Author: RumseyYost

Beverly Ann King

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It is with heavy hearts we share that Bev’s heroic fight against Stage IV cancer has come to a close.

Beverly Ann King (Crist) passed away Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. Bev passed peacefully, surrounded by family, shrouded in prayer and hymns.

Bev was born in Ottawa and spent much of her life in Eastern Kansas. Though she began her career as a nurse, her true passion was in working with horses. Bev married Jim King in 1997 and they fostered a love for animals and raising their four children. Together they built a reining horse showing, training, and breeding business. Everyone was welcome. Bev always had a hot meal and lively conversation to fill them before they left.

Our beloved wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother (Mimi), and friend will be dearly missed.She will be remembered for her determined spirit, love of animals, warm hospitality, and dedication to sharing the gospel.

Service Information:
Bev’s Celebration of Life will be Wednesday, March 20, at 12 PM, at the Lighthouse Baptist Church in Baldwin City. As we celebrate and honor her powerful legacy, we invite you to come hungry and dress casually. All are welcome. This would a great time to bust out your red colors, wranglers, and ropers.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

“In Joyous Memory of Beverly King”

Sometimes when a special person leaves this world it just seems impossible to imagine any space without them. Bev King was one of those people; the inherent vibrancy she carried within herself brightened everything and everyone around her.

Bev shared all of her everything—whether it be with family, friends, or strangers—genuinely caring for others in a way that reflected her faith in the goodness of God. She was that steadfast friend that was always there when you needed her, and I will forever cherish her friendship. No matter how long it had been since we last saw each other, or how rough around the edges I might be, Bev always took me as I was, and we picked back up like we had just seen each other yesterday.

I was always impressed by Bev’s ability to arrive at a desired destination, real or metaphorical, without really knowing how she was going to get there. To me, that is the very definition of Grit-which Bev had in spades.

The amusing way in which Bev met Jim—aka James King, the love of her life—in a highly unlikely encounter at a bar, proves that sometimes she even arrived someplace good without ever knowing she was headed there. That is the hallmark of an adventurous spirit, which Bev was at her core.
To this day I still don’t understand how Bev’s makeup, hair, and nails always looked so good when the rest of us were dirty and sweaty in the 100 degrees of a Kansas summer day. Yet another of her subtle skills.

Although I already miss her dearly, I have faith Bev will forever remain with us. We will remember her love of all things living when her flowers bloom this spring. When the new foals hit the ground later this year, we will honor Bev’s belief in the future. And when someone has their best ride ever on a horse she bred, we will remember Bev’s god given talent in the saddle.
Most importantly, when Bev’s kids and grandkids share the strength and love she and Jim invested in them, her legacy will continually renew.

Beverly King, you were one of a kind. You were kindhearted to all, wholehearted in everything you endeavored, and you were the very epitome of bravehearted. It seems so unfair you are gone so soon, but I know without a doubt you lived your life with faith, you lived it large, and you made the most of every moment.

Godspeed- I know you are headed to a better place.”
– Wendy Lend

William “Billy Joe” Gonce

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A Celebration of life for William (Billy) Gonce, 60, Lawrence, will be 2 pm, March 30, 2024, at Clinton Lake Outlook, 801 N 1402 Rd, Lawrence.

William “Billy” Gonce passed away Tuesday, January 16th, 2024, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

Billy was born November 29th, 1963, in Lawrence, the son of Sara Sue Harris and Sidney Gonce Sr. He graduated from Lawrence High School, May 25th, 1982.

Billy did have one daughter whom he gave up for adoption. Her name is Christy Dawn Gonce born September 7th, 1983, he was never able to locate her and it left a piece of him missing. Over the years we have looked and came up empty handed.

Survivors of Billy include his niece whom took care of him, Crystina (Gonce)Hatch, her husband James and their 2 boys; Chase and Chaisen. His father, Sidney Gonce. Brothers include Tim Gonce and Robert Gonce(wife Julie) and their 2 children Amy and Robert Jr, His niece Samantha and her son Trey’Shaun. His nephew Steven (Gonce)Sorenson, his wife Dana and their 5 kids. His deceased brother Sidney Jr has 2 daughters Jennifer and Jessica. He has 2 step sister’s from his father’s 2nd marriage and nieces and nephews.

He preceded in death by his mother Sara Harris, his brother Sidney Gonce Jr, his great nephew Caisen Hatch, his step mother Carol Gonce and his grandparents both of his mother and father side.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Billy at a later date followed by a graveside service that both will be announced at a later time by the Rumsey-Yost funeral home and Crystina Hatch.

Jeffery (Jeff) Paul Ridenour

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Jeffery “Jeff” Paul Ridenour, age 60 of Lawrence, passed away March 13, 2024. Jeff was born June 30, 1963 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma to parents Clarence and Janet “Yvonne” Ridenour. Jeff was a graduate of Lawrence High School and after that worked for many years in the lawncare business. He was a fan of the Kansas Jayhawks, KC Royals and Chiefs and the Oklahoma Sooners. Jeff also enjoyed the summer trips to Lake of the Ozarks with cousins, Gary, Janette, Marsha and Mike.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Yvonne; brothers, Bobby and Teddy Ridenour and Grizzly the DOG. He is survived by his daughters, Leia Robbins-Funk and Trish Burge and their families; son, Tyler Ridenour; sister-in-law, Vicki Ridenour and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank good friends, Jeff Cassity, Chad Price, Jules Still, Rod Daugherty and the rest of the PLS family for all the love and care they have shown Jeff over the years.

Graveside Services are set for 11:00 A.M. Monday, March 18, 2024 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence. Arrangements are with Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence. Family and friends are welcome to visit the funeral home from 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Sunday to register and pay their respects. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made in Jeff’s honor to Awaking Hope, P.O. Box 700209, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74170.

Steven Lee Siebuhr

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Services for Steven Lee Siebuhr, 61, of Kansas City, Kansas, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 22, 2024, at Arterra Event Gallery in Lawrence, KS. Burial will take place in Oak Hill Cemetery following.

Steve died Monday, March 11, 2024 at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri, surrounded by loved ones.

He was born December 23, 1962 in Norman, Oklahoma; son of Francis and Elaine Siebuhr. He graduated from Columbus High School in 1981, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Physical and Health Education from Pittsburg State University in 1985. Soon after, he continued his education and received a master’s degree in Physical Education from Pittsburg State University in 1987.

He married Audrey Lane on October 23, 1993 in Osage City, Kansas. They divorced in 2016, and he did not remarry.

Steve is survived by his daughter, Lauren Beabout of Shawnee, Kansas; son, Ryan Siebuhr of Lawrence, KS; brother, Scott Siebuhr of Columbus, Kansas; step-mother, Judy Siebuhr of Joplin, Missouri; and granddaughter, Finley Beabout of Shawnee, Kansas.

His mother, Elaine Pierce-Siebuhr, 61, died earlier on February 9th, 1998. His father, Francis “Fran” Siebuhr, 81, died earlier on March 26th, 2017.

Steve spent the majority of his career as an educator, but truly enjoyed coaching basketball, baseball, track, and especially football. Some of his passions included football, fishing, golfing, playing the piano, and Elvis Presley. Steve played college football at Coffeyville Community College, and ended his career playing for Pittsburg State University in 1983-1984. He was also inducted into the Columbus High School Hall of Fame in 2015.

He had a warm heart, was resilient, and provided his loved ones with many cherishable memories. His children remember him playing the piano in the basement often, of which he taught himself how to play. One of Lauren’s favorite memories of her father was participating in the Daddy Dances at her dance company. It was so fun seeing his silly side come out while dancing to Elvis and the Blues Brothers. Some of Ryan’s favorite memories are watching Chiefs games together, and learning about his favorite musical artists by watching YouTube videos and DVDs of their concerts with him.

Steve’s “Celebration of Life” will take place from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday March 22nd, 2024 at the Arterra Art Gallery. The burial will take place following the celebration at the Oak Hill Cemetery, where he will be buried next to his mother, Elaine Pierce-Siebuhr. We ask that family members participate in Steve’s burial.

The family has decided to put all memorial funds toward a commemorative effort in Steve’s honor in Columbus, Kansas. He grew up in Columbus and had a great appreciation for the town and football team. Contributions can be made at the Celebration of Life, or can be sent via the information below:

Venmo: @Ryan-Siebuhr | CashApp: @RyanSiebuhr

Arterra Event Gallery: 2161 Quail Creek Dr, Lawrence, KS 66047

Norma Lee Kolodziejski

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Norma Lee “Dump” Kolodziejski, born on April 11, 1943, in Cumberland, Maryland, passed away on March 10, 2024, in Lawrence, Kansas, at the age of 80. Norma was a beloved mother and friend, always willing to help those in need. She cherished her family and provided unwavering support to them throughout her life.

Norma is survived by her three children: Keith Kolodziejski of South River, NJ, Kevin Kolodziejski of North Brunswick, NJ, and Kim Miele (husband Sal) of Lawrence, KS. She dedicated the past 10+ years of her life helping to raise three of her grandchildren: Anthony Miele of Chattanooga, TN, Nicole Miele of Ottawa, KS, and the youngest, Gia Miele. Norma’s first grandchild, Joshua Kolodziejski of Franklin, MA, brought her immense joy on becoming a grandmother. She took care of him with love.

In addition to her children and grandchildren, Norma is survived by her sister, Donna Hendrickson, and two brothers, Fred and Rick Hendrickson, all residing in Maryland. She was predeceased by her older brother, Harvey “Butch” Hendrickson, whom she held dear to her heart.

Private family services will be held at a later date for Norma in Maryland to honor and remember her life. May she rest in peace.

Davin Gregory Kerr

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A Visitation for Davin Kerr, 18 of Lawrence, will be from 6-8 pm, on March 19, 2024, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Graveside Inurnment will be 1 pm, Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Davin passed away Wednesday March 6th at Overland Park Regional Medical Center.

He was born March 16th, 2005, in Lawrence Kansas, the son of Brandy Kerr. He attended Lawrence High School.

Davin liked music, skateboarding, anime, and gaming with people all over the world. Davin enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Davin loved his emotional support dog Luna very much. Davin was a very intelligent young man and loved God.

He is survived by his sister Nevaeh Brimer, his father Scott Brimer, his “NaNa” Pam Henderson, and his three cousins Carter, Alec and Raelynn and his two Aunts Krystal Kerr and Jamie Henderson and great grandma Judy Gragg.

Memorial contributions may be made to Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Shirley Ann Petersen

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Shirley Ann Petersen passed away peacefully at the age of 75 on March 9th, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Visitation will be held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence on Friday, March 15th, from 10:00-11:00 AM with Funeral Services immediately following in the Chapel.

“When someone you love becomes a memory, their memory becomes a treasure” – Unknown

On September 30th, 1948, Shirley was born to Henry and Dorothy Blakley at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka, Kansas. She graduated from Mayetta high school in 1966. After high school, Shirley worked at Hallmark Cards, as a housewife, a softball umpire, a brewista at Coffee Lovers, and a dog groomer at Canine Coiffures. This is where she met her best friend, Ruth Tessendorf. After retiring from Burlington Coat Factory, she enjoyed watching and supporting her grandkids while they played a variety of sports, participated in the school band, sang in the school choir and competed in activities like debate. She loved working crossword puzzles, putting large jigsaw puzzles together (some taking up to 10 months to complete), working on color by number pages,
reading all types of books (especially mysteries), doing crafts with yarn, shopping for and with the grandkids and walking around Walmart and Dollar General (DG’s as she called it).

Shirley enjoyed volunteering with the American Kennel Club, Sunflower Kennel Club and several other clubs in the area to help with dog show events. She absolutely loved all dogs; size, color or breed did not matter. From prized hunting dogs with her husband, to sheep dogs, corgis, yorkies, boston terriers, golden retrievers and every mutt in between, Shirley welcomed and made a home for all of them. She also loved and spoiled all of her grandpuppies when given the opportunity. Shirley loved volunteering her time with the De Soto High School football team every Friday afternoon. She took pride in setting up and passing out meals to the players prior to the football game. She always wanted to make sure those boys were well fed.

On March 30th, 1974, Shirley met the man of her dreams when she was set up on a blind date by family and friends. Just over five months later, on September 7th, 1974, Duane Petersen and Shirley Blakley were married at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Holton, Kansas and enjoyed 49 wonderful years together. They had four children, Jason Lee Petersen, Kelley Jo Grammer (Tracy Grammer), Jaime Lee Werner (Jeff Werner), and Andrea Lynn Vogts (David Vogts). Their three daughters blessed them with nine grandchildren: Lenley Bonham, Thomas Bonham, Jasen Grammer, Logan Werner, Serenity Vogts, Tessa Werner, Carson Vogts, Haylee Vogts, Piper Vogts and one great-granddaughter: Baylor Bonham.

Shirley loved to travel. Once she and Duane were married, they traveled all over the United States and into Canada. Most of their destinations included Mountains, Historical sites, Scenic Views like the Grand Canyon and lots of windshield time, since they rarely flew. The last trip they took together led them to the San Diego Zoo, Hoover Dam and multiple National Parks. Shirley always wanted to see Niagara Falls and now, she has the perfect vantage point.

She was known to everyone as a kind, generous woman who had the best smile. She never knew a stranger and welcomed everyone into her home. Although Shirley only had four biological children, all of her children’s friends knew her as “mom”. Shirley loved to sing and when she wasn’t singing, she was humming. Family and friends would often find her dancing or swaying while making supper, as she hummed to a song only she could hear. She had the most beautiful voice.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Dorothy Blakley; three of her sisters, Donna Duncan, Judy Blakley and Marie Beasterfield; and her son Jason Petersen. She is survived by her husband, Duane Petersen of Leavenworth, KS; their three daughters, Kelley Grammer of Shawnee, KS, Jaime Werner of Ozawkie, KS, and Andrea Vogts of Kansas City, KS; and her sister Betty Mayer of Bentonville AR.

Flowers can be sent to Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home or Donations can be made to Jefferson County Humane Society. Online condolences may be sent to www.rumsey-yost.com