents throughout his life, Wayne raised his son Terry and daughter Susie there—both becoming his loyal farm hands. After Susie left for college, Wayne met Helen—the love of his life and the best partner and farm hand he could have asked for.

Wayne had four children: Christina (who passed away at age 3), Terrence (Terry), Patricia (Patsy/Patty), and Suzanne (Susie). After 16 years as a single father, he met Helen at Clearfield Church in Eudora. Together, they raised a second family: Lee, Kirschen, and Remmey. Wayne and Helen shared 37 devoted years of marriage and were active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He is survived by his wife, Helen Kanzig; sister, Roxie Hausman; children: Patty Allen (Tim), Susie Kanzig, Terry Kanzig (preceded in death by his wife Jan), Kirschen Minsky (preceded in death by her husband Mike), and Remmey Kanzig; grandchildren: Chip Allen, Libby Allen, Grace Murphy, Miles Murphy, Elly Stewart, Mack Stewart; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Greta Chubb; daughter Christina Kanzig; and son Lee Nelson.

Wayne also leaves behind a legendary sweet tooth. A double scoop of ice cream on a slice of pie was one of life’s great pleasures. Chocolate came in a close second.

May heaven be filled with sweets, tools that work perfectly, and fields ready to be harvested. You were a good man, deeply loved, and you will be missed more than words can say.

Memorial contributions may be made to Kansas Public Radio.

Mail checks to:

Kansas Public Radio

1120 W 11th St

Lawrence KS 66044

Or online; kansaspublicradio.org

Please mention Wayne Kanzig in the comment section.

 

Zoom the service at https://app.zoom.us/wc/96783664556/join?fromPWA=1

Webinar ID 96783664556

Passcode 072025

Kendra Lyn Vantuyl-Escalante

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The world has lost a loving and giving soul. Kendra Lyn Vantuyl-Escalante passed away peacefully at her home in the early hours of July 14th, 2025. Kendra was born in Lawrence, KS, on March 1st, 1995, to Kristen Vantuyl (Lawrence, KS) and Rick Sheley (St. George, Utah). She was the first grandchild of Barbara Vantuyl (Lawrence, KS) and the first great-grandchild of Evelyn Burk (deceased). She spent her early years under the same roof with three generations of women, making her the fourth generation.

Kendra embraced one of her most cherished roles when she became a big sister, first in 2004, when Kristin and Martin Madorin (Cedar, KS) welcomed Kamdin Madorin (Los Angeles, CA), and again in 2007 with the birth of Makayla Madorin (Lawrence, KS). In 2013, she graduated from Lawrence High School and moved to St. George, Utah, to study nursing at Dixie State University with the support of her father Rick. She was an accomplished cello player, earning a seat in the Dixie State Symphony Orchestra.

She moved back to Kansas and soon met her husband, Christopher Escalante. Christopher took her on their first date on February 29th, 2020, on the eve of her birthday. The love and romance were instantaneous, and they married on July 14th, 2020. Kendra was a loving and devoted wife. Her hobbies included creating art projects, playing music, and making a life full of love with Christopher and her family. She was dedicated to her work as a CNA. An incredible caregiver, she worked at Bella Terra in Utah, Pioneer Ridge in Lawrence, KS, and Brewster Place in Topeka, KS.

Chronic illness sadly plagued her final years. She fought valiantly until the very end. Her life, though far too short, will continue to inspire and comfort all who were blessed to know her.

Kendra is survived by her half-siblings: Andrea Philips, Craig Sheley, Chelsea Roth, Abigail Sheley, Kamdin Madorin, Makayla Madorin, and Kelby Sheley. She had two stepdaughters, Jocelyn and Lily Escalante, and is also survived by her father- and mother-in-law, Robert and Brenda Escalante (Topeka, KS).

Other surviving family includes her great-uncles Randy and Scott (Kansas City, MO), her great-uncle Mike Vantuyl (Topeka, KS), her great-aunt Veda Vantuyl (Plano, TX), her aunt Janice Zishka (Liberty, MO), her uncle Danny Vantuyl (Lawrence, KS), and her cousins Tanner, Cali, Jace, and Robbie. Her surviving grandparents are Barbara Vantuyl, and Edgar and Joan Marie Sheley of Corning, KS.

She was preceded in death by her great-grandmother Evelyn Burk, grandfather Daniel Vantuyl, her aunt Lori Vantuyl, and her aunt Pam Aversano.

Rumsey-Yost will host a visitation on Friday, August 1, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM, with the memorial service on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 10:30 AM.

Livestream services at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc1Mzk3Nzg1MTM3NDA2OSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==

Davaughn James Pellis

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Davaughn James Pellis passed away on Wednesday, July 9, 2025

He was born April 28, 1994, in Lawrence, Kansas. He was the son of James Earl Pellis, Lisa Lynn Lathrom and Stephen L. Webb Sr.

He graduated from Lawrence High School and was a member of the Lawrence High School Marching Lions Band.

Davaughn had many brothers and sisters, just to name a few, Mikel Jeromy Lee Wray, Lacie (Wray) Spiker, Nina Simone Atkins, Toy Harrison, Stephen Webb II, Bria Cruse, Robert Moore, Jamaine Williams, Shay Peller, Christopher Needham and Jaiden Pellis, Allen Harrison, Vinnie Brooks, Trey Dudley, Jamal Pellis, James Peller Jr., Audrina Pellis, Aubrey Pellis, Jameise Needum, Gabrielle Davenport, Shenita Townsend, Terrance Carter.

Other relatives include his Niece, Latalya Spiker, Nephews, Jeromy Cumpton, Rylan Patterson and Jordon Spiker.

Grandfathers, Jerry Lathrom, Sidney Gonce Sr, Willie Webb and James Phillips.

Grandmothers Carol (Nightingale) Gonce, Anne MiMi Nickson and Maggie Bennett

Aunts and Uncles, Lorri (Lathrom) Coleman, lynda Bennett-Newson, Juanita Croft, Patricia Bradberry, Luconya Williams, Nikki Phillips, Sherelia Webb Bowers, Larry Peller, Fredrick Bennett.

First Cousins, Danielle Coleman, Kevin Coleman II, Kionna Coleman, Zackiyah Sanders and many more.

A visitation will take place Saturday July 19, 2025 at 12 noon and Funeral services will follow at 1:00p.m. at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Celebration of Life will be held after services. Details will be available at the service.

 

John Ward Hillebert, III

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John Ward Hillebert, III, 69, of Eudora passed away Thursday, July 10, 2025, at his home.

He was born March 25, 1956, in Gardner, Kansas, the son of Joseph Ward Hillebert, Sr. and Lois Lavern (Minor) Hillebert.  John was a jack of all trades working in carpentry, welding and construction.

He married Sherry (Vaughn) Hoard in 2002.  She survives.  Other survivors include his children, Christina Hoard, Guthrie  Hoard, Kristi Brautman; his grandchildren, Andrew and Zachary  Brautman; his siblings, Marilyn Smardo and Vickie Hillebert; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents and his siblings Danny Hillebert, Saddie Coon, Bruce French, Janie Hillebert, Joan Ellis, Joe Hillebert, and Roy Hillebert.

Cremation is planned and a Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Thursday, July 17, 2025 at Eudora Parks & Recreation Center, 1630 Elm Street, Eudora.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 5800 Foxridge Dr, Mission, KS 66202.

Beverly Jean Nix Spring

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Beverly Jean Nix Spring passed away on July 8th, 2025, at the ripe old age of 90. She was a beloved mother to Janet Schmidt (Bill Schmidt) and Carol Watgen (Tom Watgen); grandmother to Philip Schmidt (Christen), Stephanie Hein, Kayla and Steven Thawnghmung; great-grandmother to Bella Thawnghmung, Delphine, Yann, and Remy Schmidt, and Jack, Sadie, and Silas Hein; and friend to many. Despite enduring dementia, she continued to live a life of kindness and grace; each morning, upon awakening, she asked the Lord, “How can I be of service today?” Whether comforting a recent widow or giving her famous hugs, she met each day as an opportunity to love others.
She was born in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, on January 28th, 1935, to Maywood and Herschel Nix. When her brother, Steve, joined the family, she decided it was her job to take care of him. They moved to Wichita, where Mom graduated from Wichita East High School in 1953, then earned a Bachelor’s degree in Botany and Bacteriology from Wichita State University in 1957, graduating Cum Laude. Not bad for a woman during an era when women in scientific fields were a rarity! Beverly loved science. She claimed that scientific discoveries and knowledge only proved the presence of God. Much like Francis Collins, in his book The Language of God, she claimed it took more faith to believe creation was a random event than to believe in a divine creator. God is the source of all life. An avid environmentalist, she taught us the importance of recycling and led school field trips for elementary children at nearby lakes and wetlands. She returned to work once Carol was in high school and spent the remainder of her career at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, where she worked in TB and Mycology.
One day, while still in college, as she rushed down the steps after church, she caught the eye of Donald Spring, and from that moment, they were inseparable. Married on December 23rd, 1956, their example of respect and kindness toward one another created an ideal childhood for Janet and Carol. In 1970, the family moved to Topeka and joined First Baptist Church, where they were active in the Faithbuilders Sunday School and sang with the Chancel Choir for 30 years. She sewed our clothes, braided rugs (the only time we ever heard her swear–but only with words like “Dagnabit!”), and baked her famous bread and cinnamon rolls. Carol learned her love of baking from Mom. Mom also took up running because of Janet’s accomplishments in track and cross-country, even running a 10k road race with Jan in 1983. Mom became a fixture in the area as she jogged with our dog, Molly, regularly, and still picked up aluminum cans to recycle.
They eventually moved to Brandon Woods in Lawrence. Immediately, Beverly jumped into helping others as a member of the Resident’s Council and President of the Welcoming Committee. Her daily mission was to be of service to others. After Dad died in 2016, her focus moved to those who had also lost a spouse. As a member of First Baptist Church, she enjoyed attending the early service until she could no longer participate.
Even in the final week, she kissed the hands that cared for her, and her eyes lit up with a spark of recognition for her loved ones. We want to express our sincere gratitude to all the staff at Brandon Woods and Bridge Haven. You loved our parents. As Dad lay dying in 2016, and Beverly was passing this week, you shared our tears, listened to our stories, and comforted us as we said goodbye. We are also grateful for the amazing nurses, social workers, music therapists, and chaplain from Ascend Hospice. Thank you for treating the dying with such respect and dignity. She is at peace, and we joyfully await our reunion in heaven with our Lord.