Author: RumseyYost

Bernardino Ramon Vega

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Bernardino (Bernie) Ramon Vega, 37, of Lawrence, peacefully passed on December 14th. A visitation will take place from 6:00-8:00 on Thursday, December 19th, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St. in Lawrence. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 20th at 2 p.m. at St. John’s the Evangelist Church, 1234 Kentucky St. in Lawrence.

Bernie was born on May 22, 1987, to Arturo Vega and Maria Sofia Gonzalez in Emporia, Kansas and grew up in Lawrence. He graduated from Free State High School and went on to pursue his passion as a journeyman lineman.

He was a proud Union member of IBEW Local 304 and IBEW Local 53 for 15 years.

Bernie was easy-going, jovial, and loved the camaraderie of family and friends. Whether enjoying a glass of fine whiskey, on the green playing golf, at the pool table, avid fan of the Chiefs and Jayhawks or involved with D&D, Bernie lived life with passion and a zest for good times surrounded by friends and family.

Bernie’s spirit will live on through his loving wife, Mariana, and stepdaughter, Bianca Nieto. He is survived by his parents, Arturo Vega and Maria Sofia Gonzalez; his siblings: Arturo Vega Jr. and wife, Danielle Demby; Diana Vega and husband, Hai Tran; Yvonne Vega and wife, Krista Vega. Bernie will be deeply missed by his nephews: Preston, Tristan, Caleb, Isaiah, Arturo, David and niece: Camila.

He was preceded in death by his uncles, José Gilberto and Ricardo Rafael González, and aunts: Josefina Palacios, Evelia Trujillo, and María Elena Vega.

Bernie’s life was a testament of his love of life. His absence leaves a hole that can never be filled, but his memory will continue to comfort those who knew him. Fly high as you soar through the stars!

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 17, 2025, celebrating his birthday where memories will be shared, and drinks will be poured in his honor. More information to come.

Bruce Allan Miller

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Bruce Allan Miller was born July 3rd, 1965, and raised in San Gabriel Valley, California. He enlisted in the army in 1984 and was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 325th Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper. Bruce loved being in the army and he especially loved jumping out of perfectly good airplanes. While stationed in Hawaii in 1988, his only daughter Cassandra Miller was born.

Bruce eventually moved to Lawrence, KS in the fall of 2013, where he worked at the Social Service League before transitioning to Berry Plastics. He had a passion for running and was heavily involved in the running community in Lawrence. Bruce was a social butterfly and known for being full of life and inspirational as well as a great mentor/role model. He helped facilitate and support positive changes in others and made lasting friendships along the way.

In July, on the 4th, Bruce married his longtime partner Shannon in a small intimate ceremony.

On December 10th, 2024, after a long battle with cancer, Bruce passed away at home at the young age of 59. He is preceded in death by his mother Sally Jo Miller in 2023 and is survived by his wife Shannon Miller, daughter Cassandra Miller, his granddaughter Sophie, sister Kimberly Augusto, nieces Isabella Augusto and Lyra Augusto, and Alejandro Augusto his nephew.

A private cremation will be held on December 16th as the family mourns the loss of Bruce, who was a great and selfless husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle who will be greatly missed.

Larry Gene Sledd

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Larry Gene Sledd, 78, of Eudora, died Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living Center in Lawrence, Kansas surrounded by his family.

He was born August 17, 1946, in Bethal, Kansas, the son of Patrick Sledd and Doris (Vestal) Ristow. He graduated from Washington High School in Kansas City, Kansas in 1964. Larry worked at the Pratt and Lambert Paint Company in North Kansas City and later as an iron worker with the Union. In the mid 70’s he started his long career as an Auto Body Technician at his family’s business, Lawrence Body Shop. After retirement he worked part time at the Clinton Lake campgrounds.

He married Elaine Frye, April 15, 1966, in Kansas City, Kansas. She survives of the home. Other survivors include two sons, Gregg (Mary Sue) Lecompton, Kansas and Brian (Jeri) Eudora, Kansas. Three brothers Lynn, Randy and Jim, 9 Grandsons and 23 Great Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Steve and Doug.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, December 20, 2024 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St, Lawrence, Kansas 66044. A private burial will take place in City of Eudora Cemetery, 2229 N 1420 Rd Eudora, Kansas 66025.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Lawrence Humane Society, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home: PO Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Nicole Felice Eaton

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Services for Nicole Felice Eaton, 44, of Eudora, will take place at 11 A.M. Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at Eudora United Methodist Church.

Mrs. Eaton died Thursday, December 5, 2024 in her home.

She was born April 25, 1980, in Topeka, the daughter of Verna Jackson. She graduated from Seamen High School in 1998 and earned an associate’s degree in law from Johnson County
Community College. She was a paralegal for over 20 years. She attended massage school in Lawrence, KS. She was also a member of many rescue groups for dogs (specifically bully breeds)
and had her hand in many paralegal groups and associations.

Nicole married Ben R. Eaton, Jr. on February 4, 2005.

Her survivors include her two daughters, Tasia Hill and Lara Eaton, Eudora KS; a step-daughter, Morgan Eaton, Ellisville MO; her mother, Verna Jackson, Topeka KS; her sister,
Krystal McCracken, Topeka KS; her two brothers, Eric and Keith McCracken, Belton MO; and a step-granddaughter, Luna, Ellisville MO.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Ray and Norma Jackson. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Ben R. Eaton, Jr.

A visitation will take place from 6-7 P.M. on Monday, December 16, 2024 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place the following day, Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at
Eudora United Methodist Church, 1310 W 20th St, Eudora, KS 66025.

The family suggests that donations and contributions be sent to the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Ben R. Eaton, Jr.

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Services for Ben R. Eaton, Jr., 52, of Eudora, will be at 11 A.M. Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at Eudora United Methodist Church.

Mr. Eaton died Friday, December 6, 2024 in his home.

He was born October 12, 1972, in Lawrence, the son of Ben R., Sr. and Carolyn Eaton.

He graduated from Salina South High School in 1990. He attended massage school in Lawrence, KS. He lived in Eudora the majority of his childhood and adult life. He was a man of all trades – he worked concert security, warehouse jobs, at salvage yards, etc. He wasn’t afraid to get his hands
dirty.

He married Nicole Eaton (Jackson) on February 4, 2005.

His survivors include three daughters, Tasia Hill and Lara Eaton, Eudora KS; Morgan Eaton, Ellisville MO; his step-mother, Janey Eaton, Topeka KS; and his granddaughter, Luna,
Ellisville MO.

His parents, Ben R., Sr. and Carolyn Eaton, preceded him in death, as well as his maternal and paternal grandparents, aunts, and uncles. His wife, Nicole Eaton, also preceded him in death.

A visitation will occur from 6-7 P.M. Monday, December 16, 2024 at the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place the following day, Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at
11 A.M. at Eudora United Methodist Church, 1310 W 20th St, Eudora, Kansas 66025.

The family suggests that donations and contributions be sent to the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

 

Keith Edwin Reimer

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Keith left this world peacefully on Saturday, December 7th, 2024.

He was born on October 21, 1945, in Bison, KS, the son of Frank Reimer and Myrtle Reimer. He graduated from Pawnee Rock High School in 1963 and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Special Education in 1968 and his Master’s degree in 1993 in school administration from Fort Hays State University.

Keith and Deana were married June 11, 1966, in Pawnee Rock, KS, they settled in Dodge City, KS, in 1968 and later moved to Lawrence, KS, in 2002.

Keith started his work in special education in the Dodge City school district teaching Special Education in 1968. In 1971 he became the Director for Instructional materials for the Southwest Kansas Area Special Education Project. In 1978 Keith started working for Southwest Kansas Area Cooperative District as the Director of Federal Programs/Instructional materials. He dedicated his life to ensuring all students received a quality education no matter what impairment they had. He continued his career with SKWACD associate director in 1993 and finished as director, retiring in the early 2000’s. Although he never really retired. He found joy in working for families and students and was still working for the Kansas Migrant Education Project when he passed.

Keith also loved to farm. He continued to farm the family ground in Rush County, KS, until 2004. He loved the simple life and the satisfaction from seeing work being done.

Keith was deeply devoted to his family and friends. He loved playing with technology, building things, hunting, fishing and farming. One of his other loves was the Depot Theater in Dodge City. From building sets to being the President of the Board he was part of a team that made the theater what it is today.

Always the stoic person in the room, he was never afraid to tell a joke or make a dry humored comment. If he wasn’t playing with some new gadget, you could find him working on the boat or tinkering with anything he could find.

Keith is survived by his son Tyson (Val) Lawrence; daughter Keena Schmidt (Chet) Lawrence; five grandchildren, Crosby, Rileigh, Ava, Caeson, and Greysen; and many nieces and nephews

Keith was preceded in death by his wife Deana, brother Kenneth, sisters Shirley Doll and Norma Garner, and his parents, Frank and Myrtle Reimer.

A celebration of Keith’s life will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Jane Louise Schmidt

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Jane Louise Schmidt, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2024 in Lawrence, Kansas, surrounded by her loving family. 

She was born on June 24, 1956 in Wichita, KS to Elton Schmidt and Elizabeth ‘Marie’ (Potter) Schmidt. Jane grew up in Emporia, Kansas with her 6 brothers and sisters. She attended Emporia State University where she majored in English and met and married the love of her life, Darrell Schmidt. Together they built a legacy of love and devotion that will endure in the hearts of all who knew her. Throughout the years, Darrell and Jane lived in Emporia, Kansas; Garden City, Kansas; Amarillo, Texas; West Point, Nebraska; Logansport, Indiana; and Lawrence, Kansas. No matter where they lived, she developed deep and lasting friendships. She consistently dedicated her life to her family and community, bringing warmth and kindness to everyone she encountered. 

Jane was a proud and caring mother to her sons, Garrett and Michael. She welcomed her daughter-in-law, Misty into the family with open arms and treated her as one of her own. Her greatest joy were her grandchildren, who brought endless light and laughter into her life.  

Known for her ability to bring people together, her unwavering loyalty, and her outgoing personality, Jane knew no stranger. She touched countless lives with her generous heart and warmth.  

In her early years she excelled at music and creative writing, especially poetry. One of her poems was published in a national magazine. She loved shopping with her sisters, cooking, crafting, and golfing with her husband.  

Jane will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her memory will live on through the cherished moments she shared with those she held dear. 

She is survived by her husband Darrell Schmidt, son Garrett Schmidt (Misty), son Michael Schmidt; grandchildren Julia Schmidt, Colin Schmidt, and Blake Schmidt; siblings Judy Schmidt Toms (Bill), Janet Schmidt Coleman (Roger), John Schmidt (Patsy), Jim Schmidt (Katherine), Jack Schmidt (Diane)  and Tammy Turner Bruegger (Dan); and several nieces and nephews.  

A celebration of Jane’s life will be held at River City Church in Lawrence, KS on Friday, December 20, 2024 at 2:00 pm. 

Rest in peace, Jane. You will forever remain in our hearts. 

 

Wayne E. Spellman

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Wayne Edward Spellman, 77, died peacefully on December 6, 2024, with his wife, Sue, at his side. He was born August 28th, 1947, in Salina, Kansas to Paul and Irma Spellman of Gypsum, Kansas. He attended Gypsum grade and high schools and graduated with the Class of 1965. He was very active in sports.

Wayne attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas graduating with his Bachelor of Arts in Finance in 1969. In September of 1969 Wayne served in the US Army in Vietnam and Germany as a Military Policeman. He received an honorable discharge for his service to his country in 1971. On May 17, 1974, Wayne married Susan (Sue) Forke. They celebrated 50 years of marriage in May 2024. They lived in Lawrence for over 50 years where Wayne worked as a Supervisor of Payroll at Kansas University until his retirement. While working at Kansas University they “adopted” 19 international students who became a special part of their family.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sue Spellman, Lawrence, Kansas; brother, Gary (Marva) Spellman of Lyons, Kansas; twin sister, Gail (Jim) Assink of Lynden, Washington; and many nieces and nephews.

A Visitation will be held Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM followed by a celebration of life service from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, Lawrence, Kansas. A graveside service will be held for family and friends on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, at 11:00 AM, at Gypsum Cemetery, Gypsum, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Wayne’s honor can be sent to the Lawrence Humane Society.

Robert Michael “Mike” Wales

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Robert Michael “Mike” Wales, age 73 of Lawrence, passed away December 2, 2024. Mike was born January 6, 1951 in Lawrence, Kansas to parents Clarence Robert Wales and Frances Elaine Miller Wales. He was a graduate of Lawrence High School and also attended school in Perry and Williamstown where he played football and basketball.  Mike was also a graduate of Southeastern Oklahoma State University where he earned  a Bachelor of Science degree in 1989.  He also married Terry Bernier and they were together many years before divorcing.  Mike also was very proud of his service in the United States Air Force where he served and retired after 14 years.  During this time, Mike served in Guam and also at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma during Desert Storm.  He also traveled to Haiti a number of times as a missionary for River City Church.  Mike, in more recent years worked as an English language teacher in Zheng Zhou, China.  He was very fond of the many students and friends he made in China.  It was also during this time that Mike met HongMei Hu “Mary” and they were married in 2012.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Clarence, sister, Marla Jo Wales and two brother in laws, Alonzo Howard and Randy Wickham.  He is survived by his wife, HongMei Hu of the home; mother, Frances; daughters, Mandy and husband Chris Tinch of Topeka and Meredith Mazza and husband Nick of Shawnee, Kansas; one son, Travis Wales of Baldwin, Kansas; four brothers, Randy and wife Leanea of Mclouth, Kansas, Merle, Marvin and Martin of Lawrence, Kansas; three sisters, Brenda Wickham of Yukon, Oklahoma, Marsha and husband Bob Abbott of Mclouth, Marilyn Howard of Lawrence, Kansas and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Graveside services for Mike will be 3:00 P.M. Saturday, December 7, 2024 at Underwood Cemetery in Perry.  The family will have a visitation at the funeral home on Friday evening from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.  Arrangements are with Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, Kansas.

Rose Marie Hildebrand

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Rose Marie Hildebrand, 97, passed away Thursday, November 26, 2024.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 75 years, Glen.

Survivors include a daughter, Georgia (Gary) of Prairie Village, KS; son, Mark (Deb) of Tulsa, OK; grandson, Stephen (Callie) of Prairie Village, KS; and two great-granddaughters, Lola and Matilda.  “Ro” also had a very large circle of friends who were always there for her.

The family would like to thank Neuvant House of Lawrence for their loving care and support.