Graveside Inurnment with honors for John Martin Carland, 77, Lawrence, will be 1 pm, Friday, September 4, 2026, at Oak Hill Cemetery.
He died August 04, 2026, in Texas.
Author: RumseyYost
Robert Bruce Pears Sr.
Robert Bruce Pears Sr., 91, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on August 26, 2026. He was born on May 5, 1935, in Clay Center, Kansas, to William and Melissa Annie Pears.
Robert met the love of his life, Mary Katherine Farmer, in 1957 at Strick’s Restaurant. The two were married on January 1, 1967, beginning a devoted marriage filled with family, faith, hard work, and many cherished memories.
A hardworking and enterprising man, Robert owned and operated Dairyland in the mid-1960s. He later became the owner and operator of Strick’s Restaurant, the very place where he and Mary had first met. Robert operated the restaurant from 1970 until 1991, becoming a familiar and welcoming presence to many in the community. Robert also worked for Hallmark Cards of Lawrence KS after 1991, and in Springfield MO employed by Heimos Greenhouses from 2012 – 2023.
Robert was a good Christian man whose faith was an important part of his life. He was a member of Grace Assembly in Springfield, Missouri, and was a former member of Clinton Parkway Assembly of God in Lawrence, Kansas. His faith, love for his family, and kindness toward others were reflected throughout his life.
Robert was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary K. Pears; his parents, William and Melissa Annie Pears; his brothers, Bruce, Dean, and Howard Pears; and his sisters, Wilma (Eldon) Anderson, Nellie (Gerald) Tesburen, and Barbara (Dick) Simpkins. He was also preceded in death by several nieces and nephews.
Robert leaves behind a loving family who will carry his memory forward. He is survived by his sons, William (Deborah) Pears of Nixa, Missouri; Robert Pears Jr. of Springfield, Missouri; James Pears (Ken Haymes) of Springfield, Missouri; and Daniel (Alanna) Pears of Jefferson City, Missouri; and his daughter, Nancy Pears of Springfield, Missouri.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jake (Kelly) Medford and Jacob Pears; granddaughter, Kayleigh Pears; and great-grandchild, Addison Medford, along with several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Robert will be remembered for his strong faith, devotion to his family, entrepreneurial spirit, years of hard work, and the many lives he touched throughout his long and meaningful life. His memory will remain a cherished part of the family and community he loved.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23
Visitation
Rumsey – Yost Funeral Home 601 Indiana St. Lawrence, KS 66044
Visitation Friday, September 4, 2026, 5:00 – 7:00 PM,
Memorials
Rumsey – Yost Funeral Home 601 Indiana St. Lawrence, KS 66044
Funeral Saturday, September 5, 2026, 10:00 AM
Grave Side to follow at Winchester, KS
Grace Assembly of God 500 W. Mt Vernon Springfield, MO 65806
Celebration of life Thursday, September 17, 2026, 6:00 PM
Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Robert Pears to the American Heart Association and sent in care of:
Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home
P.O. Box 1260
Lawrence, KS 66044
Livestream the services at https://together.oneroomstreaming.com/3Y35FX
Mahlene Nokes
Gladys “Mahlene” Nokes, 83, of Tonganoxie, KS passed away August 25, 2026 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
Mahlene was born January 16, 1943, to Mahlon and Aileen (Freeman) Cook. She was united in marriage to Orval Dwight Nokes on June 25, 1964, who preceded her in death on August 11, 2005. Mahlene was also preceded in death by her parents, her stepson Ronnie Nokes, her son-in-law Marv Hiestand and her beloved grandson Colin Bennett.
Mahlene had a passion for flowers and worked many years as a Florist, even owning her own business in Tonganoxie, Village Floral. Mahlene loved flowers but her greatest love was her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Survivors include her stepdaughter Trish Hiestand, her son Rob (Paula) Crook, her daughter Tammy (Doug) Bennett, eight grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held October 11, 2026, at Ellie B’s in Tonganoxie, KS from 3:00-5:00 p.m. for all who would like to come.
Chase Douglas Fisher
Funeral Mass for Chase Douglas Fisher, 24, will be 10 am, Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Rosary will begin at 5:30 pm, Wednesday, with a visitation to follow until 7 pm, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
Chase passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
Chase was born at Fort Riley Kansas on March 30, 2002. He lived in Fort Knox Kentucky, Germany, Fort Carson Colorado, Enterprise Alabama, El Paso Texas, Columbus Ohio, Wichita Kansas, Lawrence Kansas, and Charleston South Carolina.
He graduated from Bishop Carroll Catholic High School in Wichita, attended KU, and joined the Navy as a Navy Nuke.
He loved laughing and making others laugh, gaming, cooking and baking, deep discussions, and learning everything he could. He deeply loved Jesus, his friends and his family.
He was proceeded in death by his father Jarrod Fisher, his uncle Juston Fisher, his grandpa’s “GG” Joe Fisher, Papa Gordon, his Papa Putch, Great Grandma Helen, Great Grandma Lou, & Uncle Bill Sanders.
He loved hard and lived a full life in his short 24 years.
He is survived by his mom Julie Fisher(Kevin Lashley), his siblings Colette (Ben) Bloch, McKenna (Connor) Reazin, Dalton (Emma) Fisher, nieces Aspen Fisher and Blair Bloch. Grandmother Jennifer Fisher-Wend “Grandma Toots”, Uncle and Aunts Mike & Marilyn Sanders, Steve & Kim Sanders, Emily & Rick Riggs, Allison & Eric Sitter, Andy & Anna Wend, Dana & Kelly Wend. Along with his best friend, Josh (Savannah) Casteneda, many cousins and friends.
Livestream the Rosary at https://together.oneroomstreaming.com/P3S9LR
Barbara Marie (Krug) Schaeffer
Barbara Marie (Krug) Schaeffer, 93, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at Pioneer Ridge in Lawrence, Kansas.
Barbara Schaeffer was born on August 23, 1933 in Wauwatosa, WI to George and Mae (Arko) Krug. In 1954, she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Kansas, where she met her future husband, Robert F. Schaeffer. They married on July 29, 1955 and had two children, Jeanne Marie and Edward (Eddy) Phillippe. Barbara and Robert lived briefly in Luxembourg, where Jeanne was born, then returned to the Kansas City area where she lived until her death.
Barbara was a talented oil paint artist, and has painted beautiful portraits of many family members. After her divorce, Barbara worked as a commercial artist for Krug Litho Art Company until her retirement. She was a kind and generous woman, well loved by her colleagues.
Barbara also had a passion for the arts. She was an active member of the Kansas City Ballet Guild, loved opera and spent many happy hours at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. She was known to love a party, especially if there was dancing, had a smile for everyone and an infectious wit. She had endless curiosity and was a prolific reader. While her taste in literature included many genres, she had a special place in her heart for books by John Grisham.
Barbara was preceded in death by her father, George, her mother, Mae and her son, Eddy. She is survived by her daughter, Jeanne (Mike Warner) five grandchildren Amelia Goslin (David Knauss), Andrew Goslin, (Jessica) Juniper Goslin, Anna (Sebastian Bohn) and Lexi Schaeffer, four great-grandchildren Phillip, Theodore, Charlotte and Marielle, a step-great-grandchild Wil Knauss, her daughter-in-law Karla Schaeffer and several cousins. She is also survived by her beloved cat, Isabella.
A celebration of life will take place on September 26, 2026, from noon – 2:30 pm in the Community Room at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, 8909 W 179th Street, Overland Park, KS 66013.
Tammy Ranee Hopper
Tammy Ranee Hopper, 57, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away at her home on Aug. 24, 2026. Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Aug. 29, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Lawrence. A full obituary honoring Tammy’s life will be published when available.
The family kindly requests that, in lieu of food or flowers, memorial contributions be made to a charity of the sender’s choice.
Donald Charles “Don” Schwartz
Services for Don Schwartz, 90 of Baldwin City, will be at 10:30 Friday 8/28/2026, at Worden Cornerstone Church. Burial will follow at the Worden Cemetery.
Don left his earthy life to meet Jesus on Tuesday, August 25th, 2026, surrounded by his family. Donald Charles was born on May 20th, 1936 on the family farm in Worden to Lester and Lola (Hobbs) Schwartz growing up with sister Joanne (Hastings), who survives. He was a lifelong member and faithful attendee of the Worden Church.
He married Jane Christine (Anderson), which is how he referred to her. They celebrated their 68th anniversary on June 1st this year. He would tell anyone who listened that he felt lucky to ever have married his Jane Christine.
Other survivors include son Greg (Kelly) Schwartz, Baldwin City and daughter Carrie Enick (Schwartz), Baldwin City. He was preceded in death by son in law Dale Enick. He also was preceded in death by his youngest son Scot who passed away in December 2025. We can hear him saying “Hi Bud”, as Scot and Dale opened the door to heaven.
He is also survived by 6 Grandchildren: Charley Jo (Brett) Pittenger, Jacob (Jamie) Enick, Camdon (Madison) Schwartz, Rachael (Ericko) Borrero, Hayley Schwartz, and Callie (Kyle) McDaniel. He was blessed with 12 Great Grandchildren: Keeley, Landree, Ryken, Kayson, Emery, Wrenley, Rylee, Bryson, Elijah, Emilia, Micah, and Collins. He was fondly referred to as “Papa Don” by his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many more. His grandchildren were his pride and joy.
Don attended Union School in rural Douglas county through 8th grade, and graduated from Baldwin High School in 1954. One of the things he enjoyed most about high school was playing center on the high school basketball team, going to the Kansas state tournament and placing 4th. After High School, he attended KU, participating in track and trying out for basketball. His love for sports carried on as many in the community remember seeing him cheering on his children and grandchildren at all sporting events and activities.
Don worked for the Kansas State Highway Patrol from 1957 until taking a position with Douglas County Sheriff’s office in 1960. He worked in various roles at the Sheriff’s Department, including Under Sheriff, retiring in 1998. He received several commendations while working as a Deputy Sheriff. While working a full time job, he was also a full time farmer. Along with the support of his wife Jane, he was able to take over the family farm, managing over 90 cattle and crops across 800 acres. He took pride in his family’s homestead, dedicating his work to continue their legacy.
He was many things in life: beloved husband, best Dad, Uncle Don, Don Daddy to some, and Papa Don to many. He was “110-110” at work and possibly other names that he didn’t share. Despite his fading memory, he always had the biggest smile and happily referred to everyone as “Sis” or “Bud” even after he had forgotten names. We take solace in the many wonderful memories shared.
We would like to thank the staff of Ascend Hospice and especially the staff at Vintage Park/Homestead of Baldwin City. Everyone has been very caring and went over and above all expectations.
A visitation will take place from 9:30 to start of service on Friday morning at Worden Cornerstone Church, 294 E 900 Rd Baldwin City, KS. The family recommends memorials to the Worden Cornerstone Church building fund, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home: PO Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Sharon Booher-Stevens
Sharon Booher-Stevens, 79, passed away peacefully at KU Medical Center Kansas City Kansas. Sharon was surrounded by her loved ones.
Sharon was born September 23 1946 in Russellville Arkansas.
Sharon graduated from Lawrence High School in 1964. She was preceded in death by her mother and father Lillian and Art Olson. She is survived by her sisters Peggy Booher-Hooper and Donna Booher-Handel. She also had several nieces and nephews.
Sharon was the happiest on the beach. The warmth of the sun and sound of the ocean brought her a special kind of happiness.
Those who loved her will remember the moments she shared with them and she will be remembered in their hearts forever.
Services will be private, per her wishes.
Brian Wheeler Perkins
Brian Wheeler Perkins, 80, of Lawrence, KS, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, neighbor and friend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, with his daughters by his side, on August 17, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. after bravely battling metastatic colon cancer for two years. Brian was, above all else, a kind and cheerful man whose greatest joy was the people he loved, and he leaves behind a legacy of generosity, compassion, and quiet acts of love that will live on in the many lives he touched.
Brian was born on February 2, 1946, in Lawrence, KS, to Lois and Carl C. Perkins. He grew up in Prairie Village, KS, where he spent much of his time building model airplanes and flying them at competitions with his dad and brothers, winning many awards and developing an appreciation for building, fixing, and figuring out how things worked that stayed with him throughout his life.
After graduating high school from Shawnee Mission East, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served as an air traffic controller during the Vietnam era until he was honorably discharged in 1971. Following his time in the Army, he attended the University of Kansas and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business.
Brian was the proud father of two daughters, Silvy (James) Kehrli of Rogers, AR, and Abbey (Brett) Gatoff of Olathe, KS. He was also the proud grandfather of six grandsons: Parker, Paxton, Payton and Pierce Kehrli, and Maddox and Rowen Gatoff. His family was incredibly important to him. Being a dedicated dad and grandpa brought Brian tremendous joy, and he took great pride in each of his children and grandchildren. He loved hearing their stories, knowing what they were doing, and celebrating the people they were becoming. He was especially proud of all they had accomplished, and his love for them was constant and unwavering.
Brian was also deeply devoted to his brothers and sister. He is survived by his sister, Janet Perkins (Jeff Aube), and his brother, Bruce Perkins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl II and Lois Perkins, and his older brother, Carl Perkins III. Brian also leaves behind five beloved nieces and one nephew, Nicole, Casey, Mandy, Natalie, Whitney and Carl Perkins IV, all of whom held a special place in his heart.
Brian loved golf and had many great stories of his days both playing on the course and as a caddie. He also had a lifelong love for his Kansas Jayhawks and Kansas City Chiefs and enjoyed cheering for his teams. But Brian was perhaps the happiest when he had something to work on. He loved fixing up old cars, lawn mowers, and just about anything that needed repairing. He had a natural ability to look at something that wasn’t working and figure out how to make it work again. More than simply fixing things, he loved giving the things he fixed to others and seeing them put to good use.
Brian cared deeply about people. He was generous with his time, his knowledge, and his friendship. If someone needed help, Brian was often there before they even had to ask. He never needed recognition for the things he did. Although Brian was thoughtful and wise with his money and enjoyed investing, he was never defined by what he had—he cared far more about what he could give. His generosity and kindness were quiet, consistent, and deeply felt by those around him.
Brian loved his neighbors and the community. He looked out for the people who lived near him, formed meaningful relationships with them and was always willing to lend a hand. His neighbors were not simply people who lived nearby—they became people he cared about, checked on and considered close friends. The love and kindness he shared by helping his neighbors was one of the many ways he made a difference in the lives of others.
Brian will be remembered as a devoted father and grandfather, a loving brother and uncle, a loyal friend, a caring neighbor, a proud Jayhawks and Chiefs fan, and a genuinely kind and pleasant man. He leaves behind a legacy not only in the family he loved so dearly, but in the friends he helped, the neighbors he looked out for, the people he encouraged, the strangers he welcomed and the countless things he repaired and gave away along the way.
Brian’s life was marked with quiet acts of kindness, a willingness to help, an acceptance of everyone, a love of family, and an unwavering generosity toward others. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Services
A visitation will be held on Friday, August 21, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Rumsey-Yost Funeral home in Lawrence, Kansas. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 22, at 11:00 a.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence, followed immediately by a celebration of Brian’s life at the Red Lyon. Family and friends are warmly invited to join together to remember Brian, share stories, and celebrate the life of a truly kind and caring man who meant so much to so many.
Janette M Strong
Janette M. Strong, 82, of Winchester, passed away on August 18, 2026.
Janette was born on February 19, 1944, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Lloyd and Isyla Strong. She was a longtime resident of Rosedale, Kansas, and Oskaloosa, Kansas.
She graduated from Rosedale High School. After high school, she attended Park University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. She worked for 20 years in the liquor business with her best friend, Quincy.
She also enjoyed her time as a volunteer firefighter in the state of Missouri.
She had an interest in and enjoyed playing all sports. She was extremely passionate about wildlife, nature, gardening, and rescuing dogs and cats.
Janette was preceded in death by her grandmother, Martha Weber; father, Lloyd Strong; mother, Isyla Strong; brother, Richard Strong; and nephew, Robert Strong.
She is survived by her twin sister, Annette Strong of McLouth, KS; sister, Marlene Clevenger (Jo) of Shawnee, KS; brothers, Lloyd Strong of Folsom, CA, and Dennis Strong (Mary) of Shawnee, KS; sister-in-law, Mellanie Strong of Trenton, MO; and seven nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to LLDog Rescue of Shawnee Mission, Kansas.
Cremation will take place. A celebration of life with a circle of friends will be held at Springer Cemetery in Gilman City, MO. The service date and time are currently pending and will be released by Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home when available.
