Author: RumseyYost

Craig Edward Lunte Ph.D.

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Memorial services for Craig Edward Lunte, Ph.D., 57, Lawrence, will be 10 a.m. Friday, April 17 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church.

Professor Lunte died Monday, April 13, 2015 at his home.

He was born August 6, 1957 in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Edward A. and Lois Margaret (Goltermann) Lunte. He graduated from McCluer North High School in 1975 and earned a BS in chemistry from the University of Missouri at Rolla in 1979. He went on to earn a PhD in chemistry from Purdue University in 1984, from which he earned recognition as an Outstanding Alumnus, and did postdoctoral work at the University of Cincinnati from 1986 to 1987. He moved to Lawrence in 1987.

Dr. Lunte was a professor of chemistry at the University of Kansas and was chair of the chemistry department for over ten years. He recently received the Higuchi Research Achievement Award, one of his many esteemed accomplishments. Craig was an avid reader and had an intellectual curiosity that took him far beyond the world of chemistry. He has an incredible group of friends located all over the world, from here in Lawrence to Ireland to Brazil. Many of these have experienced either a loss at golf by his hand or the wonderful, and sometimes painful, fullness caused by his amazing cooking.

He married Sue Hommel on March 12, 1983 in Farmington Hills, Michigan. They enjoyed over 30 years of happy marriage, and together travelled all over the world. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include daughters, Alyson Lunte of South Beloit, Illinois, and Kathryn Lunte of Lawrence, and his father, Edward Lunte of Lawrence.

His mother, Lois Margaret Lunte preceded him in death in 2013.

The family suggests memorials to the American Heart Association or the KU Chemistry Department Endowment Fund (specified on behalf of Craig Lunte) sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory, PO Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Letha I. Dillon Louk

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Graveside services for Letha I. Dillon Louk, 100, Lawrence, will be at 10 am Friday at Valley Brook Cemetery, south of Overbrook, with Visiting Nurses Chaplain Paul Reed officiating. Mrs. Louk died Monday, Apr. 13, 2015, at Baldwin Healthcare & Rehab Center.

She was born Dec. 14, 1914, in rural Douglas County, Kan., the daughter of Thomas Lloyd and Rosa Turner Dillon. She graduated from Appanoose High School in 1934. She later attended Emporia State Teacher’s College and earned a teaching certificate. She taught for five years in one-room schools – at Rock Creek in Douglas County where she once attended as a student, and in Franklin County. She later worked at J.C. Penney in Ottawa. She was a member of Central United Methodist Church, Autumn Club, Commerce Coffee Club, and a former member of PEO in Abilene, Kan. She volunteered in the craft store at the senior center, and enjoyed knitting baby caps for the hospital and playing cards.

Letha married Noland Clifford Louk on Apr. 3, 1937, in Nevada, Mo. He preceded her in death on July 29, 2006. Survivors include a daughter Sherri Meredith, Lawrence; and two sisters, Emma Mae Crawford, Baldwin City, and Charlotte Ikenberry, Lawrence, and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, David D. Louk, and two brothers, L.E. ‘Bud’ Dillon and E.E. ‘Babe’ Dillon.

Friends may call from noon to 8 pm Thursday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Visiting Nurses/Hospice, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044. Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.

Pamela Ann DuRossette

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Pamela Ann Ross DuRossette passed on March 30, 2015 at 1:30 a.m. after a brief illness. Pam lived a vibrant life while overcoming the challenges and life changing effects of childhood Polio, she was 67. Pam was the daughter of Mary Jane Wilson Ross and Wayne H. Ross of Overland Park, KS who preceded her in death. She was living at Pioneer Ridge and in the care of Grace Hospice. She was surrounded by her family and friends. Survivors include two daughters Kristine DuRossette Moyer, Lawrence, KS, Michelle DuRossette and Harry Coker, Holton, KS. Two granddaughters Amanda Moyer, Topeka, KS and Hannah Moyer, Lawrence, KS, two grandsons Torin Kaboudan and Harry “Tres” Coker, Holton, KS, one brother Tony Ross and wife Jane, Leawood, KS, and one sister Cheryle J. Sonka and her late husband Larry E. Sonka of Hobson, TX. Also three nephews, four great nieces and two great nephews. Funeral will be held Monday, April 13, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. A Memorial Mass and Rosary will be said by Father Jeff of Saint John’s Catholic Church at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Elaine Sehon Taylor

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Elaine Sehon Taylor, 91, gently passed on April 9, 2015. Elaine was preceded in death by her husband Charles Taylor, Jr.; two brothers, Duane and Russ Sehon; and granddaughters, Shelley, and Chelsea Zwirek. She is survived by her children; Nancy Shivers (Robert), San Antonio; Jo Ann Renning (Allen), Laguna Niguel, Ca; Charles Taylor, III (Debi), Lawrence; Kathy Taylor Mitchell, Lawrence; and Marilyn Zwirek, Houston. Eleven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren also survive.

The family wishes to extend gratitude to her daughter, Kathy; granddaughter, Brenna Wulfkuhle, and special friend, Dianne Throop for their unwavering attention to Elaine.

Elaine came to life February 7, 1924, in Lecompton, KS, to Candace and Frank Sehon. She grew up in Lawrence, KS, graduating from Liberty Memorial High School in 1942. Her knowledge of Lawrence history is unparalleled. Elaine attended Kansas University, worked for Chancellor Snow in Frazier Hall, also learning to shoot rifles in Frazier Hall basement . She worked as secretary for the Department of Defense in Washington, D.C. Marriage to Charles Taylor in 1947 followed with life on the farm near Lakeview, raising five children while tending to newborn lambs and calves in her kitchen. Elaine was adult leader for Sunflower 4-H Club and took five members sponsored by the Rotary Club to a national leadership program in Washington, D.C. She also squired Lawrence High Debate teams to tournaments in Kansas and Missouri.

Friends, family and farm workers were privileged to sit at her dinner table for scrumptious home cooked meals. Elaine made time to work for the Douglas County Election Board and in 1960, the U.S. Census Board.

Minervian Club of the Lakeview area was her passion, as was La Sertoma, then the Phoenix Club which she started.

Children scattered through the U.S., Elaine began traveling again to Virginia Beach, San Antonio, Houston, and California to visit her brood. Elaine took it upon herself to volunteer at the Lawrence Visitors Center at the Union Pacific Depot. Traveling to Ireland, Paris, London, and numerous bus trips throughout the U.S. was of great enjoyment. First Presbyterian Church, Autumn Club, Pilot’s Club, Douglas County and Lecompton Historical Society, and Kanwaka Literary Club were on her list of memberships. Attending sales in search of antique toys and sad irons was of delight. Mothering and dispensing knowledge and advice never ceased to the day of her passing. Elaine’s mother appeared as a cardinal upon Elaine’s passing to lead her home. Wow, what a ride.

Memorials to Ronald McDonald Charities of NE Kansas should be sent to Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com

Steven Brent Tucker

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Steven Brent Tucker went home to our Lord and Savior on April 6, 2015. He was born October 13, 1961 in Lawrence.

Like his father, Brent loved driving. He owned his own rig, transporting vehicles all across the country. He was reserved, but had a fun loving sense of humor.

One time on a trip with his family, his mother and sister admired life sized wooden sculptures. Even though the pieces were large and expensive, he returned to the store and bought them as a surprise.

In the last few years, he devoted his time and energy to care giving for his mother.

He also enjoyed riding his Harley with his friends and playing video games with his little buddy Charlie.

He is preceded in death by his father, Lewis Tucker.

He is survived by his mother, Esther Tucker; sister, Cindy Eubank (Gary); ex-wife and good friend, Rene Tucker and her son Charlie; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and good friends.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association and the Lawrence Humane Society, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.

As Brent requested there will be no public services. A private family burial will be at a later date.

Condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.

James L. Kelley

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Memorial services for James L. Kelley, 75, Lawrence, will be at 2 pm Saturday, April 11th, at First United Methodist Church, West Campus, 867 Hwy 40 (6th St.). Jim passed away Monday, April 6th, 2015 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. He was born on July 4th, 1939 the son of Claude O. and Dorothy Davison Kelley.

Jim grew up on a farm in Decatur County, Kansas. He received his B.S. from Kansas State University in 1966 in Industrial Education and his M.S from Pittsburg State University in 1969 in Industrial Education. He taught electronics at Lawrence High School from 1969 until he retired in 1997.

He married Linda Santee on June 17th, 1963. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include sons Jeff (Lori) Kelley of Ottawa, Matt Kelley of Topeka, Dan Kelley of Lawrence, brothers William “Bill” Kelley (Betty June) of Junction City, Richard “Dick” (Donna) Kelley of Oberlin, sisters Catherine VanZandt-Kelley of Orlando, FL., Carolyn (Jim) Plotts of Norcatur, KS and five grandchildren: Rylie Kelley, Anna Kelley, Michael Kelley, Corrine Kelley, and Olivia Kelley.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Robert “Bob” and Donald “Don” Kelley, and an infant sister, Ruth Marie Kelley.

Memorials may be sent to Visiting Nurses (Hospice), or American Cancer Society in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Online condolences may be sent to Rumsey-Yost.com.

Lori I. Vantuyl

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Lori Irene Vantuyl, 35, Lawrence, KS, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2015.

She was born August 12, 1979 in Independence, Missouri, the daughter of Steve and Judy (McDaniel) Romanchuk. She graduated from Oak Grove High School in 1997, partied one year at SMSU, and then finished her RN degree at Mary Grimes School of Nursing.

Lori worked at OOIDA as an insurance agent, as a RN at Stormont Vail Healthcare and then Topeka ENT.

She married Daniel Vantuyl II on July 7, 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband Danny, 3 children, Tanner, Cali, and Jace Vantuyl, all of the home; parents, Steve and Judy Romanchuk of Oak Grove, MO; 3 sisters, Kelly Romanchuk of Independence, MO, Amber and Rob (brother-in-law) Squires, and Krystin Romanchuk both of Oak Grove; parents in-law, Barb Vantuyl of Lawrence; Daniel & Linda Vantuyl of Texas; sister-in-law, Kristen Vantuyl of Lawrence, 11 nieces and nephews, and many more family and friends.

Lori was known for her infectious smile and outgoing personality. Her love for her family and friends was not only unconditional, but absolute. Her legacy will live on through her children and all who knew and loved her.

Preceding her in death were her grandparents and amazing uncle, Dale McDaniel.

A memorial visitation will be 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 10th at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence, KS. A celebration of life for friends and family will take place at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 11th at the New Life Assembly of God church in Oak Grove, MO.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions for the children sent to the Vantuyl Family Assist Fund, at Peoples Bank, 3045 Iowa St. Lawrence, KS 66046.

Condolences may be sent to rumsey-yost.com.

Susan K. Raley

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Graveside services for Susan K. Raley, 66, Lawrence, will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mrs. Raley died Monday, April 6, 2015 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

She was born March 20, 1949 in Lawrence, the daughter of Delbert McClelland and Raymond and Evelyn (Lisher) Williams. She attended the Lawrence Public Schools and worked at Lee’s Camper Sales, Lawrence Laundry Service and Hallmark Card Inc. She also volunteered with the Salvation Army when she was younger. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Lawrence.

She was a loving wife to Bradley D. Raley, whom she married on February 11, 1978.

She is survived by her husband, Brad Raley, Lawrence, KS; daughter, Cindy and husband Gayle Lutz, Lawrence, KS; son, Eric Lee, Lawrence, KS; two granddaughters, Ashly and husband Tim Squires, Olathe, KS, and Paige Lee, Lawrence, KS; and mother-in-law, Delta Raley, Lawrence, KS,

She enjoyed going to garage sales with her mother to hunt for antiques. She also enjoyed watching the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas University Basketball.
She was loved by many and will be greatly missed by all.

Friends may call from noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, where the family will receive them from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday.

The family suggests memorials to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, sent in care of the funeral home.

Martha Hanson Thomas

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Martha H. Thomas, 89, of Lawrence, Kansas, died Saturday, April 4, 2015, at Neuvant House in Lawrence. Martha was born March 23, 1926 in Tostamaa, Estonia, daughter of Juri and Alide (Keppi) Hanson. She attended high school in Estonia, and was displaced to Wiesbaden, Germany during World War II at the age of 17. After the War, and unable to return to Estonia, she emigrated to the United States and, after fulfilling her displaced persons work obligations, joined the U.S. Army. Her professional life was spent in the bookeeping and retail trades.

Martha married Ted Mosby Thomas in 1951, and they had one daughter, Deborah Hanson (Thomas) Juhnke, who survives. She was preceded in death by Ted Thomas, her parents, and her sister, Maria (Hanson) Nommik.

Martha loved learning and she devoured countless books. She developed a sophisticated appreciation for music and art, and took every opportunity to visit the great museums. Because of her war experience, she was also passionate about every person’s responsibility to participate in civic affairs. One of her proudest moments was becoming a U.S. citizen in 1963.

Martha will always be remembered as a caring friend and loving guardian to animals. Friends are invited to attend a memorial service to be held at 2 pm on Sunday, April 12, 2015 at Neuvant House in Lawrence, 1216 Biltmore Drive.

The family suggests memorials to the Lawrence Humane Society, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Richard A. ‘Dick’ Daigh

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Funeral services for Richard A. ‘Dick’ Daigh, 87, Lawrence, will be at 2 pm Wednesday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, with Pastor Larry Baldridge officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Mr. Daigh died Sat., Apr. 4, 2015, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

He was born Aug. 8, 1927, in Iola, Kan., the son of Floyd E. and Pearl M. Beach Daigh. He graduated from Russell High School, and later served in the United States Navy. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Kansas University, where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Dick worked at DuPont from 1958 to 1960, and then joined Hercules, Inc. at their Allegheny Ballistics Laboratory in Cumberland, Maryland from 1960 to 1966. He then transferred to their Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant in DeSoto, and retired in 1992 as a mechanical engineer after 32 years of service, riding nearly every day from Lawrence to DeSoto on his motorcycle. Dick was a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Elks, both of Lawrence. He was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council and engineered their sound system. Recently he was a member of Free Methodist Church. He enjoyed Ham radio, RC flying, spending time in Colorado, and volunteering for the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

He married Marjorie Anna Dowers on Apr. 30, 1950, in Lawrence. She preceded him in death on Dec. 16, 2004, as did his parents, a brother, Bob, and a daughter, Diane, in 1958. Survivors include two sons, Eric Daigh, Phoenix, and Matt Daigh and wife Bonnie, Eudora; two granddaughters, Kelly and Kristi Daigh, Eudora; a brother in law, Neil Harris, Lawrence; a niece, Toni Barbaro, Bullhead City, Ariz.; and his special caregivers, Dr. Eric Huerter and Bailey Stuart.

Friends may call from 9 am to 8 pm Tuesday at the funeral home, where the family will receive them from 6 to 7:30 pm. In lieu of flowers. memorial contributions are suggested to Free Methodist Church or Lawrence Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.