Author: RumseyYost

Robert Barlow Swanson

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In Loving Memory of Robert Barlow Swanson
August 10, 1936 – June 4, 2026

Robert (Bob) Barlow Swanson was born in Paxton, Illinois to Dorothy Barlow Swanson and Leslie Frank Swanson. He spent his school years there and graduated from Paxton High School in 1954. After high school, he enlisted in the Army as a tank mechanic. After two years, he decided to head west and attend the University of Montana in Missoula—Go Grizzlies! It was there he met his future wife, Edrie Lou Parker. He was stopped at an intersection in Missoula when she suddenly jumped in his car on a dare from her friends. They married in 1959, and he continued his education, graduating with a degree in Business in 1963.

His first job took him to Great Falls, Montana, where they welcomed their first son, Douglas, in September of 1963. After a couple of years, they moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where their second son, David, was born in October of 1965. Their travels then led them to Sioux City, Iowa, where Bob began his career at Central United Life Insurance Company, serving as a Vice President in underwriting. In April of 1968, their first daughter, Elece, was born, followed by Megan in June of 1971. They loved to boat on the river, spend time with neighbors, and enjoy golfing and socializing at the Boat Club. Bob’s love for hunting carried through to his sons, and many weekends were spent with their dog, Cody, out in the fields bringing pheasants home where they had delicious family meals.

In 1979, they followed their dreams and moved to the lake town of Alexandria, Minnesota, purchasing the Windjammer Inn. Living the resort lifestyle was a perfect fit for Bob; he thoroughly enjoyed making sure the cabins and boats were all “up to par” so weekly guests could fully enjoy their stays.

Moving to Lawrence, Kansas made Bob and his entire family Jayhawk fans for life—they never missed a chance to cheer for KU basketball! He resumed his career in insurance with Standard Mutual Life Insurance Company, where he retired in 1993 and proudly began his new job in 2000 as “Grandpa.”

Baldwin City later became Bob and Edrie’s home while she was employed at Baker University. He cherished spending time with family, fishing, and teaching his grandkids how to swing a baseball bat and cast a reel. After Edrie retired in 2008, they moved to Table Rock Lake to enjoy a laid-back lifestyle. Their days were filled with more fishing, golf cart rides, and a great group of friends for playing cards and gathering at the clubhouse, with their kids and grandchildren visiting most weekends.

Bob was loved by everyone who met him. He was a man who didn’t demand the spotlight, but when he spoke and told stories, everyone listened. He kept his family laughing and never missed a chance to teach his grandkids how to bait a hook, walk the dogs, build a fire, or just hang out in his garage. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Edrie Swanson, his mother Dorothy Swanson Meeker, his father Leslie Swanson, his step-father Ronald Meeker, and his two step-brothers John Meeker and Tom Meeker. He is survived by his brother John Swanson (wife Kathi), sons Douglas Swanson and David Swanson, his daughters Elece Kellerman and Megan Wilson (husband Steve) and six grandchildren Parker Wilson, Annika Swanson, Tennyson Wilson, Jake Swanson, Charlie Swanson, and Max Kellerman.

Please join the family for a come-and-go celebration of Bob & Edrie’s wonderful life on Thursday, June 18th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Baldwin City Beer Company in Baldwin City, Kansas. Please stay casual and feel free to wear your favorite KU Jayhawk or Baker Wildcat shirt to honor her favorite teams. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in honor of Bob to the Lawrence Humane Society, 1805 E 19th St., Lawrence, KS 66046 or online at https://lawrencehumane.org/donate/ or Baker University, Attn: Office of Development and Alumni Relations, PO Box 65, Baldwin City, KS 66006 or online at https://alumni.bakeru.edu/give/endowment/, please use The Edrie Parker Swanson Endowed Scholarship.

Jane Marie Watson

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Jane Marie Watson, 68, passed away at her home on Friday, May 29, 2026.

Jane was born on August 15, 1957, in Wichita, Kansas, to William and Thelma Quinlan. She graduated from Topeka West High School in 1975 and later married David Watson on August 29, 1981, in DeSoto, Missouri. Together, they spent 45 years building a loving family and creating countless cherished memories.

Jane spent much of her professional life caring for and teaching young children through various early childhood education roles. She had a gift for nurturing others and touched the lives of countless children and families throughout her career. She also spent eight years working as a pharmacy technician, where she continued to serve others with kindness and compassion.

In retirement, Jane found her greatest joy in spending time with her three beloved grandchildren. She treasured every moment she shared with Eleanor, Greyson, and Camila, who lovingly knew her as “Nanny.” Whether attending their activities, sharing special moments, or simply enjoying everyday life together, being a grandmother was the role she cherished most.

Jane was also an avid KU basketball fan and rarely missed watching a game. She loved tending to her garden and found peace and happiness among her flowers and plants.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Thelma Quinlan, and her brothers, Bob Quinlan and Jim Quinlan.

Jane is survived by her husband of 45 years, David Watson; her son, Jeremy Watson; her daughter, Jillian Watson, and son-in-law, Felipe De La Torre; her brother, Richard Quinlan and his wife, Sandy; her sister, Jill Quinlan and her husband, Kurt; her cherished grandchildren, Eleanor, Greyson, and Camila; her mother-in-law; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Jane’s kindness, gentle spirit, and unwavering love for her family will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Visitation to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who wish to honor Jane’s memory do so by spending time with loved ones, planting something beautiful, or performing an act of kindness in her name.

Livestream the service at https://together.oneroomstreaming.com/2FURTU

Tamela (Tammy) Jacqueline Self

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A Celebration of Life for Tamela (Tammy) Jacqueline Self, 54, of Lawrence, KS, will be at 3 PM Friday June 19, 2026, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence KS, 66044.
Tammy Self died Monday, May 25, 2026, in her home in Lawrence, KS.

She was born March 13, 1972, in Kingman, KS. She was the daughter of Keith and Karon Self. She graduated from Greensburg High School, Greensburg, KS, in 1990. In 1997 she obtained her nursing degree from Pratt Community College.

Tammy worked as a nurse for many years in the OBGYN department at Pratt Regional Hospital in Pratt, KS. She loved helping expectant mothers and taking care of newborn babies. She later volunteered for the Red Cross in Hutchinson, KS, often traveling to areas impacted by tornadoes. Tammy moved to Lawrence, KS in 2018. She enjoyed gardening, coloring, painting, creating original artwork, spending time with her beloved dog, Mochi, and singing and acting silly. She always stood up for what she believed in. Tammy’s caring nature affected many lives and she will be greatly missed.

Tammy is survived by her parents, Keith (Sr.) and Karon Self of Lawrence, KS; daughter, Maci Lawrence of Eudora, KS; siblings: Keith Self Jr. (wife Chris) of Lawrence, KS, Christopher Self of Topeka, KS, Joshua Self of Kansas City, KS; nephews Kayden Self and Jesse Self and niece, Melia Self of Lawrence, KS; grandson, Brady Lawrence of Eudora, KS.

Any contributions can be made to Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home; all proceeds will be used for the Celebration of Life and cremation.

Edwin “Ed” Arthur Lehman

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Edwin A. Lehman, of Lawrence, KS, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 29, 2026, with family by his side at The Windsor, Lawrence, KS.

He was born on December 15, 1939, in Palmer, KS, the son of Chester H. and Lula M. (Dageforde) Lehman. He married his high school sweetheart Georgia Lorei on March 19, 1961, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Ramona, KS. They were married for over 65 years. This marriage was blessed with two children, Robert (Jackie) and Shelley (Jon).

Ed started his journey as a meat cutter for Austin’s Grocery in Salina, KS. When the family-owned store closed, he began working for Dillon’s Food Stores. He worked in stores in Salina, KS, McPherson, KS and Lawrence, KS for almost 40 years before retiring. He enjoyed long bicycle rides, logging as much as 150 miles per week, playing golf, and long evening walks with Georgia.
Ed served his church faithfully by volunteering his time for yard maintenance, helping in the kitchen for church dinners, and serving with fellow members at LINK – Lawrence Interdenominational Nutrition Kitchen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Norma Webb, brother Robert, and grandson Jordan. He is survived by wife Georgia; his children, five grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

The family is deeply grateful for the extended healthcare support we received from The Windsor Reflections Memory Care along with weekly and daily visits from the Ascend Hospice Team. Your kindness, skill, and steady presence have meant more than words can express. In such a difficult time, your compassion truly felt like a village of care surrounding our family, and we will carry that kindness in our hearts always

The memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, June 19, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1245 New Hampshire St. Lawrence, KS. The family will receive friends and family prior to the Memorial Service beginning at 10:30 AM.

Inurnment will be at a later date at Lewis Cemetery, Ramona, KS.

Memorials are suggested to Ascend Hospice, 4550 W. 109th Street, Overland Park, KS 66207 to support their journey as they walk along other patients and families or to Trinity Lutheran Church, 1245 New Hampshire St. Lawrence, KS. Please designate memorials to Trinity for either WELCA to assist with their women’s ministries or to the Camp Tomah Shinga Church Camp Fund to support our youth as they grow in their Christian faith.

Edrie Lou Swanson

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In Loving Memory of Edrie Lou Swanson
March 28, 1939 – May 25, 2026

Edrie Lou (Parker) Swanson was born March 28, 1939, in Helena, Montana, to Alvin Victor Parker and Maxine Katherine Walsh. They later moved to Polson, Montana, where Edrie attended high school and was a proud member of the National Honor Society. Swimming at Flathead Lake remained one of her fondest memories of her time in Polson. Edrie went on to attend the University of Montana in Missoula to pursue her passion for a Speech Therapy degree. Though her plans changed when her father unexpectedly passed away during her freshman year, it was during this time that she met her true love, Robert Swanson. They were married on September 6, 1959, and remained in Helena while Robert (Bob) completed his business degree.

Bob’s career took them on a wonderful journey starting in Great Falls, Montana, where they welcomed their first son, Douglas, in 1963. Shortly after, they moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where their second son, David, was born in 1965. A subsequent move took them to Sioux City, Iowa, where their daughters Elece and Megan were born in 1968 and 1971. While raising her four children there, Edrie was deeply involved in the community, serving in the Junior League and as President of the Junior Women’s Club. In 1979, the family followed a lifelong dream and purchased a resort on Lake Carlos in Alexandria, Minnesota. Alongside Bob, Edrie loved managing the 11 cabins, taking care of guests, and wrangling her four rambunctious children.

Edrie was a legendary host and cook who loved preparing family dinners and entertaining friends. Her refrigerator was always full, and she possessed the magical ability to make “something out of nothing” at a moment’s notice. Her tables were always beautifully set, and her food was fantastic.

Moving to Lawrence, Kansas, in 1983, made Edrie a Jayhawk for life. She was an avid KU Basketball fan through and through, never missing a chance to cheer them on.

Her professional career brought her to Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas, where she served as the Assistant to the President for 25 years. Her dedication to education came full circle when, after watching three of her children graduate from Baker, she earned her own bachelor’s degree from BU in 1999 at the age of 60. After retiring in 2008, Bob and Edrie moved to Table Rock Lake, creating a vibrant new lake life. Their deck became a hub for family and friends to fish, boat, play games, and build lasting memories. In 2020, they returned to Baldwin City to be closer to their beloved family.

Edrie also carried a lifelong love for animals; her dogs meant the world to her, and her family takes comfort in knowing she is now surrounded by endless love and doggie kisses.

Edrie was preceded in death by her mother, Maxine Parker; her father, Alvin Parker; and her sister, Jacque Collins. She is survived by her devoted husband, Robert Swanson; her sons, Doug Swanson and David Swanson; her daughters, Elece Kellerman and Megan Wilson (husband Steve); and her six cherished grandchildren: Parker Wilson, Annika Swanson, Tennyson Wilson, Jake Swanson, Charlie Swanson, and Max Kellerman.

Please join the family for a come-and-go celebration of Edrie & Bob’s wonderful life on Thursday, June 18th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Baldwin City Beer Company in Baldwin City, Kansas. Please stay casual and feel free to wear your favorite KU Jayhawk or Baker Wildcat shirt to honor her favorite teams.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in honor of Edrie Lou Swanson to the Lawrence Humane Society, 1805 E 19th St., Lawrence, KS 66046 or online at https://lawrencehumane.org/donate/ or Baker University, Attn: Office of Development and Alumni Relations, PO Box 65, Baldwin City, KS 66006 or online at https://alumni.bakeru.edu/give/endowment/, please use The Edrie Parker Swanson Endowed Scholarship.

Dr. Becquer M. Benalcazar

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Dr. Becquer Marcelo Benalcazar, MD, 82, died peacefully at home on Sunday, Mar. 15, 2026. He was surrounded by his family and the grandchildren that knew him as “Baba”.

He was born Jan. 16, 1942, in Alausi, Ecuador to Don Luis and Doña Blanca Benalcazar. His family later emigrated to Colombia when he was 4 years old. He graduated with his medical degree from La Universidad del Valle in 1968 and continued his residency in Chicago.

At his residency, he met and fell in love with a fellow physician, Regine Schmid. Upon their residencies ending, and with 2 months’ notice, he went to Regine’s native country of Switzerland to visit. During this trip they vacationed to Greece. While on a ferry boat in the Aegean Sea, they found a moment alone under the tarp of a lifeboat where he proposed to her with a bottle of wine; thus cementing his self-identity as “Zorba the Ecuadorian.” They married in 1974 and moved to Topeka, Kansas to join the Menninger Foundation, both working as clinical psychiatrists, practicing decades until its departure in 2001. They continued their adventures by selling their Topeka home and most of their possessions, residing in France and Japan until finally settling in Lawrence, Kansas.

Becquer was affectionate, intellectually curious and he loved his people fervently and loyally. He is survived by the love of his life, his partner in crime, and wife of over 50 years, Regine; his children, Caterina and Marcelo; his brother, Jorge; and his sister, Patricia. Preceding him in death is his youngest brother, Cesar.

His hobbies were his work, cursing at conservative politicians on CNN, and traveling with Regine. Even after his diagnosis of multiple myeloma and a near fatal lung infection he continued treating patients for several years. He served as the Director of the Greater KC Psychoanalytic Institute and maintained his ties with many of his former Menninger colleagues.

Please raise a glass of Guinness and/or single malt Scotch whisky in celebration of the man we all love and miss so, so much, Becquer Benalcázar de Villacis.