Graveside inurnment for Jeanette Marie Fleer, 57, Lawrence, will be 11 am Tuesday at Oak Hill Cemetery. She died Wednesday at Brandon Woods at Alvamar.
She was born September 1, 1957 in Lawrence, the daughter of Marjorie Marie Nitchals Fleer and Jay Marshall Fleer.
Maxine E. Whaley Egner, 83, of Baldwin, KS, passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2015, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
Maxine was born on July 17, 1932, in Hiawatha, KS, the daughter of Ulysses M. and Helen Cheatham Whaley. She grew up in the Mt. Zion community northeast of Hiawatha and graduated from Hamlin High School in 1950. Maxine received a secretarial certificate from a business college at Omaha, Nebraska.
She married Joseph A. Egner on September 20, 1952. They made their home in various places across the Midwest, following his employer, Williams Pipeline, until his death on July 10, 1986. After his death she moved to Baldwin, KS, to be near family.
Maxine enjoyed baking, gardening, and spending time with her family and friends.
She is survived by a brother, Lee Whaley, her six children, Michael Egner, Kathleen Trussell, Linda Egner, Timothy Egner, Daniel Egner, Mary Eickhoff, and their families.
A memorial service for Maxine will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home on Friday, August 14th. Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m. prior to the service. Private family inurnment will be held at Falls City Cemetery in Nebraska.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Lawrence Memorial Hospital, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.
James Owens Kelley, known to his friends as Jamie, passed away August 4th at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, the result of a long illness. He was surrounded by friends and family who traveled hundreds of miles through the night to be by his side. He is survived by Shawn Kemberling-Kelley, his wife of fifteen years; six-year-old twin boys Jax and Croix; mother Charlene Flood-Johnson; father and second mother Ivan and Vi Kelley; sister and brother-in-law Monica and Sonny Hasvold; brother and sister-in-law Rusty and Patty Holiday; nephews Dacotah and Wyatt Hasvold; sister-in-law Charmaine Kemberling; donor sister Margie St Croix and family; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, great nephew, and friends.
Born June 28, 1966 in San Francisco on a military base, his father, Ivan, was a Marine on his way to Vietnam. After Ivan’s deployment, his mother, Charlene, returned to Lawrence where Jamie was raised and lived most of his life. He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1984 and attended the University of Kansas, ultimately graduating from Haskell Indian Nations University with a Bachelors Degree in Business.
Jamie lived a truly remarkable life. Upon meeting him, you would learn that he was half Native American, half Irish and intensely proud of his heritage. He was a raucous force of nature. He lived hard and loved hard with a passion seeded deep in the marrow of his bones that would infect all those he touched. Jamie was larger than life, with an undeniable presence everyone felt. He was an instant friend to those fortunate enough to cross his path. For many, he became a best friend. He was constantly challenging people to be better. Any coarseness in his character was softened by an inherent sense of right and wrong. Jamie was at once mischievious, dangerous, kind, loyal, loving, thoughtful, considerate, but above all generous.
Jamie and Shawn Kemberling were married in a beautiful outdoor ceremony on a ranch outside of Lawrence in 2000. Jamie was so excited when, upon giving their vows, he looked up to see an eagle circling in the sky above them. He took it as a blessing on their union- an auspicious sign. Jax and Croix, the loves of his life were born on June 26th, 2009 two days before Jamie’s 43rd birthday. He affectionately referred to them as “the twinadoes”, for good reason because they are wild and rambunctious like their dad. Jamie was an amazing father. He taught his boys to be polite and considerate. He was patient, parenting with thoughtfulness and love, understanding that boys will be boys, always challenging them to learn and grow. He wanted nothing more than to see his boys into manhood.
Throughout his hardships, Jamie was and remains the most positive person any of us ever knew. He never complained about the hand he’d been dealt. Instead, he wore each of his challenges as a badge of honor, proof of his strength and perserverence. His generosity was boundless and he was constantly an example to us to be and to give more. He was such a good friend and, in turn, taught us to be better friends, to live our lives to the fullest.
When Shawn announced his death she wrote simply, “Jamie is in the stars…”. Jamie was agnostic. His spirituality was rooted firmly in Native traditions, in nature, in the earth and the sky. He believed we never truly die, that our matter and energy are conserved and converted into something else, continuing on for eternity. Jamie will live forever in our hearts, kept alive through the stories we will share, forever in the heavens where we will fondly look to remember him.
A celebration of Jamie’s life will be Saturday September 5th at the family home, 530 N 955 Rd Lawrence, KS. Guests are welcome anytime after 1:00 pm with his rememberance at 3:00 pm.
At the behest of friends a memorial fund has been established: James Kelley Memorial Fund, C/O Central National Bank, 711 Wakarusa Drive, Lawrence, KS 66049.
Robert “Bob” Hemenway, pioneering African American Literature scholar, lifelong educator, and 16th Chancellor of the University of Kansas, passed away on Friday, July 31, 2015, in Lenexa, Kansas. He was 73.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. August 9th, at the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics in Lawrence, following a private burial service.
Hemenway, a graduate of the University of Nebraska Omaha (BA, ’63) and Kent State University (PhD, ’66), will be remembered for his seminal work, the first biography of Harlem Renaissance novelist Zora Neale Hurston, which was named a New York Times’ Best Book of 1978. Subsequent articles in the Times referred to the book as “groundbreaking” and “revelatory.” Hemenway’s work and original research is regarded as a principal force in the worldwide resurgence of Hurston’s fiction. When Hurston died penniless in 1960, none of her books were in print. Today, Hurston’s masterpiece Their Eyes Were Watching God is required reading for most high school literature courses.
He will also be remembered as a dedicated educator and community leader who had a career spanning nearly six decades as a professor, scholar, mentor, and administrator. After serving as Chair of the English Department at the University of Kentucky and Dean of Arts and Sciences at the University of Oklahoma, he returned as Chancellor of the University of Kentucky’s Lexington campus, before being named Chancellor of the University of Kansas in 1995.
Affectionately known as “Chancellor Bob,” Hemenway led the University of Kansas to a top 30 ranking in the US News and World Report evaluation of all national universities. He also oversaw a renaissance of the University of Kansas Medical Center, culminating in a committed drive starting in 2006 to gain National Cancer Institute Designation, signifying the highest possible standards of national cancer research, an achievement which was realized six years later.
Even as he became an administrator, Hemenway never lost his passion for teaching and engaging with students. He led 7:30 am English and American Studies courses throughout his tenure as Chancellor. Hemenway also served as Chair of the NCAA Division I Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors of the American Council on Education.
Upon retirement in 2009, his legacy was honored by the Dole Institute Robert Hemenway Award for Outstanding Public Service, and by the Robert E. Hemenway Life Sciences Innovation Center, a 200,000 square foot research facility on the KU Medical Center’s campus.
Around the university, Hemenway was known for his straw hats and warm, personable approach, often stopping to chat with students, professors, personnel, and parents during the regular campus walks he took with his wife.
Hemenway will be remembered by his wife of 34 years, Leah, as well as his daughter Gina Ruskamp (and husband Ron), his daughter Robin (and husband Gary), his son Jeremy (and wife Kim), his daughter Karintha (and husband Matthias), his son Langston (and partner Heather), his son Matthew (and wife Laura-Kathrin), his son Zack (and wife Meghan), his son Arna (and wife Marissa), as well as 12 grandchildren. He encouraged his children and students alike to always, in the words of Hurston, “jump at the sun,” because “we might not land on the sun, but at least we’ll get off the ground.”
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Robert E. Hemenway Scholarship at the University of Kansas. Gifts may be sent care of KU Endowment, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.
Otto Anton Hajek, 93, passed away July 27, 2015 in Lawrence, KS. Otto was born on June 10, 1922, the son of Anton and Mary (Von Druska) Hajek in Palatine, IL. He attended school in Palatine. He proudly served his country in the Army during WWII, beginning on December 28th, 1942, and seeing active duty in the Pacific Theatre. He was discharged in January of 1946.
On February 14th, 1953, he married Elsie Julia Gallichio in Chicago, IL. They resided in Palatine until 1991; in Dixon, IL until October, 2001; Jamestown, ND until 2005 and finally in Lawrence, KS.
Otto worked as a landscaper, house mover, construction worker and in the maintenance department for Palatine School District 15 until his retirement in June of 1987.
One of the highlights in his later years was when he went on an Honor Flight to Washington, DC with his grandson Matthew.
Otto is survived by a son, Randolph of Ingleside, IL; two daughters, Luann (Robert) Leiste, of Lawrence, KS; Nancy of Zellwood, FL; two grandsons; Matthew and Anton (Jenni); one great grandson Oliver.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one son Paul, and brothers Rudy and Henry.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to a cause dear to Otto, the VFW or the Honor Flight program.
Funeral services will be held at St. Theresa Roman Catholic Church, 455 N Benton St, Palatine, IL, at 10 am, Saturday, August 1st, 2015. A visitation will be held at the church beginning at 9 am with burial following at Randhill Park Cemetery, 1700 W. Rand Rd, Arlington Heights, IL.
Funeral service for Tommy Jackson, Jr., 63, Lawrence, will be 2 pm Friday July 31, 2015, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
He departed this life on Saturday, July 25, 2015, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital surrounded by loved ones.
Tommy was born September 21, 1951, in Percy, MS, the son of Tommy Jackson Sr. and Earnestine Green Jackson. He graduated from Simmons High School in 1969 and moved from Hollandale, MS to Lawrence.
He was employed as a truck driver for the City of Lawrence Public Works. He was a member of First Regular Missionary Baptist Church.
Mr. Jackson married Patricia Ann Dougan on July 30, 1989, in the gazebo at South Park in Lawrence. She survives of the home.
Other survivors include six children, Ephrance (Angela) Steele, Overland Park, Yvonne (Tyrone) Thompson, Ashley Woods, Sarah (Zane) Moukaddam, John Jackson, and Kayle (Anthony) Arnold, all of Lawrence, two brothers, Lawrence (Shirley) Jackson, Kalamazoo, MI, Robert Edwards, Canton, OH, five sisters, Mildred (George) Bethany, Sacramento, CA, Gloria Carr, Portage, MI, Lillie (Dyrel)Walton, Alice Jones, and Nellie (Terry)Moore, all of Hollandale, MS, ten grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, a brother, Prentis Jackson, Chicago, IL, and a sister, Lillie Bell Carter, West Palm Beach, FL. Also, he was preceded by the loss of the Moukaddam twins, who will be laid to rest with their Papa.
Friends may call from noon to 8 pm Thursday, where the family will receive them from 6-7 pm.
Memorial contributions may be made to Angel Flight, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Life for Lyman T. Wiley, 92, Lawrence, will be at 3 pm Wednesday, August 19, 2015, at Cottonwood, Inc., 2801 W. 31st. St., Lawrence. Mr. Wiley died Friday, July 24, 2015, at Bridge Haven at Alvamar.
He was born Apr. 16, 1923, in Lawrence, the son of Samuel David and Anna Mae Griffitts Wiley. He attended Lawrence schools, and graduated from Liberty Memorial High School. Mr. Wiley entered service with the United States Army in 1943, serving in Okinawa, Guam, and Hawaii. He was wounded June 6, 1945, and earned the rank of T/5 and a Purple Heart and Combat Medical Badge. Lyman later enjoyed a long career with Jim Clark Motors spanning nearly 50 years, in the positions of salesman, general manager, president, and human resources manager.
Near and dear to his heart was the work he and his wife, Bryona, and Dr. Vernon and Jessie Branson did to establish Cottonwood, Inc. Both families had disabled sons, and did not believe they should be closeted, as was commonplace in the mid 1950’s. In 1956, the Douglas County Association for Retarded Children (DCARC) held its first classes for the educable retarded children of Douglas County on the third floor of the old Manuel High School at 9th & Kentucky. In 1972, Cottonwood was born, on land purchased by Mrs. Petey Cerf. Lyman’s tireless work to improve education and work opportunities for the disabled earned him the Sertoman of the Year award and admiration from those inside and outside the Cottonwood family. A sure way to elicit a smile from Lyman was to have him reminisce about his efforts to improve the opportunities now available to the mentally challenged of Douglas County.
He married Bryona Pence on Dec. 5, 1942, in Eudora. She preceded him in death, as did his parents, brothers Hugh A. Wiley, Lauren W. Wiley, and William Gale Wiley, sisters Ruth A. Wiley and Helen M. Wiley, and a son, Ted Wiley. Survivors include a daughter, Teri Wiley, Lawrence; three grandchildren, and one great grandson.
In keeping with Lyman’s wishes, the family suggests memorial contributions to Cottonwood, Inc., 2801 W. 31st St., Lawrence, KS, 66047. Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.
Memorial Mass for Olya Mitina Helt, 20, Lawrence, will be 10:30 Saturday, July 25, 2015, at St. John Evangelist Catholic Church in Lawrence, KS Inurnment will follow mass at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Olya passed away Monday morning at her home in Lawrence.
She was born September 14, 1994, in Samara, Russia, and was later adopted by R.D Helt and Nikki M. Weigel. She attended elementary school in Beltsville and Poolesville, MD; middle school at Veritas Christian School and West Jr High in Lawrence and later graduated from Free State High School in 2013.
Olya was a competitive swimmer, swimming for the Poolesville Maryland Piranhas and Lawrence Aquahawks. Her hobbies included cooking, knitting and fishing. She found her peace at Clinton Lake where she fished. Olya enjoyed painting and puzzles.
Survivors include her parents, Nikki Weigel and R.D. Helt of Lawrence, KS brother Christopher Helt and fiance Caitlin Ediger, of Topeka KS and sister Paige Helt of Lawrence KS, grandparents Bob and Carol Weigel of Lawrence, Grandmother Mary Helt of Olathe, KS and grandparents Roger and Alice Helt of Arizona.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Olya Helt Memorial fund, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
Services for Betty Bosze, 90, of Topeka, will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Rumsey -Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence.
She died on Sunday July 19, 2015 of natural causes at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka.
She was born March 23,1925, in Topeka, the daughter of Harry and Ann Spaulding. She grew up in Topeka and she graduated from Seaman High School in Topeka, KS.
She married Ilert Avey, they divorced. She married Bill Bosze in 1961, he preceded her in death.
She is survived by a brother, Nelson Spaulding, (Fern), daughter, Jane Landmark (Victor Heffner), son, Jerry Avey (Donna), stepchildren Connie Spitz (Owen – deceased), Joan Gish (Bob), Jim Rainwater (Barb- deceased), Pam Herzog,
7 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren ( 1-deceased), 2 great-great grandchildren, 13 step grandchildren, 44 step great-grandchildren, 11 step great-great grandchildren.
She worked at Weavers Department Store in the 1960’s and 70’s.
Things Betty enjoyed: #1 she loved to shop,(particularly at KOHLS), her fashion and shoes were very important to her. Reading (romance and westerns), bowling, dancing, playing cards (pinochle and pitch), bingo, she loved going to the casinos (one-armed bandits). She also had a fondness for taking care of flowers and plants. She was an animal lover and had many different dogs over the years. She liked sporty cars and convertibles. Traveling the USA, often times to visit with family. Her favorite food was chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes, and she loved her coffee. She was a Snicker-a-holic.
After Bill died in 2010 she has been living in a few different assisted living homes, the most recent being Tanglewood in Topeka.
In lieu of flowers donations to the Humane Society can be made through Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Robert C. “Bob” Shelley, 80, Lawrence, will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will be in Sutton Cemetery.
Mr. Shelley died Saturday, July 18, 2015, at Medicalodges Eudora.
He was born October 25, 1934, in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, the son of Charles E. and Sylvia M. McManness. He graduated from High School and began his apprenticeship as a plumber in 1953.
He worked for and retired from Huxtable & Associates Inc. as a plumber. He later went to work for the University of Kansas as a pipefitter, retiring in 2010.
Mr. Shelley enjoyed gardening, fishing, camping, and water skiing. He also was a member of the First Baptist Church.
He married Delores Ellen Pippert, October 6, 1954 in Lawrence, on the Shelley family farm. She died May 26, 2015.
Survivors include a son, Edward Shelley and wife Dee Dee of Topeka, Kansas; a daughter Jessica E. Hibbs- Shelley of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; brother, Charles “Chuck” Shelley of Shell Knob, Missouri; grandchildren, Drew A. Shelley and Austin J. Shelley of Wisconsin; great grandchildren, Elijah Shelley and Schylar Shelley of Wisconsin.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son, Robert Shelley; and daughter, Deborah D. Shelley-Hibbs.
Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, where the family will receive them from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Thursday.
The family suggests memorials to Medicalodges Eudora Activity Fund or Grace Hospice, sent in care of the funeral home.
