Author: RumseyYost

John “Mick” Michael Harrity

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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John “Mick” Michael Harrity, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and Army veteran, who left us suddenly on December 19th, 2024 at the age of 72. John found strength in his renewed faith during a recent bout with cancer, and he made it home to Jesus just in time for Christmas.

Born on May 6, 1952 in Kansas City, KS to John Frederick Harrity and Betty Imogene (Brady) Harrity (both deceased). He answered our nation’s call, serving honorably in the United States Army. It was while stationed in South Korea that he met the love of his life, Oknan “Kim”, whose warm smile, easy laugh, and unforgettable bulgogi captured and kept his heart. Their love story spanned over 50 beautiful years, a testament to their commitment and enduring partnership.

John raised two sons, Ron and Mike, whom he spoke of with immense pride. He unconditionally loved his three granddaughters, Grace (14), Evelyn (11), and Frances, and they brought him great joy–even when they mercilessly dominated him in board games.

John had a long career with the United States Postal Service, a job that he landed in 1987 after his creative and tech-savvy son Ron designed a computer program for him to practice for the hiring exam.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, he was a loyal supporter of college athletics teams thanks to his son Mike’s career in college athletics. He loved cheering on Dartmouth, Army West Point, Notre Dame, and Kansas teams, and he also loved the Kansas City Royals. John never shied away from offering his opinion on how teams could “do better next time.”

In retirement, John found solace in nature, often enjoying long walks with Oknan in the Baker Wetlands and quiet moments of backyard birdwatching. He was an avid reader, naturally curious about history and the human condition. Stubborn to the very end, John stood firm in his beliefs while cherishing the people he loved.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Oknan Harrity, his sons Ronald “Ron” Lee (Carrie Scanga) Harrity and Michael “Mike” Matthew (Megan) Harrity, his three granddaughters, Grace, Evelyn, and Frances, his sister Linda Kelley and brother-in-law Rick Kelley, and his sister Christie Huston and brother-in-law Rodney Huston.

A private family celebration of John’s life will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams (kaws.networkforgood.com) in John’s honor.

Rest in peace. You will be dearly missed.

Jerry Potter

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Gerald William Potter (Jerry), age 81, of Lawrence, KS, passed away on Monday, December 23, 2024 at Neuvant House in Lawrence, KS.

Born on August 15, 1943 in Mexico, Missouri, he was the only son of Edgar W. Potter (Bud) and Wanda Carter.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of forty-three years, Susan Potter, his son, Phil Potter, and four daughters, Lisa Pohorsky (John), Kristin Paulson (Tyson), Jessi Furneaux (Adam), and Alicia Cole (Matt). He also leaves behind his greatest joys, his ten grandchildren, Drew Potter, Ryan Potter, Jordan Pohorsky, Logan Pohorsky, Evelyn Furneaux, Max Furneaux, Harrison Cole, Oliver Paulson, Alice Furneaux, and Haddie Paulson, and one great grandson, Cam Potter.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Wanda, and his father, Bud. 

Jerry grew up in Wyandotte County, as an only child, and helped his father operate their auto shop – this grew Jerry’s love of cars. After graduating from Wyandotte High School, Jerry began his career as a barber. He loved nothing more than talking with others in the shop and exchanging stories! He changed careers in 1976 and began owning and operating the Dairy Queen on 78th Street in Kansas City. This is where he met his wife, Susan. The two moved to Lawrence, KS together to operate the two Dairy Queen stores (Jerry operated Iowa St., while Susan operated Mass. St. location). They married shortly after and had their three daughters together. Jerry took great pride in his work and his family. He worked incredibly hard and provided his family with love, safety, and security. He retired from Dairy Queen in 2000 and soon returned to barbering, as he discovered that retirement wasn’t quite for him! He was able to spend his final years of barbering working at his son’s shop, a gift for them both. After his second retirement, he kept busy with his new job of being Papa to his grandchildren. 

Jerry was known for his generosity, honesty, loyalty, hard work, and family values. He enjoyed traveling with his family, especially cruises and beach destinations with his wife. Throughout the years, he supported various local organizations, such as St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, Corpus Christi Catholic Church, St. John’s Elementary, Optimist Club, past president of Dairy Queen Store Operators, Mother to Mother, Boys and Girls Club, and O’Connell Youth Ranch. 

Jerry’s family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Neuvant House, who cared for Jerry as their own family. He and the whole Potter family felt the love and care of those who work at Neuvant. If you would like to make a donation in his honor, we would suggest Ascend Hospice, as their staff played a significant role in Jerry’s care.  

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, 5700 W 6th Street, Lawrence, KS. There will be a visitation followed by rosary on Friday, January 3, 2025 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Dorthea Ann Johnson Henkel

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Dorthea Ann Johnson Henkel, 90 years old, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away on December 17, 2024, of natural causes after being in hospice care for over 3 years.

Dottie, as she was known, was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, on February 21, 1934, the daughter of Homer and Irene Johnson. Dottie graduated from Milligan High School in1952, where she was a cheerleader all four years. She moved with her family to Bird City, Kansas, where she met and married her husband, John LeRoy Henkel in 1954. They lived there until 1958 when they moved to Lawrence, Kansas. They were married for 49 years before “Jack” passed away in 2003. They had a daughter, Cassandra Ann in 1967.

Over the years, Dottie worked as a supervisor at Hallmark for 20 years, a home terminal agent for National Trailer Convoy for 5 years, and an attendance clerk for Lawrence and Free State High Schools for 20 years after which she retired in 2003.

Dottie liked boating, camping, baking, and gardening.  Her favorite pastime was reading. She loved flowers in various shades of purple including lilacs, irises, and violets. She enjoyed various arts and crafts including rock polishing, jewelry making, seed art, latch hook, and plastic canvas needle point. She and her husband started a kennel, Havenwood Acres, and raised Samoyed huskies for 10 years.  Over the years, she liked going to flea markets and collected rabbit and slipper figurines, anything with apples, and various patterns of depression glass. In later years, while living at Wyndam Place, she enjoyed watching the Jayhawks, Royals, and Chiefs games with other residents.

Dottie was a member of Corpus Christi parish and before that a member of St. John’s parish. She volunteered as a Girl Scout Leader and cookie mom for 8 years and was the director of the local girl scout camp for 2 summers.

Dottie will be remembered as kind, sweet, and generous to strangers and animals alike.  She would often make extra food for students in need and would always be feeding a stray cat or two. While still at her home of 45 years, she had a variety of pets including 9 cats and 10 dogs with the last one being her precious maltipoo, Toby, who passed away this fall at the age of 17 and half years old.

Remaining to cherish Dorthea’s memory are daughter, Cassandra “Cassie” Henkel Shonfelt (John); granddaughters, Nicole Shonfelt and Samantha Favazza (Daniel); and nieces, Tara Bowers and Lisa Wilcox (Owen) and family and several nieces and nephews from her husband’s family including Lana Leslie (Gary) and family, Nyla Kimmett (Dan) and family, Randy Collins (Theresa) and family, Donna Mentock (Jim), Chuck Sherman, and Tara Palajac (Bill) and family.

Preceding Dorthea in death are husband, John “Jack” LeRoy Henkel; parents, Charles Homer Johnson and Josephine Irene (Heid) Johnson, and beloved sister, Kay Louise (Johnson) Bowers Fowler who passed away on December 8, 2024.

Services for Dottie will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church.  Visitation will begin at 10:00am, with a rosary at 10:30am, followed by funeral mass at 11:00am with Father Jerry Volz officiating.  Interment will be later in the spring at Calvary Cemetery in Beaver Crossing, Nebraska.

Services will be streamed and can be viewed at https://www.cccparish.org/pray-with-us/livestream-liturgies

Memorial donations in Dottie’s memory may be directed to Lawrence Meals on Wheels (LMOW), 2121 Kasold, Suite B, Lawrence, KS 66047 or online at https://www.lawrencemow.org/donate/

Calvin Paul Hartman

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Calvin Paul Hartman’s prayers for a peaceful passing at home in his sleep were answered on December 25, 2024 when he passed away with his family by his side and awoke in the gracious presence of his Lord and Savior. He passed at 99 years of age, just four months shy of living to be 100. It was never his goal to live to be 100 years old, but just to live each day to the fullest. Daily, he lived out his faith to the Lord, his love for his family, and in service to God’s people.

Calvin was born on April 25, 1925 to Fred and Leona (Kraft) Hartman in the farm home near Lecompton, Kansas. He often shared stories about growing up on the farm and the many farm chores, and he particularly liked to work with the teams of horses. Calvin felt like he learned the discipline of hard work and family responsibility by working on the farm as a young man and he tried to instill these character traits into his own family. While attending Westmar College, Calvin began dating Nellie Streib and they were married on May 24, 1952 at the Bellevue Evangelical Church in Leona, Kansas. Calvin graduated from the Evangelical Seminary in Naperville, Illinois and served in the United Methodist Church as a pastor, serving four churches in the Kansas West Conference from 1954-1989. After retirement Calvin and Nellie built a new home on a 60 acre tract of land that was a part of his family farm. That gave Calvin the opportunity to enjoy the land and work outside. They especially enjoyed being a part of their grandchildren’s lives and sharing in their many activities.

Calvin is survived by his children, Craig Hartman (Leslie), Curt Hartman (Margaret) and grandchildren, Caleb Hartman (Leah), Joshua Hartman (Kristin), Luke Hartman (Kaitlain), Megan Rose (Ryan), Annie Muckenthaler (Austin), and 15 great grandchildren.

Calvin was preceded in death by his wife, Nellie Hartman, his parents, Fred and Leona (Kraft) Hartman, his siblings, Warren Hartman, Leland Hartman, and Lila Bonnel.

Visitation will be held at Stull Community of Faith Church, Stull, Kansas on Saturday January 4th at 10:00am followed by the Funeral Services at 11:00am. Graveside service will follow the funeral.

Memorials are suggested to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).

Shirley June (Moody) Johnson

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Shirley June (Moody) Johnson was born on Nov. 1, 1943, in OKC, OK, to Coleene (Chapman) and Myron Moody. She departed this life on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Lawrence, KS at the age of 81. Paraphrasing Pa Ingalls’ description of Laura Ingalls, “Shirley was as strong as a little French pony.” She could change the oil in your car, sew 12 pairs of elves’ shoes for the South Rock Creek Holiday show, catch fish, fix the fence, type a college entrance essay and check for grammar in nothing flat, and put up grape jelly from grapes she grew and strawberries too.

She was a long-time resident of Shawnee, OK and she and her husband Jerome “Bud” Johnson were in the monument business and owned and operated the monument shop, Shawnee Memorials, Inc., for over 40 years. Shirley graduated from high school at Davenport, OK with the Class of 1961. In high school she was football queen one year and captain of the basketball team. She worked keeping books at the local lumber yard and was teller at the bank, hence her affection for bank tellers and accountants. An accomplished seamstress, she sewed for family and friends and what she did was professionally finished. She sewed the seat covers of the first classic car Bud and she restored, she sewed maternity clothes for her sisters and put in little gussets so the dresses could be let out, she sewed costumes (a tiger one year, lots of angels’ wings, and a colonial woman’s dress and hat for the Bicentennial in 1976).

She and Bud were regulars at the Davenport homecoming parade driving one of Bud’s classic cars with their classes ’60 and ’61. She married Bud on June 23, 1962. They started in a trailer then built their own house in Chandler, OK before moving to Shawnee. They were married 54 years until Bud’s passing in 2016. Shirley dearly loved her sisters. “The Sisters” formed a formidable phalanx. The oldest sister is Myrna Forbis (TX), Shirley was next in order, then Linda Melson (OK), Mary Margaret Waters (TX), and Sue Ann McGee (OK).

Through lines of her life were a love of art and anything that was well crafted, and, better yet, if it was found bargain hunting at swap meets or antique stores. In Shawnee she knew every shopkeeper and banker. If you ran errands with Shirley, you had to be prepared to talk with everyone from the store owners to the cashiers. She was also a master at working the phones! Ask her to help find a prop for an upcoming school play and she was on it. She would visit artists in their homes picking out pieces and placing special orders for family presents (paintings by twins Ruth and Rachel McLaughlin, quilts, china dolls, and wooden toys). She collected Norman Rockwell plates, Thomas Kinkade prints, and kept up, year-round, a Christmas tree with all clear glass ornaments.

Speaking of “Little House on the Prairie,” let her hear 1 minute of an episode and she’d tell you the complete story empathizing with whatever hardships or joys the characters experienced. She could do the same with episodes of “The Waltons.” Shirley’s parents, husband Bud, and oldest daughter Leah preceded her in death. She is survived by her daughter Bonnie Johnson and son-in-law Bruce Frey (Lawrence, KS), her sisters and brothers-in-law, sister-in-law Sue Blakely, cousins, nieces, and nephews. In lieu of flowers, purchase a piece of art or craft for yourself direct from the artist (which could be a florist) and talk to them too. Be kind to lost puppies and opossums under the porch, they just might turn out to be your best friends. In the summer of 2025, we will have a celebration of life at New Zion cemetery near Chandler, OK.

Ernestine Marie (Beverley) Dougherty

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Ernestine “Ernie” Dougherty, 88, died unexpectedly on Dec. 18, 2024 in Lawrence, Kansas. She had recently moved to Pine, Colorado after living in Lawrence for almost 10 years. She was born Feb. 9, 1936 to Ernest R. Beverley and Mildred Kramer Beverley in Kansas City, Kansas, and lived in the Kansas City area for most of her life. She graduated from Loretto Academy in 1953. She married Neil W. Early on June 12, 1954; they later divorced. She married Peter T. Dougherty on Nov. 27, 1976, and was married for 41 years. Ernie was always a working mom, and she retired in 2001 as an insurance executive.

She was passionate about her faith, her family and her quilting. She enjoyed traveling with Pete across the country, and in more recent years with family to Arizona and Minnesota. She was a die-hard Jayhawks, Royals and Chiefs fan.

Ernie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a sister, one son, two grandsons and a granddaughter. She is survived by her sister, Patricia Farrington, Overland Park, KS; and Ernie’s and Pete’s eight children: Janice Early, Pine, CO, Nancy (Mike) Spiegel, Shawnee, KS, Neil (Cheri) Early, Omaha, NE, Keith Early, Peoria, AZ, Chris (Jana) Early, Overland Park, KS, Teresa (Byron) Riley, Holton, KS, Deanne (Jay) Arnote, Overland Park, KS, and Patrick (Kathy) Dougherty, Pearland, TX; 20 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 9 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and other family members.

A Mass will be celebrated in her memory at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Prairie Village, KS. Per her wishes, Ernie donated her body to the University of Kansas School of Medicine. The family requests memorials to the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center, 1631 Crescent Rd., Lawrence, KS 66044.

Michael Raymond Miller “Mike”

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Michael Raymond Miller “Mike” died peacefully in his home on December 16, 2024.  He was born on August 23, 1949, in Independence, Iowa, to James and Janet Miller. He graduated from Shattuck-St.Mary’s, Minnesota, in 1967, earned a bachelor’s degree of Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University in 1976, and earned his Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kansas in 1982.

He married Barbara Miller (Armstead) on October 11, 1970 at the Little Brown Church in the Vale in Nashua, Iowa. They celebrated their 54th anniversary this year, and she survives of the home.

Other survivors include a daughter, Patricia Gooldy (Jay), Minneola, KS; a sister, Cyndi Brickman (Dave), Harpers Ferry, Iowa and Mission, Texas; a grandchild, Link Pollet, Junction City, Kansas; a step-granddaughter, Rachel Gooldy, Manhattan, Kansas; and all his nieces and nephews.  Mr. Miller served the U.S. Navy for 20 years, retiring in 1988 as a Lieutenant Commander. He then worked at Hall Kimbrell until joining the University of Kansas Facility Operations in 1990 and retired in 2011 after service of 22 years.

Mr. Miller was extremely active in the community of Lawrence, Kansas, making lifelong friendships, and touching many lives throughout all of the activities. He was a member of the Luncheon Optimists, American Legion, Military Officers Association of America, and Redeemer Lutheran Church.  Mr. Miller was a lifelong bowler. He was involved in the Young American Bowling

Association for at least 25 years where he started as a coach, then co-directing, then coaching Lawrence’s Youth Bowling program through Royal Crest Lanes.  During his time there, he built up the Youth Scholarship in the program. He became the “face of youth bowling”. Young bowlers filled the bowling alley each Saturday morning. He loved working with young bowlers of all ages, making a difference in their lives, many maintained contact into adulthood. He holds a place in his heart for all of them. He was inducted into the Kansas Bowler’s Hall of Fame for all of his work in the Lawrence youth bowling league.

Mr. Miller loved his church family at Redeemer Lutheran since joining in 1993. He was very active in his membership, helping the church anyway he could while also attending many activities they offered. He was a “social butterfly” who loved making new friends, and seeing people daily.

All services will be held on Saturday, January 4th, 2025 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2700 Lawrence Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66047. A visitation will begin at 9 am, the funeral mass service at 10:30 am. The family suggests memorial contributions to Redeemer Lutheran Church with Love Fund in the memo line, and Lawrence YABA for the scholarship fund 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.

Nicholas Thomas Woods

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Nicholas Thomas Woods, 84, passed away peacefully on 15 December, 2024. Nick was born in western New York in Lockport, however attended National College in Kansas City 1958-60 where he met his future wife and best friend Elizabeth, subsequently sharing a wonderful life together of 64 years. Nick served 4 years as US Army enlisted Lab Technician in France and following his enlistment attended Baker University earning a Bachelor’s Degree, followed by another three years study at Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colo where he earned a Master’s Degree. Nick then began a lifelong calling as a United Methodist minister in Kansas from 1969 to 2012, also as US Army Chaplain from 1973 until 1982 before returning to civilian ministry. Nick’s final parish was the Vinland United Methodist Church. Throughout Nick’s civilian ministry he was blessed with small town Kansas churches which fit his down to earth style and love of rural life. During his time as a regular Army Chaplain, he was always known by Soldiers and commanders as a “Soldier’s chaplain” – one who was always there for the troops and always in the field alongside them. Whether in civilian ministry or active duty military, he touched so many lives through his deep faith, love of people, empathy and ability to genuinely listen. Nick always believed the most powerful witness of faith is by simply living it.

Nick is survived by his wife Elizabeth; son, Thomas Woods of Abilene, KS; son, Andrew Woods and his wife Jennifer and their children Elizabeth, Katherine, Alexandrea, Nicholas William, and Victoria who live in Belgium.

All of Nick’s relatives here in Kansas, scattered across the United States and Europe want to thank all of you for your care, concerns, and the incredible assistance provided by so many. God bless you all. He will be greatly missed.

A memorial service at the Eudora United Methodist Church will be scheduled for a later date to be announced by the family.