Author: RumseyYost

Wesley H. Grammer Jr.

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Memorial services for Wesley H. Grammer Jr., 63, Lawrence, will be at 6 pm Thursday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will receive friends following the service. Mr. Grammer died Sunday, Sept. 6, 2015, at his home.

He was born Oct. 25, 1951, in Lawrence, the son of Wesley H. Sr. and Dorothy Jean Bingham Grammer. He graduated from Lawrence High School, and later attended the University of Kansas. Mr. Grammer worked in quality control for Kmart Distribution Center for 40 years. He enjoyed fishing and following the Royals, Chiefs, Packers, and Jayhawks.

He married Judy P. Koczan on July 3, 1975, and together enjoyed 40 years of marriage. She survives of the home. Other survivors include children Matthew Grammer, Lawrence, Shawn Grammer and wife Shallon, Leavenworth, and Dorothy Kliem and husband Alex, Lawrence; siblings Rodney Grammer, Reno, Nev., Wanda Haider and husband David, Parker, Colo., and Brenda Maberry, Weir, Kan; and grandchildren Matthew, Michelle, Tatum, Casey, Brayden, and Andru Grammer, Caitlynn Kliem, and Tyla Meyers.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Wesley Grammer Memorial Fund, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044. Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.

Thomas “Tom” Michael Hines

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Thomas Michael Hines, 65, of Houston passed away Thursday, September 3, 2015. Tom was born in St. Louis, Missouri on February 20, 1950 to John and Lucille Hines. He is preceded in death by his parents, and reunited in Heaven to his beloved daughter Erin Hines Hughes and grandson Clayton Hughes. Mr. Hines is survived by his wife Jeanne Hines; children, Justin Hines, Emily Hines Klever & husband Isaiah, Bianca Alonzo & husband Bryan, Nathaniel Baker, Dylan Baker; grandchildren, Christian Klever, Penelope Alonzo, Kaya Klever, Pierce Alonzo; brother, Ron Hines; sister, Barb Kahn as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends and colleagues.

Tom was raised in the St. Louis area. He spent much of his professional career in the hospitality industry working for hotels in St. Louis, MO, Kansas City, MO, Little Rock, AR and Houston, TX where he was the Director of Engineering for Royal Sonesta. Tom was a hardworking, devoted, approachable man to his colleagues, friends and family. He was a friend and mentor to many. He loved golf, a great bar-b-que and boating. Above all Tom loved his family and his friends and enjoyed spending time with them. He helped us all to understand how to “hit the easy button”, relax and enjoy our lives. His family, colleagues and friends loved him dearly and will always remember him fondly.

The Hines family will be present to receive friends to celebrate Tom’s life Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 2 pm, at Oak Hill Cemetery, 1605 Oak Hill Ave, Lawrence, KS 66044. There will be a reception following the graveside service at, Lawrence Country Club, 400 Country Club Terr.

Miriana Ivanka Jerkovich

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Funeral services for Miriana Ivanka Jerkovich, 88, Wichita, KS, will be 10 am Thursday, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Rosary with visitation to follow will be Wednesday starting at 6 pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

She died Saturday, September 05, 2015, at the Catholic Care Center in Wichita, KS.

Miriana was born September 23, 1926, in Slavonska Požega, Croatia, the daughter of Stjepan and Ana Gajer Hell. As a girl she moved to Split, Croatia where she received her education finishing the equivalent of a Bachelor’s of Arts. Later she attended Graduate School at Kansas University studying French literature.

She was a homemaker. She cared for others, nurtured relationships, and had many close, dear friends. Her smile was genuine and unaffected. She saw the best in everyone and had a very positive, optimistic outlook on life. Her kind, loving nature will be missed.

She married George Christopher Jerkovich on October 5, 1954, in Split, Croatia. He preceded her in death on February 23, 1994.

Survivors include a son Dr. George Jerkovich and wife Joan, Salina, KS; daughter, Nika Cummings and husband Bill, Wichita, KS. She had eight grandchildren; Adria, Nicholas, Vincent, Jordan, Joseph, Chris, Bill, and Julia all of whom were a joy in her life.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kansas University Endwoment George Jerkovich Fund, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St. Lawrence, KS 66044

Friends may call from noon to 8 pm Wednesday where the family will greet them after the rosary.

Virginia B. Morrill

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Memorial services for Virginia B. Morrill, 94, Lawrence, will be at 10 am Monday at Mustardseed Church, with Paster Pieter Willems officiating. Mrs. Morrill died Friday, September 4, 2015, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

She was born Sept. 14, 1920, in Alden, Kan., the daughter of Jesse B. and Lillie M. Stout. Mrs. Morrill was employed at Missouri Valley Bridge & Iron Co. in the early 1940’s, and the University of Kansas in Lawrence from 1964-83.

She married William B. Morrill and enjoyed 54 years of marriage. He preceded her in death, as did a son, Michael Morrill, and a sister, Estelle M. Parish. Survivors include a son, Brenton Morrill, Oklahoma City, Okla.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Mustard Seed Church, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

Eldon P. Miller

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Eldon P. Miller, 86, born May 25, 1929, in Lawrence, Ks. and died Monday, August 31, 2015, at his residence in Babcock Place, Lawrence. He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Terry) Harris, daughter-in-law, Janice Miller, 4 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He was born the son of Byran L. Miller and Nellie Mae (McNeil) Miller and spent most of his life in Lawrence, graduating from Liberty Memorial High School and retiring from Kansas Power & Light. Eldon joined the United States Air Force and was initially stationed at Lackland Air Field in Texas. He married Ruth (Murphy, Miller) Buller and they lived at several bases, including Panama City and Ashland, Kentucky where their son was born. After being honorably discharged, they returned to Lawrence and had a daughter. Later they divorced, and he moved to Perry, Ks. Eldon re-married and lived in Ozawkie before returning to Lawrence after his wife Ada’s death.

As a son of the Lord, Eldon only knew how to give to others needing his help. He also loved playing ball and umpiring (baseball, softball) in his younger years, and later fishing, tinkering and making/fixing things of all kinds.

Eldon was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Cecil, Bernard and Iola, and his son Jeffrey D. No services will be held per his request. Memorials to the American Cancer Society in his and/or his son’s name are suggested. You may follow any condolences or messages regarding Eldon P. Miller through this RSS feed.

Isabelle Virginia Gray Schaake

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Memorial services for Isabelle Virginia Gray Schaake, 93, Lawrence, will be 6:00 p.m. Thursday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Mrs. Schaake died Monday, August 31, 2015, at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor.

She was born March 14, 1922, in Welch, West Virginia, the daughter of Belfred Hampton and Nellie Virginia Mays Gray. She graduated from The University Of Virginia School Of Nursing.

Mrs. Schaake worked as a Registered Nurse and Counselor before her retirement. She was a member of the Lawrence First United Methodist Church, Lawrence Music Club, Lawrence Civic Choir, Ladies Literary League, and the University Of Virginia School Of Nursing Alumni.

She had a passion for traveling and enjoyed many trips world wide.

She married Carl Leon Schaake in 1958 in Miami, Oklahoma. He died in 2011.

Survivors include a daughter, Sarah Gray Leonhard and husband John, of Oskaloosa; grandchildren, Shelby Leonhard of Oskaloosa and Tyler Leonhard of Manhattan; and niece, Eleanor Andrews of Staunton, VA.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers and sister, Nellie Liddle.

The family will receive friends following the service on Thursday.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Good Samaritan Fund, of Presbyterian Manor, sent in care of the funeral home.

Marjorie Louise “Marge” Brown

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Graveside services for Marjorie Louise “Marge” Brown, 90, Lawrence, will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mrs. Brown died Friday, August 28, 2015, at Pioneer Ridge Nursing Facility.

She was born January 25, 1925, in Brookville, Kansas, the daughter of Floyd and Nettie Rist Curtiss. She has lived in Lawrence all her life.

Mrs. Brown worked as a machine fold operator at Hallmark Cards for 24 years. She enjoyed bowling leagues and loved camping with family and friends.

She married George Edward Brown on August 17, 1943 in Lawrence. He died in 2000.

Survivors include a son, Larry Brown of Lawrence; daughter, Karen Wadkins of Lawrence; grandchildren, Deanna Brown, Michael Brown, Cathy Brown, Russ Guenther, Jennifer Gentry, Jodie Meyersick, and Melissia Janke; 16 great grandchildren; and 4 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Harold Brown; brothers, Earl Curtiss, Robert Curtiss, and Marvin Curtiss; and great-great granddaughter, Zoey Brown.

Friends may call from noon to 8 p.m. Monday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, where the family will receive them from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Visiting Nurses, sent in care of the funeral home.

Lt Col (Ret) James L. Berry

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Lt Col (Ret) James L Berry passed away peacefully at his home in Lawrence KS August 25 of natural causes with family by his side. A private military burial with honors will take place at the National Cemetery in Leavenworth KS. Visitation for friends and family will be Sunday August 30th, 6-7pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana, Lawrence KS. A visitation is also planned for Wednesday September 2 from 6-8pm at Brenner Mortuary, 114 E 4th St Pittsburg KS

He was born May 19, 1939 in Hollywood CA, the son of professional wrestler Ralph “Wild Red” Berry and Lillie (Pilkenton) Berry. Jim’s youth was spent in Hollywood and Pittsburg KS.

Jim graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1957, obtained his degree in education from Pittsburg State University in 1961 and later obtained Masters Degrees in Education and Business Administration. Jim also briefly followed in his father’s footsteps as a professional wrestler under the name of Jim Brady.

He served Active Duty in the United States Army Military Police from 1962-1982. Jim served in Korea and Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star as well as other awards during his career.

He was stationed numerous locations including France, Missouri, Georgia, Alabama, Texas, California and Kansas. Jim graduated from the Command and General Staff College. After his retirement from the Army, he was a Special Agent for the Department of Defense and later served 15 years as the Senior Military JROTC Instructor for the Northeast Military Magnet High School in Kansas City. His JROTC Unit was designated Honor Unit with Distinction, awarded only to top Units in the nation. Numerous National Championships were also awarded to the drill, color guard, rifle and weightlifting teams. Jim also volunteered during his summers as a coach for the Junior Olympic National Shooting Team.
Jim retired in 2000. During retirement, he enjoyed multiple trips with family to Europe and California.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 52 years, Sharon Joyce (Hess) Berry of the home, a stepson Alden Cooper, three children, Jamie (Rick) Davidson, Diana Berry, and Daniel (Nicole) Berry as well three grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the caregivers of St Luke’s Hospice, the staff at Lawrence Memorial Hospital and St Lukes Hospital.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions made to USO, sent in care of the funeral Home.

D. Ann Squier

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D. Ann Squier, age 56, died peacefully Wednesday August 26th at her home in the company of her life partner, Tim Van Natta and friends after a long battle with brain cancer. She is loved and will be dearly missed. A causual celebration of life will be held at a later date in Lawrence, along with a grave site memorial service in Brownell Kansas interring her ashes.

The daughter of William and Veta Squier was born on March 19th 1959 in Ransom Kansas. She grew up on her family’s wheat and cattle homestead in Brownell until she graduated from the local high school. Leaving the rural life she knew behind, she attended Fort Hays State University and received her BA in Sociology. Continuing in her studies she moved to Lawrence and completed in short order her Masters and was awarded a Ph.D. in 1991 that concentrated on gerontological issues.

D. Ann will be remembered for her spunky dispostion and quick wit. Her love of life was evident in her many friendships, as well as her piano playing but mostly in her natural ability to break into a dance and shake her stuff at night clubs and music festivals.

She would spend many a dark night gazing into the vastness of space and could show you the constellations, stars and planets in any season as they rose and set within the night sky. Ad astra per aspera, my little princess.

She loved to travel and visited many a city and country and learned of their ways. In her later years she relished in shooting pool, gardening, camping and venturing out many a time to major league baseball games in St. Louis, Chicago and Kansas City.

An advocate of knowledge and reading, she worked at the Oread Bookshop in the Memorial Union for 19 years and then as a Medicare Representative until her illness befell her.

Survivors include Tim, her bosom buddy of 30 years whom she met while attending KU, her parents, her brothers John and Lee, his wife Colette, her nieces Stefanie and Cecily, her husband Steve Visser along with two grandnephews Nels and Karsten from Austin.

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