Author: RumseyYost

Sandra Simmons

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Sandra Simmons, 80, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 28, 2025, surrounded by her children.

Born December 31, 1944, in Alva, Oklahoma, to Donald and Melva Terbush, Sandra graduated from Alva High School in 1963 and began her working career at 18, dedicating 45 years to serving others.

Sandra worked for more than 20 years as Superintendent’s Secretary for Nickerson-South Hutchinson School District, where colleagues remember her kindness to young teachers and her warm, helpful nature. After moving to Lawrence in the late 1990s, she worked for Coordinated Systems & Supplies, building trusted relationships with hotel managers nationwide.

Above all, Sandra was a devoted single mother who raised her two children with unwavering love and strength. She never missed a school event, worked multiple jobs to provide for her family, and taught by example the values of hard work and compassion. She had a generous heart, loved and cared for her people fiercely, and was adored by her family and friends.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Brent Terbush.She is survived by her children, Shannon Simmons and Derek Simmons; daughter-in-law Sheri Simmons; grandchildren Jackson and Teegan Simmons; sister Donetta Godsey; and several nieces and nephews. Sandra will be deeply missed.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Homeless Resource Center of Lawrence, Kansas (https://www.hrclawrence.org/).

Lawrence “Larry” Robbins Hathaway

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Lawrence “Larry” Robbins Hathaway, 88, of Lawrence, Kansas passed away Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his family.

He was born March 31, 1937 in Amarillo, Texas, the son of Isaac Hubbard and Lorine (Robbins) Hathaway and grew up in Belen, New Mexico.  In 1958, he graduated from New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a minor in mathematics.  In 1963, he graduated from the University of Kansas with a PhD in organic chemistry and a minor in geology.

From 1963-1969, he served as an Assistant Professor at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Department of Chemistry.  In the summer of 1969, he was a research associate in the Department of Geology at the University of Kansas.  Later in 1969, he became an Associate Professor at Baker University, Department of Chemistry and during his time at Baker University served as a chairman from 1970-1974. He spent his summers from 1970-1971 as a Research Associate with Kansas Geological Survey and again from 1974-1977.  He moved to Associate Scientist in 1977, and in 1980 moved into the position of Senior Scientist, which he remained in until 2005. Larry also served as a courtesy Associate Professor from 1977-1980 and courtesy Professor from 1980-1990 in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Kansas (KU).

Larry maintained a deep connection and love for the beauty and culture of the Southwest throughout his life.  He embraced his Native American heritage proudly and collected numerous archeological artifacts. To his family and friends, Larry was known as an uncertified sommelier, taking tremendous pleasure in sharing his knowledge of wines based on his many notebooks full of meticulous wine tasting notes.  He particularly enjoyed sharing good wine with others over a game of pinochle and other card games and gourmet foods.  He even co-led a class on the science of wine making at KU.  Larry was profoundly introspective and authored beautiful poetry, reflecting on life, nature and his family.

Larry is survived by family he loved, including his first wife Rose Marie Krehbiel and their children Robbie, Heather, Shawn and Melanie; and his second wife Judy Hathaway and her children Anne, Sarah and Richard, and 11 grandchildren.

At Lawrence’s request, he donated his body to science and no services are planned.  To honor Larry’s life, enjoy a sunrise, savor a glass of wine, take a trip and marvel at the world, or make a memorial contribution to an organization that supports education, STEM studies, or Native Americans.

Brett Matthew Elliott

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Brett Matthew Elliott, 44, passed away Saturday, June 7, 2025, at his home in Topeka.

He was born June 27, 1980, in Lawrence, Kansas, the son of Kirby and Gera (Owens) Elliott. Brett graduated from Lawrence Free State High School in 1999.  He competed in debate throughout high school, winning one of the first debate trophies for Free State in his senior year.  He then went on to study history at the University of Kansas and was named 2002 Outstanding Junior in History.

Brett’s love of problem-solving and people skills led him to work in hotel management, most recently as a hotel supervisor at Prairie Band Casino and Resort in Mayetta. He valued his relationships with his coworkers and truly loved his work, and was known for his dependability and calm, rational leadership.

In his spare time, Brett enjoyed reading, playing darts, video games, collecting sports cards, fishing, studying history as well as cheering on the Jayhawks, Royals and Chiefs.  His dogs Tucker and Viola meant the world to him; their cuddles and companionship brought him a lot of joy.

He is survived by his parents, sisters Kristin Elliott (Quincy Brown) and Lynzee (Elliott) Backus, nephews Jordan Avery, Cooper Avery, Alex Backus, and nieces Ellie Vickers and Lucy Backus.

A Celebration of Brett’s Life will be held at 10am on Sunday, July 13th at Lawrence Rotary Arboretum, 5100 W 27th St, Lawrence.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lawrence Humane Society, 1805 E 19th St, Lawrence, KS 66046.

Dr. Jerry Lyons

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Dr. Jerry Lyons was born to parents Bill and Geraldine at their home in Alluwe, Oklahoma on September 28, 1940. He graduated high school in 1958 at Delaware, Oklahoma, then joined the United States Navy, where he served in California and Okinawa. He completed his Bachelor’s of Science in Industrial Engineering in 1966, and worked as a computer programmer and analyst for almost 22 years. In 1987, he was accepted into Tula University’s graduate program, where he earned a Doctorate in Psychology. Dr. Lyons worked as a clinical psychologist, serving as a department manager and conducting individual and group therapy, until his retirement in 2005.

Jerry’s outgoing personality led to friendships wherever he went. After serious problems with alcohol and other drugs, he first attained sobriety through Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous in 1981, where he became a deeply spiritual and giving man. He remained an active member and sponsored more than a hundred men, helping them try to get sober and stay sober. He dedicated his life to spreading love and laughter.

Jerry was an affectionate and loving husband to his wife Margaret for over 26 years. He credits her with helping save and prolong his life.

Dr. Lyons is survived by his beautiful wife Margaret, brother Larry Lyons, grandsons Taylor and Braydon Bird, and many friends.  Memorial Services will be 2:00 P.M. Sunday, July 6, 2025 at the Meadowlark Estates Gracious Retirement Living,  4430 Bauer Farm Drive, Lawrence, KS 66049.  Arrangements are with Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence.

Delores Marie Ringer

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Delores Marie Ringer, 76, Associate Professor Emerita at the University of Kansas, passed away on Saturday, June 21st, 2025, in Lawrence, Kansas, after a long battle with Ataxia, a degenerative neurological disease.  

Delores was born on October 27th, 1948, at Parkview Hospital in Plymouth, Indiana, to Ralph and Rose (Wojcik) Ringer. She graduated from Plymouth High School in the class of 1967. Growing up as an active 4-H’er, she was honored to be the 1967 Marshall County 4-H fair queen. 

She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Drama from Hanover College in Hanover, Indiana, in 1971, and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Design from Penn State University in 1979. 

Delores dedicated her career to the theatre, with roles at a variety of universities including Boise State University, Lewis & Clark College, Barat College, culminating with 30 years at the University of Kansas Department of Theatre & Dance. A gifted scenographer, she lent her artistic vision to creating memorable stage and costume designs for countless productions. She was a tireless advocate and champion for women in the dramatic arts. She was honored with the KU Center for Teaching Excellence Graduate Mentor Award in 2009, and the Emily Taylor Women’s Resource Center Outstanding Woman Educator Award in 2004. In 2006 she was named the Kennedy Center Faculty Fellow in Costume Design at the Summer Design Intensive in Washington D.C. 

Throughout her career, she designed for a variety of theatre festivals and repertoire theatre programs, including the American Heartland Theatre, the Nebraska Shakespeare Festival, the Utah Shakespeare Festival, and theatres and dance companies in Chicago, Illinois, and Portland, Oregon. 

Beyond the stage, Delores was a talented artist. She often gifted artwork to friends and family, including watercolor landscapes, still lifes of flowers, and stage costume renderings that are proudly displayed to this day. She was also known for her bold fashion that reflected her creative personality. 

She had a lifelong love of animals dating back to her childhood growing up on the Ringer family farm. Her dog Moppy was particularly beloved by her colleagues and students, as she often accompanied Delores to many rehearsals, and was even cast in a role as Crab in “The Two Gentlemen of Verona.”  

Delores is survived by her three brothers and one sister, Michael (Rox Ann) Ringer, Coldwater, Michigan; Daniel (Janice) Ringer, Bremen, Indiana; Larry (Cindy) Ringer, Lee’s Summit, Missouri; and Carol (James) Renna, Wallingford, Connecticut. Additionally, she is survived by her seven nieces and nephews: Tony Ringer, Dustin Ringer, Ashley Donley, Jason Ringer, Jack Renna, Ben Renna, and Olivia Renna; as well as two great-nieces and two great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Leon Ringer. 

A celebration of life will be held at the University of Kansas, William Inge Memorial Theatre, Murphy Hall, on July 19th, from 1 to 3 PM. In honor of Delores’ vibrant style, guests are invited to wear colorful attire. 

A graveside service will be held at New Oak Hill Cemetery in Plymouth, Indiana, on July 5th at 11 AM.

If you choose to donate in her honor, consider the KU Department of Theatre & Dance, KTWU Public Television, or to your local animal rescue.

Amy Cherie Blaufelder

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On June 23, 2025, with heavy hearts yet loving hands, the family of their beloved Amy Cherie (Auchard) Blaufelder lifted and gifted her to horizons beyond. She long will be remembered for her smile, her presence, the sound of her laughter, her lively sense of humor, clear mind and fierce determination in times of necessity, bravery when dealing with her illness, patience and clarity when teaching her skills to new learners, enjoyment of friends of diverse beliefs, faiths, and heritage, and her cravings for Thai food (even though she was the only member of her family who never lived in Thailand).  She held unwavering love for her two sons, and her concerns were always for others’ well-being …including stray animals.  She loved long walks by the lakeside, travel, had an uncanny sense of direction, and memory of every phone number.  She was versatile, whether designing jewelry, or using her jewelry-smith training to build a chandelier, or driving farm equipment, laying house roofing or tile, setting in windows, or, although left-handed, bowing with her right hand as an accomplished violinist.

She was born August 5, 1969, in Ft. Belvoir, VA.  After graduation from Malabar High School in Mansfield, OH, she attended the University of Cincinnati for a year.  She completed her Fine Arts degree at the University of Kansas.  She married Erik Blaufelder on May 26, 1990, and managed the books for their construction business while taking post-graduate courses in accounting at the University of Kansas.  In more recent years, she has lived in the home with her two sons, and has been accountant for Mooberry Financial Management in Lawrence, KS, who she sometimes called her “second family,” .
Preceding Amy were her nephew Clayton Wesley Miller in 2014, and father Bruce David Auchard in 2018.  Survivors include two sons, August K. Blaufelder and Kyan A. Blaufelder of Oskaloosa, KS; her mother, Carol A. (Schowengerdt) Auchard of Oskaloosa, KS; Amy’s brother Greg A. Auchard (wife Sarah) and family (Audrey and Amelia) of Bellville, OH, Greg’s son Nick Auchard of Sanford, NC, a nephew-by-claim Jerrard Tucker of Wooster, OH, and niece-by-claim Alicia Tucker of Dacula, GA; Amy’s sister Kerry Auchard (husband Bruce Miller) and their family (Cole and Emmarie) of Kansas City, MO; and Amy’s sister Kymari Auchard-Smith (husband Grant) and their family (Cameron, Rachel and Conner) of Overland Park, KS.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation or Jefferson County Home Health and Hospice sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, KS 66044.
A casual open house to celebrate Amy C. (Auchard) Blaufelder’s life will be held Saturday, August 9 from 12 to 3 PM at Chrisman Manor, 13925 54th St., Oskaloosa, Kansas. Come at your leisure to enjoy food, music, conversation, warm memories, lively stories; and to share tears and laughter. RSVP to 816/305–8608 is appreciated, but not required. Everyone is welcome.”

 

Barbara Anne Winn

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Barbara Anne (Zimmerman) Winn, 94, of Lawrence, passed away Monday, June 23, 2025, at Cedarhurst of Lawrence. 

She was born July 6, 1930, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the daughter of Walter and Gladys Marie (Smith) Zimmerman.  She graduated from Wichita High School.  In 1953, she earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas, where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority.  Barbara was a KU Alumni Association Life Member. 

In August 1952, Barbara married Harold “Alan” Heath and together they had three sons: Thomas Alan Heath, Gary Charles Heath, and David Walter Heath. 

In July 1973, she married James Goodson “Jim” Winn. 

Barbara and Jim traveled extensively to several Asian countries.  They lived on Majuro (part of the Marshall Islands) from 1976-78 and in Saipan for the next 2 ½ years.   She and Jim returned to Lawrence in 1985.  They continued to travel throughout the US and enjoyed many cruises.   

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, and son, David.   

Barbara is survived by her sister, Helen Mercer (Rich); sons, Tom Heath (Pam) and Gary Heath (Leslie); grandchildren, Chris Heath (Ellie), Josh Heath, Kelly Westin (Andrew) and Tyler Robinson (Victoria); as well as 9 great-grandchildren, Reagan, Austin, Owen, Maren, Griffin, Raven, Benton, Mya and Natalie.    

A very special thank you and tremendous appreciation to the nursing and care team with Ascend Hospice and Cedarhurst of Lawrence. 

A private graveside service will be held for the family. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be  made to Alzheimer’s Association, Heart of America Chapter, 8001 Conser, Ste. 240, Overland Park, KS 66204.

Nelma Lee Brumley

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Graveside services for Nelma Lee Brumley, 87, will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Silent City Cemetery, De Soto.

She left this world on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence, Kansas, surrounded by her family.

She was born April 11, 1938, in Koshkonong, Missouri to Jesse Ivory and Lydia Ethel (Brazeal) Howell.

She was preceded in death by her son, Larry Brumley on February 6, 2022; her husband of 61 years, Jimmie Joe Brumley on January 28, 2022; and her first husband, James E. Hudspeth on August 13,1958.

She leaves behind four sons, Michael, Jay (wife Rae), Billy (wife Julie), and Rod (wife Charlie); nine grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Nelma was loved so much and will be missed by all.

Memorial contributions may be made to Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association, Inc., 200 Maine Street, Suite C, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Virginia Lou Postoak

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Virginia Lou (Curfman) Postoak, 85, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away on June 4, 2025, in Lawrence, Kansas, with family at her side.

She was born on April 27, 1940, in Beaver, Oklahoma, to Josiah and (Vivian) Pauline Curfman. She was active in her Church from a young age and eventually played the piano during Church services. Virginia graduated from Beaver High School in 1958. She then attended Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Oklahoma, where she met Wayne Postoak. She graduated from Northwestern in 1962 and Virginia and Wayne were married 3 months later. They had four children together and were later divorced.

Virginia is survived by her children: Darren Postoak and his wife Jennifer, Paula Postoak-Buffalomeat, Penny Postoak Ferguson and her husband Dwight, and Tony Postoak and his wife Kathy. She also leaves behind eight beloved grandchildren: Anthony Buffalomeat, Samantha Buffalomeat, Kobe Buffalomeat, Kaylee Postoak, Connor Postoak, Taylor Postoak, Kaiden Postoak, and Peyton Postoak Ferguson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Josiah and (Vivian) Pauline Curfman.

Virginia was able to stay home with her children while they were young, which they are grateful for. She then worked as an administrative assistant in the Vending/Concession Department, the Political Science department, both at the University of Kansas; and for the Haskell Foundation.

Virginia was a long time member and volunteer of the Pilot Club of Lawrence, volunteered at Lawrence Memorial Hospital and for the Red Cross Blood Drives. She enjoyed watching the Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas City Royals, and the Kansas City Chiefs. She loved to read, work in her yard and crochet but her favorite pastime was watching her grandchildren in their various activities.

Virginia was a beautiful soul and will be missed dearly.

The family would like to thank Homestead of Eudora for making her part of their family and  helping with her care for the last 1.5 years; and the wonderful nurses at Lawrence Memorial Hospital for taking such good care of Virginia and the entire family during her last few weeks.

Services will be held at 6:00 pm, Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, with a reception to follow from 7:00 – 10:00 pm at the Lawrence Fraternal Order of Eagles, 530 Wisconsin Street, Lawrence, Kansas. Burial will be held at a later date in Beaver, Oklahoma.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Lawrence Humane Society or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.

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

 

Virgil Lee Braden

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A Celebration of Life for Virgil Lee Braden, aged 96, of Lawrence, will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 1509 N 1732 Rd, Lawrence, Kansas, 66044. Lunch will be served.

Virgil died Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

Born to Lee W. Braden and Myrtle E. (Brock) Braden on October 8,1928 in Fort Scott, Kansas.

Virgil served in the U.S. Navy from October 1948 to May 1951. He was honorably discharged and moved to Lawrence in 1951. There, he would serve as a firefighter until August of 1953. He then began his 41-year-long career at the Lawrence Paper Company.

On June 12, 1954, Virgil married and started his family.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Marian (Dicker) Braden, aged 95; his three children, Barry Braden, Brenda Braden, and Belinda (Braden) Reynolds; his 7 grandchildren, Ryan Reynolds, Robbie Reynolds, John Reynolds, Sarah Reynolds, Carmen Braden, Angela Braden, and Bethany Braden; as well as 4 great grandchildren, Hazel, Dean, Lincoln, and Russell. He is also survived by a brother, Robert G. Braden of Cheyenne WY, and preceded in death by his sister, Virginia C. (Braden) Lightwine, of Fort Scott, KS, and half-sister Dorothy L. (Braden) Thornbrugh.