Author: RumseyYost

Michael Thompson Morley

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Michael Thompson Morley, loving husband and father, took his final quantum journey into the unknown on Sunday December 1, 2024, at his home in Lawrence, Kansas.

He made his arrival to the late John C. (Jack) Morley and Marie Thompson Morley on December 7, 1946, in Kansas City, Missouri.  He was the oldest of 5 siblings and spent his youth in Kansas City, except for periods living with his family in Denmark (1955) and Scotland (1963), which instilled in him an early love of travel and adventure.

Michael attended Rockhurst High School (Kansas City), Regis College (Denver), and University of Kansas, where he graduated from the School of Journalism in 1969 with a degree in advertising.  With the country upended by war he banded together with a group of good friends and spent years living the storied hippie life galavanting across the country.  From Arizona to Washington he did various odd jobs and barely stayed out of trouble. He finally landed in the Bay Area where he settled down slightly, married his first wife Sharon Anderson, had a daughter Amanda, and continued his ventures to South America, India, Pakistan and beyond.

How this wild guy came to take a mostly straight-laced Angela Candela to a Rolling Stones concert and marry her still baffles many of us to this day, but their relationship just made sense and is an aspiration to those who know them. They made marriage look easy and were the perfect counterbalance for each other for 41 years.

After stints as a school bus driver, sewing machine mechanic, drug runner and apple picker, to name a few.  Michael came to realize he was not content to be an employee. He got a contractor’s license and began by remodeling residential and commercial buildings before moving into new construction and using energy efficient Structural Insulated Panels, SIPs.  He wrote the book Building with Structural Insulated Panels in 2000 and invented a system to build geodesic domes using SIPs.  One of his domes was erected in Greensburg, Kansas, after a 2007 tornado flattened the town.  Of all of his work, his meticulous renovation of his home in Old West Lawrence was closest to his heart.  He and Angela always joked that while they loved to travel, there really was no place like home.

His passions included writing, cycling, traveling, gardening (particularly native prairie plants), camping and spending time with his vast network of friends.  He was a very engaged member of the Lawrence community. He served two terms as the OWL Association president, took an active part in restoring our brick streets and served on the Historic Resources Commission.  He was actively involved in the early days of the Common Ground Community Garden Program and was instrumental in OWL’s own Pearl Clark Community Garden. When he wasn’t doing those things he was tinkering with his prized possession, a 1957 Dodge Power Wagon.  Purchased in Arizona, driven daily in California, then to Kansas, it went through many incarnations as he transformed it into the metallic orange flatbed dump truck it is today.  As he liked to joke, “he had the truck longer than both marriages put together!”

A creative thinker and teller of tales–be it recounting his own legendary adventures from around the globe, or making up “Johnny and Lizzie” stories for the kids, always picking up where he left off–he was never at a loss for words.

Michael lived a fearless, full life, he never held back and dove head first into each adventure.  He was a social butterfly at heart and happiest in the company of others.  His friends, family and particularly his grandchildren always brought a smile to his face.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Thomas O’Connor Morley in 1984 and his first wife Sharon Anderson in 2018.  He is survived by his wife, Angela Candela of the home, and his proudest accomplishments, his three children, Amanda Stan (Silviu Stan), Lawrence, KS; Jackson Morley (Kat Cummings), Providence, RI; and Hazel Morley (Charles von Rosenberg), Ridgewood, NY.  He relished his role as “Hot Rod” to his four beloved grandchildren: Amon and Ursula Morley, Alden and Lewin von Rosenberg. He is also survived by his siblings Kevin Morley, Overland Park, KS; Sheila Morley-Wallis, Shawnee, KS; and Brian Morley, Lawrence, KS.

The family is grateful for the many friends who offered support during Michael’s two-year battle with appendiceal cancer.  Your kindness fills our hearts!  If there are any who wish to make a donation in his name, Michael was a bird lover and a supporter of Audubon of Kansas.

Yvonne Sue Daniels

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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Yvonne Sue Daniels, 69, of Gardner, Kansas. Yvonne passed away on Monday, November 25th, 2024 at Olathe Medical Center after a hard fought battle with Lung Cancer. She passed away peacefully with loved ones at her side.

Visitation will be on Thursday, December 5th, 2024 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence, KS.

Yvonne was born on July 2nd, 1955 in Lawrence, KS, the daughter of late Melvin McCombs and Carol Richardson (Plank). Yvonne married and divorced Jim Vantuyl and shared 3 Children who survive the home. Yvonne then married and divorced Rocky Daniels. After many years married and many years apart, Yvonne and Rocky found their way back to one another to live out her life with the love of her life and “BFF” until her last breath.

Yvonne is survived by Daughter Shanna Hutchcraft (Vantuyl) and Son In-law Wesley Hutchcraft of Excelsior Springs, MO, Sons Dustin Vantuyl and Significant Other Ashley DaVatz of Perry, KS and Cody Vantuyl of Tonganoxie, KS. Yvonne was also very proud to have 4 Grandchildren including Eli Cersovsky, Gavin and Jorden Vantuyl, and Jaxon Venchus. Her Sister Cindy Cook (McCombs) and Brother In-law Dana Cook and Niece Megan Cook also survive the home. Yvonne’s Brother Thomas McCombs and Sister Valerie Lynn (McCombs) along with her Parents preceded her in death.

Yvonne is loved by many. She cared deeply about her friends, co-workers and neighbors and would even offer help to a stranger on the street, if they were in need. One of her proudest accomplishments was being able to drive a School Bus for First Student in Gardner, KS after she retired from working in Human Resources most of her Adult Career. Her face would light up with happiness anytime she would talk about the kids on the bus or her work family that she became close with. She adored her neighbor-kids and looked forward to her special “coffee time” in the mornings while sitting on her front porch with them drinking their hot cocoa. She also was honored to be considered a grandma figure and cherished the heart to heart talks she would have with one of them who often would be found helping her walk her beloved dog Dilly or mowing her yard.

Yvonne was diagnosed with Lung Cancer in May 2023 and she immediately went to battle so that she could have more time with her family and friends. She had many people helping her along the way and was always so grateful of their kindness and generosity. It was hard for her to accept any help from anyone, ever! But, she was able to come to terms that it was going to take a village to fight this battle. It was indeed quite the amazing village she had by her side.

A bucket list ensued and her adventures began! It was just a reminder of her passion and spirit she had for anything she did in life. She knew she was on borrowed time, but that didn’t keep her from living life to the fullest every day. A reminder for all of us that life is short, you should take that vacation that you have been putting off, make memories with your loved ones, and absolutely eat the cake! And the ice cream too!

The Family suggests memorial contributions to be made to any local Animal Shelter or Animal Rescue Group as her love for animals was as deep as her love for her family and friends.

Tom Hornbaker

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Tom Hornbaker, 76, of Lawrence, passed away on Friday, November 22, 2024 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his family.

He was born November 11, 1948, in Lawrence, the son of Allison and Arlabel Hornbaker. He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1966 and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Kansas in 1973 and 1975. Tom served in the National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1977.

Tom spent the majority of his career with The World Company, from which he retired in 2022 after 28 years of service. He served in a number of volunteer roles in a variety of philanthropic organizations, including Junior Achievement, the Lawrence Schools Foundation board, as treasurer at First Baptist Church, and as treasurer and board member of the Lawrence City Band. He was a talented musician, playing the clarinet and saxophone in the Overland Park City Band, Lawrence City Band, KU’s University Band, New Horizons band, and in the Foundation Follies. He was a founding member of the JazzHawks, treasurer of the Crossroads band, and a board member of the Free State Brass Band. In addition to his many musical endeavors, Tom enjoyed traveling, woodworking, cheering on the KU Jayhawks, and “putzing around the yard.”

Tom married Shelly Buxton on February 19, 1983, in Prairie Village, Kansas. They moved to Lawrence in 1994, where she still resides. Other survivors include sisters Ann Feinberg and Jean Winters, daughter Jaime Dupy (Matt Dupy), daughter Jennifer Hornbaker (Justin Krajci), son Alan Hornbaker, and grandchildren Hailey and Adam Dupy.

A memorial service will be held in celebration of Tom’s life on Saturday, November 30 at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church West Campus, 867 Highway 40, in Lawrence.

Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Tom to the Lawrence City Band via the Douglas County Community Foundation, 900 Massachusetts Street, Suite 406, Lawrence, KS 66044; or First United Methodist Church, 946 Vermont Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Donna W. Gatts

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Memorial services for Donna W. Gatts will be 4:00 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2025 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.  Family will greet friends following the service.

Donna passed away Saturday, November 23, 2024 at the age of 96. She was preceded in death by her husband, Professor Robert R. Gatts, a son, Robert K. Gatts, her second husband, David Csitkovits, and two brothers (Marvin and Homer “Buzz”).

She is survived by her children, Gail (Greg) Brimhall, Roslyn (Greg) Alexander, Maryl Janson (James Lucas), Christian (Julie) Gatts, and a sister, Nancy Hawk. She has 15 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

Donna was born in Cleveland and raised in Dover, Ohio. She married Bob Gatts in 1948 and they raised 5 children together. They moved to Lawrence, Kansas in 1963 so Bob could work at the University of Kansas. Donna loved her family, her home, yard, gardening, dancing, playing bridge, University Theatre, reading, making doll clothes for her grandchildren, sailing, swimming, canoeing, her dogs, and entertaining. Donna enjoyed life to the fullest.

Donna went to nursing school in Ohio and worked as a registered nurse. She worked at Stormont-Vail Health for over 25 years as an IV Nursing Supervisor. She completed her Master’s degree in Health Education in 1987. She was a natural care giver and her choice of careers fit her well. Donna enjoyed traveling and combined her love for service by traveling to China with a medical team in the early 1980’s.

Donna volunteered at Court Appointed Special Advocates, Meals on Wheels, and supported many philanthropic organizations.

Reba Belle Bennett

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Reba Belle Bennett, 86, of Lawrence, KS passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on November 20th 2024.

Reba was born on September 23, 1938, in Burlington, Kansas, to Arthur and Ruth Ellen Salsbury. She was one of four children with brothers Arthur, Eugene (Dudley) and Robert (Bob). Reba’s parents, along with Arthur and Robert have predeceased her. In her early years she was raised in Wichita, Kansas before later moving to Ottawa, KS, where she met and married the love of her life, Larry W. Bennett (deceased) on May 24,1959. They moved to Lawrence Kansas to raise their family in 1961 and have been mainstays of the community ever since then.

Reba and Larry were married for over forty (40) years before Larry passed away in December of 2001. They had three children: Christopher Bennett and his wife Robin, of Lawrence, Kansas, Pamela Patterson and her husband Chris of Raytown, Missouri and Michael Bennett and his wife Kerrie of Round Rock, Texas. In addition to her three children, Reba is survived by eight grandchildren: Cara McPherson, Jason Ballesteros, Reece Ballesteros, Jamie Patterson, Noel Patterson, Taylor Oakman, Cooper Bennett and Preston Bennett. She is also survived by four great-grandchildren: Garrett Oakman, Bailey Oakman, Colt Oakman and Calvin Ballesteros.

Reba was a passionate and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She loved to spend time camping and water skiing at Lake Perry and other various locations. She bowled in local leagues for over 50 years, mainly at Hillcrest Bowl, before her health deteriorated. In fact, she chose Wayne and Larry’s at Hillcrest Bowl for her 80th birthday celebration. If you ever bought Avon in the 1970’s, 80’s or 90’s then you probably met her as her career spanned over 30 years. She sold Avon from the early 70’s until the fall of 2001 when she retired. She was devoted to her church originally Lawrence Wesleyan Methodist, currently known as Connect Church, and was an essential member of the congregation actively participating in its growth and relocations from 9th Street and Hillcrest Road to the former Elks Lodge on Clinton Parkway and finally to its current location in South Lawrence. In fact, Reba was named the Kansas Wesleyan lay person of the year in 2001.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Molly Imber, Keep Living at Home and Visiting Nurses for providing outstanding care to our mother and allowing her to live her life at home.

A visitation will be held at Rumsey-Yost funeral home on November 24th at 5pm. The funeral will be held at Connect Church, 3351 W. 31st Street, Lawrence, KS on November 25th at 10am. Reba will be laid to rest next to husband at Lawrence Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Alzheimer’s, Heart of America, Midwest Chapter 8001 Conser Ste 240 Overland Park, KS 66204.

Carolyn J. Carlson

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Services for Carolyn J. Carlson, 85, of Lawrence, will be at 11:00 am Saturday, December 7, 2024, at First Baptist Church, Lawrence, Kansas.

Carolyn died peacefully on Monday, November 18, 2024, at Wellsville Health and Rehab in Wellsville, Kansas.

Carolyn was born April 3, 1939, in Hutchinson, Kansas, the daughter of Lawrence and Fern Wheaton. She graduated from Garden City High School, Garden City, Kansas in 1957. She met her future husband, Lee Carlson, at Ottawa University, Ottawa, Kansas, in 1957, and they were married in 1959. They celebrated 65 years of marriage in June 2024.

Carolyn earned a BS in Home Economics in 1961 from Park University, Parkville, Missouri. After being a wife and mother for 13 years, she started and directed her own preschool, Creative Playtime in Emporia, Kansas. She taught hundreds of young children over 16 years. Later, Carolyn continued her love for teaching children at the Bloomington Developmental Learning Center in Bloomington, Indiana.

Survivors include her husband, Lee Carlson, Lawrence, Kansas, and four daughters, Christy Currier (Don), Lawrence, Kansas; Suzanne Miller, Emporia, Kansas; Lynne Shaw (Peter), Fairfield, California; and Jennifer Lowe (Bill), Raymore, Missouri, eight grandchildren, Alyssa  Wheeler (Kevin), Andrew Currier, Alex Currier (Shania), Noah Shaw, Laiken Shaw, Cameron Lowe, Jade Wilhite, and Avery Lowe, and two great-grandchildren, Henry Wheeler and Tatum Currier.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association, sent in care of Rumsey Yost Funeral Home: PO Box 1260, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Online condolences may be sent to www.rumsey-yost.com.

Staci Lea (Coffey) Rodriguez

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Staci Rodriguez, a beloved mother, daughter, and artist, passed away on November 19, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She leaves behind a legacy of love, warmth, and affection for all who knew her. She was 63 and will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and everyone who had the joy of knowing her.

Born in Pittsburg, Kansas on March 1, 1961, Staci was a fierce friend to everyone who knew her. Staci was raised in Ulysses, Kansas followed by Wichita, Kansas and finally Lawrence, Kansas, where she graduated from Lawrence High School in 1979. After graduation, Staci attended Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. Staci’s vibrant personality, unwavering kindness, and genuine compassion for others left an indelible mark on the hearts of all she encountered.

Staci married Roman Rodriguez in 1981, and together they raised their three children Roman David, Ryan, and Alison. As a devoted mother, she poured all her love into raising her children and creating a warm, loving home. Her legacy as a caring mother will live on through her children’s lives and those of her grandchildren, Ezekiel, Roman Jacob, Jesse, Mariah, Eden, Reann, Valerie, and Alexander. Her love for her family was boundless, and she adored every moment spent with her children and grandchildren.

Throughout her life, Staci worked tirelessly to support her family and contribute to her community. She was known for her dedication, loyalty, and incredible ability to make others feel valued and understood. Whether in her family, friendships, or career, Staci touched many lives with her
kindness, generosity, and authenticity.

Despite her disability Staci had a zest for life, and cherished the special moments spent with her family and friends. She always brought joy to those around her through her infectious smile and positive attitude. She had a unique artistic vision and could transform the ordinary into something extraordinary, whether through drawing, painting, jewelry crafting, or countless imaginative ideas. Her creativity not only fueled her passions but also inspired those around her.

Staci is survived by her children, grandchildren, parents, Roger and Deana Coffey, her siblings, Shaun Coffey, Stephany Coffey and Thane Coffey, her former husband and friend Roman Rodriguez, and loyal companion Oreo. She is also mourned by her uncles, aunts, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends who will carry her memory with them always. Her family’s love for her never faltered, and they will continue to hold dear the many memories they shared together.

Staci’s gentle heart, her artistic spirit, and the love she poured into her family will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her. She will be remembered for her warm smile, her endless creativity, and the deep love she gave so freely.

A Visitation for Staci will be held on Thursday, December 12th, 5:30pm – 6:30pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Friends and family are invited to join in honoring her memory and the impact she made on so many lives.

Staci’s passing leaves a void that can never be filled, but her spirit, love, and light will continue to guide and inspire all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Rest in peace, Staci. Your love and legacy live on in our hearts forever.

Randall Paul Spiker

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Services for Randall Paul Spiker, 63, Lawrence will be 10am Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.  Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.  Visitation will be 5-7pm Friday, November 22, 2024 at the funeral home. 

Randall passed away on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at his home.  He was born June 9, 1961 in Topeka, Kansas to Gordon Paul and Betty June (Hoppe) Spiker.  He graduated from Highland Park High School in 1979 and attended the University of Kansas. 

After graduating high school, he worked for the Kansas Neurological Institute as a drafter. He then moved to Lawrence, Kansas to attend Kansas University and began working for Roy’s Frame Gallery as a framer. He worked at Sallie Mae Loan Servicing Center for 20 years. He retired from the Lawrence Police Department as a civilian police officer, serving for 23 years. 

Randall enjoyed supporting youth services.  For a number of years he was on the board of directors for Big Brothers & Big Sisters. He had a great interest and involvement in their fundraising activities. 

Randall had many gifts. He was a lover of history, especially his family history.  He studied interior and industrial design at KU. He had a tremendous love for animals, especially dogs. He grew up with them and continued to have them in adulthood.  Randall had an expansive knowledge of many things including woodworking and the types of wood, the history of our country, and all that is encompassed in nature (birds, trees, plants and flowers). Randall gave freely of his talents and shared them with many. 

Survivors include Pat (David) Freeman of Springfield, MO, Janice Spiker, Deanna (Ron) Meyer, and Carol Spiker all of Topeka, Kansas.   

Randall married Carol Brown on May 9, 1998. They later divorced, but remained close. She survives.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Laveita Pfeffer, Yakima, WA and his in-laws David & Carol Brown. 

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place • Memphis, TN 38105 or Lawrence Humane Society, 1805 E 19th Street • Lawrence, KS 66046. 

Julee Anette Smith

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Visitation for Julee Anette Hinz Smith, 69, Lawrence, will be 2pm Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, followed by a memorial service at 3pm.  Private inurnment will be at Lancaster Cemetery, Lancaster, Kanas.

Julee passed away Saturday, November 16, 2024 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born a twin on April 7, 1955 in Atchison, Kansas to Clarence E. and Dixie L. Boyles Hinz.

Julee graduated from Lawrence High School in 1973 where she was a varsity cheerleader and homecoming queen attendant. She later attended Salina Vocational School where she majored in Commercial Art and graduated in 1977.  She married in 1983 and later divorced.

She worked in the banking industry over many years at several institutions in Lawrence and Topeka, including University National Bank, Columbia Savings Association, Douglas County Treasurer’s Office, Mercantile Bank, Commerce Bank and Great American Bank retiring after 25 years there as a loan administrator.

Julee was an active member of Velocity Church in Lawrence.  As a steadfast Christian she was devoted to strengthening her personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Julee had many friends among her co-workers and fellow church members who knew her as an especially sweet, unpretentious and sincere person. While she was also a very private person, she was a kind soul who touched everyone she knew.

Survivors include her son, Joel H. Smith, Lawrence; her mother, Dixie Kinkaid, Lawrence; her sister, Janet Hinz Hall, Lawrence; her twin brother Michael (Jana) Hinz, Lawrence; nephews Jon-Michael Hall, Lawrence and Wyatt Hinz, Hawthorne, CA.  She was preceded in death by her father Clarence Hinz.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the Ocular Melanoma Foundation (www.ocularmelanoma.org).