Author: RumseyYost

Melvina Gail Freeman

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Melvina Gail Freeman, 76, of Lawrence, passed away Saturday, March 28, 2026, at LMH Health.

She was born February 27, 1950, in Iowa City, Iowa, the daughter of Melvin and Fayemont (Whitacre) Gray.

Melvina found great joy in caring for her grandchildren, serving as a devoted childcare provider to her family. She also worked at Naismith Hall at the University of Kansas. In her free time, she enjoyed reading, crocheting, and working word search puzzles.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James W. Freeman, Sr.; her daughters, Debra McDaniel and Polly Hildenbrand; and her sons, Robert Freeman and Jimmy Freeman.

Survivors include her daughters, Jody Brown and Terri McDaniel; her son, Avery Hedgecock; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 3, 2026, at Memorial Park Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Friday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Steven (Steve) Burnette Mitchell

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Services for Steven (Steve) Burnette Mitchell, 73, of Lawrence, will be at 1 pm, Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Inurnment will take place at a later date.

Steve died Sunday, March 15, 2026, from complications of dementia.

He was born April 2, 1952, in Gardner, Kansas, the son of Jack Ralph Mitchell and Helen (Mittlestadt) Mitchell. His brother, Charles (Charlie), joined the family in January of 1954.

Steve attended grades K-12 in Montana, New Mexico, and Texas, graduating from John H. Reagan High School in Austin in 1970. He earned a BA from KU in May 1979, followed by an MA in Political Science in December 1992.

While a student at KU, Steve worked for the Libraries and Student Financial Aid office. He transferred those skills to positions in data entry/customer service with Sallie Mae, DST Systems, and General Dynamics.

He married Lois Bauer on May 21, 1988, in Lawrence. She survives, along with his brother Charlie of Waco, Texas, and an extended family on Lois’ side that he warmly embraced.

The family would like to thank the staff and students of KU Speech Language Hearing Clinic; the staff of Lawrence Family Practice, Lawrence Neurology Specialists, LMH, Key Rehab, Ascend Hospice, and Neuvant House for their care. And a special thank you to a group of wonderful neighbors that literally lifted Steve up when he was down, and gave him reason to smile on hard days.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Schiefelbusch Speech Language Hearing Clinic at KU, entering “SPLH Endowment” on the KU Endowment Association website; a favorite charity; or the planting of a tree.

Livestream the service at https://together.oneroomstreaming.com/F6STCN

John “Jack” Smith

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John Smith, known affectionately to all as “Jack,” passed away on March 26, 2026, at the age of 72. Born on May 27, 1953, Jack was a man defined by his hardworking nature, booming voice, infectious laughter, and his deep devotion to his family as a husband and father, and grandfather.

Jack was a true gun enthusiast whose expertise went far beyond just collecting. An avid shooter and hunter, he took great pride in the precision of the craft, spending countless hours loading his own ammunition and perfecting his marksmanship, and sharing his knowledge.
While he was happiest immersed in his hobbies or out in the field, his greatest pride was the life he built with his family. He will be remembered as a steady, quiet presence—a man who took meticulous care in everything he did, from his craft to the love he showed his wife, daughters, and grandchildren.

Jack is survived by his daughters, Laura Terry (Dustin) and Tara Smith; his grandchildren, Ryder and Hadley Terry; his brother, Larry Smith (Candyce); and multiple nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Diana Smith; his parents, Max and Doris “Lorraine” Smith; and his brother, Max “Dean” Smith.

A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at a future date. The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this time as they prepare to honor his memory.

Marian Ione Braden

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Marian Ione Braden, 96, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

Funeral arrangements are currently pending with Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory. A full obituary and service details will be announced as soon as they become available.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for Marian’s family, please visit our online guestbook.

Edwin Charles “Ed” Stewart

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Edwin Charles Stewart, 79, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

Born January 5, 1947, in St. Joseph, Missouri, to Leah Grace (Cover) and Wilbur Dean Stewart. Ed grew up in Highland, Kansas, where he embraced life fully—excelling in sports, music, and friendships. A standout athlete at 6’5, he played basketball in high school and at Highland Community College, earning Hall of Fame Honors. He continued at Pittsburg State University, where he received his degree in Psychology and went on to earn his Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado.

Ed’s life was defined by connection, adventure, and family. He spent years in Anchorage, Alaska, raising five of his seven children, building a house with the help of his four brothers, singing in a barbershop quartet, and enjoying basketball and cross-country skiing. He later returned to Kansas, where his last two children were born and where he continued his career supporting and uplifting others, retiring from the State of Kansas in 2012.

In 1994, Ed met the love of his life, Carol, and together they built a life full of travel, laughter, and devotion to their large, blended family. They shared 32 years together.

Ed was a natural-born dad—loving, present, and endlessly proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He believed deeply in the power of humor and was a lifelong jokester, known for his warm hugs, playful spirit, and ability to make any moment lighter. He loved music (especially classic country), basketball, fireworks, good food, and time spent with family—especially at Christmas, his favorite time of year.

He was a devoted husband, a loyal brother, a kind friend, and an extraordinary father. His greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was the family he created.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Patrick. He is survived by his beloved wife Carol, daughter Mary Meinholz (Joseph) Prescott, Arizona, grandchildren: Peter, Matthew and Elizabeth; daughter Melinda Valentini (Adrian) Wheat Ridge, Colorado; daughter Jo Anna Brown, St Louis, Missouri, grandchildren: Layla, Hadleigh, Abbygail and Tristann Wooten (Conner) Benton, Arkansas, great-grandchildren: Brady and Beckham; daughter Stephanie Koehler (Chris) Lawrence, Kansas; grandchildren Elliot, Arlo and Gracie; son Tim Stewart (Doris) Wake Forest, North Carolina; daughter Katie Hemphill (Justin) Bauxite, Arkansas; grandchild Ronin; stepdaughter Julie Lambert (Tim) Medford, Massachusetts, grandchildren: Calvin Neville and Desmond (Ellie); stepdaughter Jill Boren (Curtis) Kansas City, Kansas, grandchildren: Rylee and Kayle; brothers and their families Dave Stewart (Connie) Overland Park, Kansas; Bob Stewart (Tammy) Dripping Springs, Texas; Paul Stewart (Julie) Wichita, Kansas, and Kenny Stewart (Diane) Highland, Kansas.

The visitation will be held from 4–6 pm on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS. Ed will lie in state from 1-2 pm on Thursday, April 2, 2026, followed by the Celebration of Life from 2 – 4 pm all at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lawrence Humane Society, 1805 E 19th St, Lawrence, KS 66046 or Douglas County Visiting Nurses, 200 Maine St STE C, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Cheri Ann (DuPree) Richardson

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On March 21, 2026, Cheri Ann (DuPree) Richardson passed away at the age of 94, on her own terms, in her cute little apartment in Lawrence, Kansas. Cheri was born in rural Noble County, Oklahoma on February 15, 1932. She was the only daughter of Edward “Eddie” and Hazel (Johnson) DuPree. She graduated from Stillwater High School in 1950.

Cheri was the little sister of James “Jim”, Woody and Jerry DuPree. She was lovingly called “Sis” by her three big brothers. She married the man she loved, Harvie Richardson, on June 12th, 1949, in the Governor’s Suite of Hotel Yancey in Grand Island, Nebraska. They were united for sixty years until death separated them. They had one daughter, Monica Lynn Richardson.

Cheri was the family Home Executive and known for keeping a perfect house and making delicious baked goods that she loved sharing with others. She was a valued employee at many banks in many states. She had numerous opportunities to perfect her superlative home decorating style as the family moved frequently for Harvie’s career– a fact which may have more than slightly vexed her and about which she famously said, “There are a lot of twists and turns in (your) life. Especially if you’re living it.” Nonetheless, anyone who ever crossed a threshold over which she presided would have agreed that she always created exquisitely clean, orderly and welcoming households and that she graciously shared these households with any guest lucky enough to find their way to her doorstep. She was adept at quilting and sewing; she enjoyed canning too. When her two grandchildren were young, she took great joy in making special watermelon rind pickles for each.

She had a passion for antiquing and thrifting and she had what some might call “a good eye for quality.” She was tremendously tough and once drove herself to her hairdresser’s home after having broken her back in an auto accident. Well into her elderly years, she could be found moving 30lbs buckets around the barn.

Cheri loved to read and was disappointed that she lost that ability in her later years. She most certainly, however, did not lose her sharp wit. She could fire off a quick, incisive comment that would stop you in your tracks, laughing. Cheri loved her pets, especially her many Black Standard Poodles (a string of which accompanied her through more than five decades of her life) and her cat, Kitty Baby, who was with her until the end.

After Harvie died in 2009, Cheri took over the family business selling the horse supplement, Breathe Eze, and successfully ran the enterprise with Monica’s help, well into Cheri’s eighties. Most folks thought of her as tiny, mighty, vibrant, sweet and pragmatic. Above all else, it must be said that despite the hardships life threw at her, she remained, to the very last of her days, remarkably and astoundingly resilient.

Cheri will be missed by the loved ones she left: her daughter Monica Lynn Richardson of Stillwater, Oklahoma; granddaughter Joni Timms, husband Daniel Timms, and great-grandsons Ridley and Liam Beard all of Lawrence, Kansas; and her grandson Brady Hybsha of El Reno, Oklahoma. Cheri also leaves behind other family, friends and several kind and eminently capable women who helped care for her in the last of her days.

The family invites you to join them for graveside services on June 16, 2026, at 10 am at Fairlawn Cemetery in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Cheri’s honor to Stillwater Humane Society at https://hspets.org/ or to Lawrence Meals on Wheels at www.lawrencemow.org.

Mary Ann Strong

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Mary Ann Strong died in her sleep Thursday, March 19, 2026. Mary Ann was born on June 28, 1925, in Pawhuska, OK, the daughter of John and Vivian Kennedy. She graduated from Ferry Hall High School in Lake Forest, IL and the University of Oklahoma where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
Mary Ann was a librarian and secretary at St John’s School from 1965 to 1977. She served on the parish councils of both St. John’s and Corpus Christi Catholic Churches. She served on the boards of Meals on Wheels and Catholic Community Services and was a volunteer reader at Audio Reader for 35 years.
She married Jack W. Strong in 1950. They moved to Lawrence in 1960 and established Strong’s Office Systems. She is survived by her children Marjorie of Bothell, WA, John of Woodstock, MD, and Paul of Hawaii, HI.
Services will be held at Corpus Christi this summer at a date to be determined. Interment will be with her husband in the National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, KS.
Memorials may be made to Audio Reader, Girl Scout’s Hidden Valley and St. John’s School and Corpus Christi.

Dennis Edward Nystrom

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Dennis Edward Nystrom, 78, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away peacefully at his home on the morning of Saturday, March 21, 2026, surrounded by his family and loved ones. He lost his battle with pancreatic cancer, but fought hard and with immense courage until the very end.

Dennis was born on October 6, 1947, the son of Evar Walter Nystrom and Marie Elizabeth (Ross) Nystrom. He built a long and dedicated career at Hallmark Cards, eventually retiring after 42 years of service.

On October 30, 1982, Dennis was united in marriage to Cheryl Doonan. She survives at the home. The two shared a wonderful life together, and in their retirement years, they loved hitting the road to travel the country together as “Snow Birds.”

In addition to his beloved wife, Cheryl, Dennis leaves behind a loving family, including his children: Paul Nystrom of Lawrence, KS; Denise Nystrom of Belton, MO; Kenny Nystrom and his wife, Liz, of Perry, KS; Chellie Doonan of Lawrence, KS; and Nichole Doonan and Bob of Lecompton, KS. His wonderful legacy will continue to live on through his 10 cherished grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends for a visitation and gathering to celebrate Dennis’s life on Monday, April 6, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Lawrence Humane Society or the Lawrence Cancer Center, which may be sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Glenn LeRoy Stowe

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Glenn LeRoy Stowe, 76, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away on March 20, 2026. He was born on March 19,1950, in Lawrence, Kansas, to Clara Mae (Brightwell) and Paul Eugene Stowe.

Glenn married the love of his life, Sharon K. Rosebrough, on June 20,1977, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and raising three children.

He is survived by his children: Mekell Stowe, Amy Benjamin and her husband Jason, and Casey Vigil all of Lawrence. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Mackenzie Adams, Cody Benjamin, Jaden Battelle, Colton Smith, Kylie Smith, and Maeva Vigil; and one great-grandson, Cannon Weeks.

Glenn is also survived by his siblings: sisters Charlotte Lewis and Judy Berry, brother Robert Stowe, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sharon; two brothers, Earl and Alvin Stowe; and one sister, Neva Stowe.

Glenn dedicated over 50 years of his life to the drywall trade, beginning as a young teenager and eventually building and operating his own successful drywall business starting in the 1970s. He took great pride in his work and the reputation he built through decades of dedication.

Outside of work, Glenn enjoyed hunting, fishing, country music, spending time with family, cheering on the Kansas City Royals, and watching Jayhawks basketball. He also loved politics- never afraid to voice his strong beliefs and opinions- and time shared with friends, family and his beloved pets.

Family meant everything to Glenn. He had deep roots in the North Lawrence community and was forever proud to call himself a “North Lawrence Sand Rat.” He will be remembered as a devoted father, a loving grandfather, always caring and generous with a smile on his face, and his Ford trucks. But most of all, a man whose greatest joy was the time he spent with those he loved.

His legacy of hard work, loyalty, and love for family will live on in all who knew him.

A visitation will be 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 27, 2026, also at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lawrence Humane Society, 1805 E 19th St., Lawrence, KS 66046.

Jennifer (Jenna) Lynn Coker

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JENNIFER LYNN COKER (known as Jenna) passed peacefully from this world into the glory of eternal rest alongside her husband and loved ones on 3/22/2026.

Born in January, 1950 in Tokyo, Japan, the daughter of US Army Major Ellis Clifton and Norma Jo Coker, the family returned to the United States circa 1952. Her early years were spent living on numerous Military bases around the world, including Germany, California, New York, Georgia, and Texas. Her family finally settled at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas where her father passed away and she became a US Army Gold Star Family member.

She attended Leavenworth High School, and soon thereafter served several rural Kansas Utility companies as an accountant. 25 years of her career was devoted to Kansas University, Lawrence (Go Jayhawks!) in numerous capacities and departments until retirement: her longest-serving and most beloved position as Accounting Manager for the Geology Department.

Jenna was very active in the greater Lawrence community enjoying volunteering, concerts, visiting Art galleries and social and cultural events. She had many friends who enjoyed her vivacious arrivals in the red Mustang convertible (with personalized plate “FRE2BME”) to relish nice weather at lakeside gatherings, swims, picnics and events.

About this time in her life, Jenna became exceptionally passionate about gardening, obtaining a Master Gardener Certification. Her residence is and will remain well-known for the attractively alluring gardens she created. Her everlasting memory will live on through her joyful vocation in the Oak Hill Cemetery through her generously donated time caring for flowerbeds throughout the Cemetery. Jenna is well self-described by her phone greeting, “I’m out trying to change the things I can’t accept or I’m out diggin’ in the dirt: summer or winter”.

Her life became truly complete only after meeting her soulmate and future husband, Fredrick Sack. They openly blossomed together through their deep and devoted love for each other and life, their shared passions, and genuine thrill in all things joyful and beautiful. Jenna and Fred made priceless memories on countless pleasure road trips over the years: traveling more than 20,000 miles (early on with a camper) to visit family, friends and national treasures. She was especially impressed by the immense beauty and power of Niagara Falls and the stunningly enormous trees in Upstate NY.

Together, they visited Disney Land, toured Texas, Mount Rushmore, greatly enjoyed camping in Fred’s son’s back yard in Denver and her sister’s tiny house in the woods under the shadow of Mount Monadnock, boating around and exploring islands on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, touring the Northeast coastline and White Mountain National Forest during the height of fall foliage, and many, many more memorable local trips. Jenna will be greatly missed by the multitude of people she deeply touched throughout her life.

Graveside Services will be 2 pm, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Oak Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to Hospice Care VNA of Lawrence or the Lawrence Humane Society.