Private family services for Raymond Lester Pemberton III, 50, McLouth, will be at a later date. Mr. Pemberton died Sunday, January 30, 2011 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
Author: RumseyYost
Robert E. “Bob” Merritt
Funeral services for Robert E. “Bob” Merritt, 66, Lawrence, will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Mr. Merritt died Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
He was born March 31, 1944, in Victoria, Texas, the son of Eugene Morriss and Margie E. Eye Merritt. He attended Lawrence public schools and graduated from Lawrence High School.
Mr. Merritt worked at Lawrence Lumber, Rhodes Roofing, and retired from the Lawrence public school system. His hobbies were gardening, woodworking, fishing and spending time with his family. He was a member of the North Lawrence Christian Church, where he served as a deacon and devoted time to the church. He and his wife took a yearly trip to Branson and the Ozarks.
He married Barbara J. Colburn on June 23, 1977, in Lawrence. She survives of the home.
Other survivors include a son, Dallas E., Perry; four daughters, Dayle J. Hodges, Raytown, Mo., Julia A. Ingrassia and Debbie Brown, both of Lawrence, and Deanna Cassella, Tonganoxie; a brother, Phil, Baldwin City; three sisters, Pat Vena, Frontenac, Jane Spillman, McLouth, and Cindy Long, Eskridge; a foster son, Richard Kramer, Ottawa; grandchildren Erin Parmelee, Shannon Hodges, Kyle and Marina Hackl, Darien, Gage, and Max Kramer; great-granddaughter Geneva Hodges; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a daughter Anna Shouse, sister Sandy Holladay and his parents.
Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, where the family will meet friends from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The family suggests memorials to North Lawrence Christian Church, sent in care of the funeral home, 601 Ind., Lawrence, KS 66044.
Alex Hayes Barr
Funeral services for Alex Hayes Barr (Pia-an-esh), 22, Lawrence, will be at 10 a.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Kirby Hayes and the Rev. Dr. Tom Brady officiating. Burial will follow in Mayetta Cemetery, Mayetta, Kan.
Mr. Barr died Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011, in Pittsburg.
He was born Jan. 30, 1989, in Topeka, the son of Alan R. and Teri L Kern Barr. He graduated from Lawrence Free State High School in 2007.
Mr. Barr enjoyed writing, and had started his first novel. He also enjoyed hiking, reading, photography, gardening, nature, and his dogs.
He married Megan Koehler on Dec. 2, 2010, in Mayetta. She survives of the home.
Other survivors include his parents, Lawrence; two brothers, Chris Barr and Mason Barr, both of Lawrence; his expected son, Jagger Haze Barr; paternal grandparents Roger and Judy Barr, Topeka, and Mary Kay Robinson, Topeka; and maternal grandparents, Jimmie and Tutti Kern, Mayetta.
Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, where the family will receive them from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Jagger Haze Barr Educational Fund, in care of the funeral home, 601 Ind., Lawrence, KS, 66044.
Florence Williams
Arrangements for Florence Williams, 82, are pending and will be announced by Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
Mrs. Williams died Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011, at Medicalodges Eudora.
James Kohland Hitt
A memorial service for James Kohland Hitt, 96, Lawrence, will be held Saturday, February 5, 2011, at 3 p.m. at the Lawrence Presbyterian Manor chapel at 1429 Kasold Drive. Mr. Hitt passed away Friday, January 14, 2011 at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor.
He was born February 14, 1914 in Everest, Kansas to James Boyd Hitt and Meta Kohl Hitt. He grew up in Hamlin, a small town in northeastern Kansas, with his younger brother George, and graduated from Hamlin High School in 1930 at the age of 16.
He was one of the first Summerfield Scholars at the University of Kansas (Lawrence), where he earned his B.A. in 1934 and his M.A. in 1936, both in mathematics. While at K.U., he joined Kappa Sigma fraternity, played piano in a small band that played for dances around town and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.
In 1936 he married his childhood sweetheart, Bernadine Berkley, who also graduated from K.U. that year. They spent 62 rewarding years together until her passing in 1998. They raised two children, Alan of Stockton, California, and Nancy (Mrs. David Clark) of Shawnee, Kansas.
Mr. Hitt taught math at Dodge City Junior College and Wichita University before becoming Assistant Registrar at K.U. in 1940. He served in World War II in the Coast Artillery and returned to K.U. in 1946 as Registrar. He spent the rest of his professional life at the university, mostly as Registrar and Director of Admissions. The diplomas of generations of KU graduates bear his autograph. Well-regarded in his field, he served as president of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers in 1964-65.
Mr. Hitt felt a deep attachment to the university throughout his adult life. He chaired the Summerfield Scholarship Committee for many years and served on several other campus-wide committees. He also closely followed the Jayhawks’ athletic teams and accompanied, as faculty representative, the Wilt Chamberlain-led basketball team to the NCAA regional tournament in Dallas in 1957. He retired from K.U. as Registrar Emeritus on January 1, 1977.
In retirement he stayed busy. For many years he volunteered for Audio-Reader. Growing out of his experience caring for his beloved Bernadine, who lived with Alzheimer’s disease for many years, he co-founded the Caregiver Support Group for Douglas County Senior Services. He lived the last 23 years of his life at the Lawrence Presbyterian Manor and served as the first president of the manor’s Resident Council.
He is survived by his brother George, Evanston, Illinois; his children Nancy and Alan; his California grandsons Jason and Brian Hitt; his granddaughter Lynn Laakso of Marquette, Michigan, two great-granddaughters, a niece and two nephews.
For those who wish to honor him, the family suggests contributions to the Good Samaritan Fund at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor, Douglas County Senior Services Caregiver Support Group, Lawrence Habitat for Humanity or the Lawrence Health Care Access Clinic, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.
Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.
Carl James “Jim” Miller
Graveside memorial services with military honors for Carl James “Jim” Miller, 77, Lawrence, will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Mr. Miller died Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011, at his home.
He was born June 4, 1933, in Ottawa, the son of George Gerald and Florence Marie Neblong Miller. He graduated from Waverly High School in 1950. He served in the United States Marine Corps in Korea, and received the National Defense, United Nations, and Korea service medals.
Mr. Miller had worked for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, worked as an electrical lineman for KP&L, an ironworker, and retired from E&E Display Group. He enjoyed fishing, reading, woodworking, and deer hunting, and enjoyed spending time with family.
He married Donna M. Corel in Nov. 17, 1951 in Douglas County. She preceded him in death, as did his parents.
Survivors include a daughter, Carla Harris, Lawrence; a son, Gerald “Jerry” Miller and wife Kym, Eudora; a brother, David Miller and wife Cynthia, Burlington, Kan.; a niece, Glennette Corel; four granddaughters, Nicole, Dawn, Hillary, and Bree, and four great grandchildren, Sammi, Taylor, Parker, and Calee.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Douglas County Visiting Nurses, Rehab, & Hospice Care, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory, 601 Ind., Lawrence, KS, 66044.
Martha Anna Turner
Funeral services for Martha Anna Turner, 87, Lawrence, will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Trinity Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Dr. Gary W. Teske officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Baldwin City.
Mrs. Turner died Monday, Jan. 24, 2011, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
She was born Nov. 8, 1923, in Regensburg, Germany, the daughter of Ewald and Martha Anna Kirschner Heegaar. She graduated from high school in Germany.
Mrs. Turner worked in production at Hallmark Cards for over 20 years, retiring in 1988. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, and was a cub scout den mother. She enjoyed snow skiing and swimming, and won several awards while in Germany, and was very artistic and athletic. She was a seamstress, and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and cats.
She married Glenn I. Turner on Oct. 23, 1953, in Ottawa. He preceded her in death in July, 1977. She was also preceded in death by her parents, a son, Glenn I. Turner Jr., and a brother, Heinrich Heegaar.
Survivors include a son, Charles G. Turner II and wife Sonya, Carson City, Nev.; a daughter, Inge M. Housworth and husband Ernest, Lawrence; a sister, Elle Schenk, Regensburg, Germany; and three grandchildren, Elizabeth Anne Turner, Charles Guy Turner III, and Katherine Elaine Turner.
Friends may call from noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday, and from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, or the American Diabetes Association, in care of the funeral home, 601 Ind., Lawrence, KS, 66044.
Karen M. Byers
Memorial service for Karen M. Byers, 64, Lawrence will be at 11am. Wednesday at St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church, 900 New York.
Mrs. Byers died Friday Jan. 21 at the Kansas University Hospital.
She was born Sept. 4, 1946 in Lawrence the daughter of Dean O. and Dorothy Singleton Harvey.
Mrs. Byers attended Fairview Grade School, West Junior High, graduated from Lawrence High School in 1964 and attended the University of Kansas.
She had worked at Kansas Color Press and Furr’s Cafeteria.
She was a member of St. Luke A.M.E. Church since she was 5 years old. She was an usher, trustee and at onetime a member of the youth and adult choirs. She loved working at the church.
She married Dwight L. Byers, Sr., they divorced.
She was preceded in death by her father and her brother Dean O. Harvey, Jr.
Survivors include sons Dwight L. Byers, Jr. and Edward Craig Byers both of Lawrence, her mother Dorothy Harvey of Lawrence, sister Debra Green of Lawrence, nephews John Green and a host of family and friends.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday Jan. 25, from 6:30pm. to 8pm. at the Lawrence Indian U.M.C.
Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com.
Carl L. “Buster” Schaake
Memorial services for Carl L. “Buster” Schaake, 87, Lawrence, will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor, with the Rev. Dr. Tom Brady officiating. Cremation is planned, and private inurnment will be at a later date in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Mr. Schaake died Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011, at the F.W. Huston Senior Living Center in Winchester.
He was born Feb. 11, 1923, in Lawrence, the son of Albert Christian and Cecile Darlene Kiefer Schaake. He graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in 1940, and later served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II.
Mr. Schaake was a longtime area farmer. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Dorsey-Liberty Post 14 of the American Legion, Traveler’s Protective Association, Farmer’s Coop Association, Douglas County Farm Bureau, the American Association of Retired Persons, the University Bridge Club, the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, and was a Douglas County Extension board member.
He married Isabelle Virginia Gray on Aug. 1, 1959, in Miami, Okla. She survives, of Lawrence Presbyterian Manor.
Other survivors include a daughter, Sarah Gray Leonhard and husband John, Oskaloosa; a sister, Fern Schaake, Topeka; and two grandchildren, John Tyler Leonhard and Shelby Lawrence Leonhard.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Raymond Schaake.
The family will receive friends following the service at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, or the F.W. Huston Senior Living Center, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory, 601 Ind., Lawrence, KS, 66044.
Cathleen Ann “Cathy” Curry Fenton
A celebration of life service for Cathleen Ann ‘Cathy’ Curry Fenton, 46, Eudora, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory. Cremation will follow the service.
Ms. Fenton died Monday, Jan. 17, 2011, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
She was born Apr. 13, 1964, in Kansas City, Mo., the daughter of Thomas Joseph and Helen Bernice Castle Curry. She attended Queen of the Holy Rosary Elementary School, Milburn and Indian Hills Jr. High, and Shawnee Mission North High School.
Ms. Fenton was a hairdresser. She also worked for Packer Ware in Ankeny, Iowa, and for Packer Plastics, Amarr Garage Door Group, and API Foils in Lawrence. She enjoyed exploring the outdoors, shooting, wildlife, hiking, fishing, shooting pool, family gatherings, pets, and being the center of attention.
She married Julian ‘Jay’ Fenton in 1989. They later divorced. She met John Novak in 2001.
Survivors include her significant other, John Novak, of the home; a daughter, Olyvia Rose Fenton, of the home; stepchildren Autumn and Aaron; two sisters, Valerie Curry, Overland Park, and Connie Hogard, Lenexa; a brother, Thomas Curry Jr., Kansas City, Kan.; stepmother Mary Anne Curry, Chicago; three aunts, Mildred Tryon, Lawrence, and Sharon Curry and husband John, and Carol Johnson, both of Independence, Mo.; nephews Brian Cletcher and Jason Hogard; niece Rachele Hogard; and many cousins and innumerable friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Friends may call from noon to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. The family will receive friends following the service on Saturday.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Cathy Fenton Memorial Fund, in care of the funeral home, 601 Ind., Lawrence, KS, 66044.
