Graveside services for Loretta Morales, 58, of Lawrence, will be Friday, December 22, 2023 at Oak Hill Cemetery at 11 am. She died December 17, 2023 at her home.
Author: RumseyYost
Steven Curtis Kline
Steven Curtis Kline, 81, passed away in Lawrence, Kansas, on December 17, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melburn Curtis Kline and Emma Lavera Leeburg Kline. He is survived by his sister, Nancy Greeno, two brothers, David Kline and Mark Kline, nieces Jane Serene and Emma Kline Linnemann Lange, and nephew, Niklas Kline Lange Frost.
Steven was born in Strong City, Kansas, on November 25, 1942. While growing up on the family farm north of Elmdale, he was involved in 4-H and Boy Scouts, and he helped his dad with farming and livestock. He played all sports in school, and pitched in summer baseball. After graduating from Elmdale High School in 1960, he attended Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia, where he met Jan, his lifetime friend. He began working for the Santa Fe Railroad in 1963. He and Jan later moved to Kansas City, though he continued working out of Emporia as a brakeman and conductor. He retired in 1993.
Though Steven was somewhat quiet and reserved, he had a wide circle of friends stemming from his work, his time in Emporia, and from the Kansas City area. He was a voracious reader of newspapers as well as books, he read the KC Star every day from cover to cover, and kept up with news from his childhood home through the Chase County Leader. He took an interest in all things Kansas City and was broadly knowledgeable about its businesses, architecture, museums, politics, history, restaurants, etc. He was also an avid Kansas City sports fan. Tennis was a special passion of his, for many years he played as often as he could, and knew the ins and outs of the various city courts. He was a sharp dresser, and he took painstaking care of his cars and the lawn and house he lived in, bordering Brush Creek in Fairway.
Steven will be deeply missed by his family and all others who knew and loved him.
Jo Nell Proctor
Mrs. Jo Nell Proctor passed away Wednesday, December 17, 2023 at LMH Health.
She was born November 29, 1951 in Sayre, Oklahoma to Lovelle and Bill Dunsworth. She graduated from Wilson High School in Wilson, Oklahoma in 1970. She then attended Northwestern State University in Alva, Oklahoma and graduated in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree.
She eventually moved to Newton, Kansas, where she met her husband Jack A. Proctor Jr. They were married on March 29, 1980. In 1982 they both moved to Lawrence, Kansas. She worked for the University of Kansas for over 30 years and retired in 2015 as an accountant as Watson Library. Her friends and co-workers remember her as friendly, happy, and always having a smile on her face. She was the type of person who could make friends easily.
After retirement she enjoyed simple pleasures. She liked to read a lot which she frequently enjoyed with Dr. Pepper and Cheetos. She enjoyed being home in the country helping her husband with outdoor projects. It has been said that her and her husband were joined at the hip. They loved doing things together and were seldom apart.
She is survived by her husband of over 43 years Jack A. Proctor Jr.
No services are planned at this time.
George Earl Taylor
Born: January 17, 1928 in Lawrence, Kansas
Passed away peacefully on: December 14, 2023 in Lawrence, Kansas
Graduated: Kansas University in 1952, and New York University Graduate School in 1958 where he earned his MBA
Married: Meredith A. (Kappelmann) Taylor from White City, Kansas, on May 20, 1953 in Long Branch, New Jersey
Military Service: Merchant Marines 1945-1948 and United States Army 1952-1953
George is survived by his wife of 70 years, Meredith A. Taylor of Lawrence, KS; brother Herbert E. Taylor of Bennington, VT; daughters Jena Garcia (m. Joshua) of Peru, IL; Abby Silver (m. Gary) of Kittery Point, ME; Kara Taylor (m. Cary Grimm) of Lawrence, KS; Lori Taylor of Illinois; his son Jubal A. Taylor (m. Jennifer) of Las Vegas, NV; and his son-in-law Daniel Peters of Tucson, AZ. Also, his five grandsons, three granddaughters, one great-grandson and many nieces, nephews, cousins and their children whom he all adored.
George was predeceased by his mother Bessie M. Taylor (Christensen), brothers Wesley E. Taylor and Edgar A. Taylor; and beloved daughter Joli A. Taylor-Peters.
As a member of the Merchant Marines, George engaged in relief work to feed and rebuild post-war Europe and traveled the world. After his 30+ years as a corporate auditor for the Western Electric/ AT&T/Bell Telephone system, he returned to his beloved Kansas to plant and tend an orchard of fruit and nut trees on a homestead known as The Taylor Orchard.
George also engaged his passion for accounting in an exhaustive research project by reconciling and recording every Taylor that served in the U.S. Civil War, amassing a large collection of family genealogy records.
Always, George’s greatest love was family, both close and extended. So, across the U.S. his travels reflected his deep yearning for connection and personal reassurance that everyone in our extensive family tree was well and accounted for.
Memorial services for George Earl Taylor, 95, will be Thursday, December 28 at 2:00PM at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
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Richard Howard
Richard Howard, proud Air Force veteran, died peacefully on December 17, 2023, surrounded by his daughters, Laura and Larraine and his grandson David at Neuvant House in Lawrence, Kansas. He was Born December 18, 1929, of Frank Ellsworth Howard and Grace Parshley Howard in the Frisbee Memorial hospital in Rochester, New Hampshire. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years Julene and his three siblings, Ruby Howard Hines (later Naison), Cleon Howard and Bernice Howard Foster.
Richard graduated from Spaulding HS in Rochester, NH in 1948 and joined the Air Force, completing basic training at Lackland AFB in March 1948. He completed aircraft maintenance tech school at Chanute AFB, Illinois in July of 1949 and went to his first duty station, Offutt Air Force Base, Omaha, Nebraska. His first aircraft assigned was a B-29, followed by C-97’s after training at Kelly AFB in 1950. He met Julene Jensen and was married on December 6, 1952, in Omaha, Nebraska. Richard participated in Operation Castle in March 1954 (nuclear bomb tests in the Marshall Islands). He was ordered to Rhein-Main Air Base, Germany, in the fall of 1954 to work on C-119s. The unit moved to Dreux, France in 1955. A first daughter, Larraine born in Orleans, France on March 10, 1956.
Richard returned to Offutt AFB in 1957 assigned to a T-29, transferring to work on the KC-135 when it arrived in January 1959. He became a part of the CinC-SAC’s crew under General Thomas Powers. His second daughter, Laura, was born on September 13, 1960. He continued under General John D. Ryan from December 1964 to January 1967. He served briefly under General Joseph Nazzaro before going to Hickman AFB Hawaii in April 1967 to serve General Ryan while he was the PACAF commander. He inherited a second AF KC-135 to be used to transport Admiral John S. McCain, Jr., Commander in Chief, Pacific Command. Richard then followed General Ryan to Andrews AFB, Maryland in June 1969 when Ryan was elevated to Chief of Staff of the Air Force. General George Brown replaced General Ryan in 1973 and was elevated to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs in 1974. He continued to use the aircraft. General David Jones succeeded General Brown in both posts, becoming Chairman of the Joint Chiefs in 1978. The last General he served was General Lou Allen, who became AF Chief of Staff in July 1978.
After 30 years and 1 day, Richard retired as a CMSgt on November 30, 1978. During his 30-year career, he traveled all over the world. Notable experiences included going into Indonesia after General Sukarno was deposed and into Iran during the reign of the Shah. He traveled to all continents except Antarctica. After working for the base housing contractor (Kennack) at Andrews AFB for a year, he went to Wichita, Kansas in January 1980 to work for Boeing Fleet Support. He was an engineering technician who supported activities at the Air Force’s Oklahoma City military aircraft depot. He spent much of his Boeing career continuing to work with the KC-135. He took a retirement buy-out in 1995.
His wife of 53 years (Julene) died on December 16, 2005. After 3 more years in Wichita, he settled at the Brandon Woods retirement community in Lawrence, Kansas, home of his daughter Laura. Over the next 14 years, he was the chair of the community’s maintenance committee and the resident’s council and was often referred to as the “Mayor” of Brandon Woods. He is survived by his daughter Laura Howard of Lawrence, KS; daughter and son-in-law Larraine and Gary Kapka of Miamisburg, OH; his grandson David Kapka and his wife Sunny and their children Teagan, Bennett, and Bowen of Springboro, OH; his niece and her husband Donna and David Allen of Rye, NH; his nephew and his wife James and Paula Howard of Middleton, NH; and special friend April Dwyer of Lawrence, KS. Thanks to beloved caregiver Tammy Negrete, his many friends and the staff at Brandon Woods retirement community, and the caring staff of Neuvant House. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery. A local memorial visitation will be held at the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence, KS on Saturday, January 6, 2024, from 2-3:30 PM. The family requests any contributions be made to the Richard Howard Scholarship fund with the Air Force Sergeants Association in the care of the Rumsey-Yost Funeral home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS. 66044-8260. Continue reading “Richard Howard”
Lucinda Lee Tyler-Nez
Lucinda Lee Tyler-Nez, known to her loved ones as Lucy, passed away on December 13, 2023, at her home, in Lawrence, Kansas, at the age of 43. She was born January 4, 1980, in Shiprock, New Mexico. She was known for her selflessness and willingness to go above and beyond for her loved ones. Lucy’s zest for life was as infectious as her radiant smile. Lucy possessed a heart full of kindness that knew no bounds. She had this magical ability to see the good in everyone.
Lucy had a deep love for Mickey Mouse, which was evident in her clothing, home decor, and her family’s collection of Mickey Mouse memorabilia. She was a true Mickey Mouse enthusiast, spreading joy and cheer to all she encountered. Lucy made sure everything was as Mickey-fied as can be. Not only was she a loving mother and wife; she was a beautiful daughter, sister, and aunt. Lucy’s positive outlook on life was contagious and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Lucy leaves behind a trail of cherished memories, survived by her adoring husband, Flynn Nez, her beautiful daughter Philinda Nez, and her handsome son Glen Nez. She is also survived by her loving parents Ella and Lester Tyler, her older brother Darrell Tyler, her younger brother Melvin Tyler, her nieces Aria and Halen Tyler, and her nephew Cassius Tyler. She was preceded in death by her uncle Lawrence Tyler, who is probably sharing his own stories with Lucy up above.
Lucy attended Shiprock High School and graduated in 1998 to then later pursue a career as a ‘Telecommunications Dispatcher’. She was dedicated to her work and made a lasting impact in her profession. She dispatched her way through life, always lending a helping hand and making sure everyone was connected. Talk about being the ultimate multitasker!
When it came to worship, Lucy attended Summit Church in Farmington, New Mexico. A place where her spirit soared and her faith grew stronger. In her free time, Lucy loved to go on exciting adventures, engage in D.I.Y projects, and master new recipes. She was always eager to explore new hobbies and experiences. She had a knack for turning the ordinary into extraordinary, just like her own extraordinary spirit.
In honor of Lucy, a service will be held on December 22, 2023, at 2 pm CT (1 pm MST) at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home which is located at 601 Indiana St, Lawrence, Kansas 66044. The compassionate staff is assisting with the arrangements and ensuring Lucy’s farewell is nothing short of magical.
To our beloved Lucinda, we will remember her as the one who taught us that life should be embraced with unwavering love, joy, and positivity. She was the true embodiment of love and joy. May her spirit continue to sprinkle happiness and laughter.
Rest peacefully, dear Lucy, and may your endless adventure be filled with laughs and endless fun! As we say our goodbyes, we know it is not forever but rather a “see you later.”
We love you, Lucy.
Duane Leon Sawyer
Funeral Services for Duane Leon Sawyer, 74, Lawrence, will be 2:30 pm, Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3615 W 10th St, Lawrence, KS 66049. A Visitation will be from 1:45 to service time. Burial with honors will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Baldwin City, Kansas.
He died December 14, 2023, in Eudora.
Duane was born July 5, 1949, in Gardner, Kansas; son of Leon and Marie Sawyer.
As a boy he thought the 4th of July was for his birthday. His father moved Duane and his mom to Lawrence when he was 1 year, before he left for the navy during World War 2. Duane graduated from Lawrence High in 1967.
He attended Kansas University until his draft number came up for the Vietnam War. He then decided to join the US Navy. He was sent to Nuclear Power school in Idaho for training. He was then accepted into the NECP Program and sent to study at Purdue University in Indiana in Aug. 1971. At Purdue he met Denise Sawyer, and they were married on Oct 14, 1972.
He was sent to England for Satellite Training and was sent to the USS Enterprise to set up a satellite system on the ship. Duane completed 12 years of active duty and then several years in the reserves until he retired from the Navy. In civilian life, He worked for a computer maintenance company, traveling to company sites to maintain their computer systems. In 1988 he moved back to Lawrence, his hometown. He worked at Honeywell as an Engineer Tech until 2006. He was diagnosed with Brain cancer in 2006 and went through 19 months of Chemo and six weeks radiation. The brain cancer has been stable since this time. He moved to Homestead Assisted living in Eudora Kansas in Aug. 2022 when he needed more care. He succumbed to Covid when it went through the community. Homestead has been wonderful with his care. He passed away on Dec 14, 2023.
Duane leaves his wife Denise of 51 married years. 6 children: son, Stefan Sawyer (Stacy) of Lawrence; daughter, Miriam Slaugh (Joe) of Lawrence; daughter, Estella McCollum (Charley) of La Grange, Ohio; Son, Samuel Sawyer of Perry; Son, Michael Sawyer (Emily) of Cross Plains, Wisconsin; and son, William Sawyer (Kara) of Saratoga Springs, Utah.
Other Survivors: 2 sisters, Janis Miskimins and Jeannie Sawyer- Rummer. Mother-Rosa Marie Sawyer, also living at Homestead in Eudora, KS. 14 Grandchildren: Abigail, Nathan, Brody, Jacob, Kyan, Phoenix, Montogomery, Memphis and Preston Sawyer; Savannah, Sierra and Sydnee McCollum; Hailey Carr and Joseph Slaugh. 2 great granddaughters: Maifire Sawyer and Chloe Carr. 2 grandchildren proceeded him in death: Taylor and Emily Sawyer.
Lorene Margaret Proctor
Services for Lorene Margaret Proctor, will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 16, 2023 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will be in Washington Creek Cemetery, in southwest Douglas County.
Lorene passed away Wednesday, December 13, 2023, just 42 days short of her 101st birthday, at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor.
She was born January 24, 1923 in McCune, Kansas, the daughter of Gordon and Almeda Meanor. Following the death of her father, her family moved to Parsons, Kansas in 1934. She graduated from Parsons High School in 1940 and attended Junior College in Parsons for a year and a half, before becoming a telephone operator.
Chester and Lorene were united in marriage in June 1944, in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, just before he was sent overseas during World War II. After the war, they moved to Kansas City, Kansas in 1947. Starting in 1969, Chester and Lorene started their own bookbinding business in their home. Lorene ran the oversew machine and kept the books for the business. In 1986, they built a new house in Shawnee, Kansas and moved the book bindery to that location. They retired in 2000 moving to Lawrence Presbyterian Manor in 2008.
She was active in the PTA at Mark Twain Elementary School and held various positions at the First Central Church of the Brethren, singing in the choir, deaconess, toddler Sunday School teacher and member of the ladies organization of the church.
Survivors include a daughter, Roxane Fawl (Mike) of rural Overbrook, Kansas; four grandsons, Russell (Krystal) in Topeka, Kansas, Benjamin (Ann), Jonathan (Jenna), Matthew (Ashley) all of rural Overbrook; 13 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great- grandsons.
The family will greet friends from 10:00-11:00 on Saturday at the funeral home.
The family suggests memorials to be sent in care of the funeral home to the Overbrook Bible Church or to Midland Hospice, who took care of Lorene in her final months. Online condolences may be sent to www.rumsey-yost.com
Flossie Bea Shorter
Funeral services for Flossie Bea Shorter, 78, will be Friday, December 22nd at 11:00AM, with a visitation beginning at 10:00AM at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street Lawrence, KS 66044. A burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence, Kansas. She died Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor.
Flossie was born on May19, 1945, in Cameta, Mississippi. She was the daughter
of Florine Lane and Cephis Presswood. Flossie accepted Christ at an early age in Mississippi. She enjoyed going to church, listening to Gospel music, and fellowshipping with family and friends. Flossie was a stay-at-home mom until her youngest child was ten. She was a cook for many years at the Tri-Delta Sorority house at the University of Kansas. Later she became a cook for the City of Lawrence police department where she retired from in 2012.
Flossie had five brothers and one sister. The brothers were Rufus Barnett, Cassius Carter, Bennie L. Steel, Eddie L. Steel, and Willie R. Steel. The one sister was Virginia Steel. All siblings preceded her in death with the exception of Bennie L.Steel of Hollandale, Mississippi and Willie R. Steel of Topeka, Kansas. Flossie married Robert C. Shorter Sr. on March 9, 1964 and to this union two daughters and one son was born. Flossie’s husband and one daughter, Effie M. Presswood-Shorter preceded her in death. She is survived by one daughter Florine Jeannette Shorter of Lawrence, Kansas and by one son, Robert C. Shorter Jr. and wife Tina of Lawrence, Kansas.
Flossie also leaves behind four Grandchildren: Kendrick Shorter, Kiera Shorter,Trinity Shorter and Aleigha Green, and six Great Grandchildren: Isaiah Shorter, Nevaeh Shorter, Drennen Shorter, Braxton Shorter, Lavell Morgan, and Marvell Morgan. Flossie also had a host of nieces and nephews.
Memorial donations can be made in her honor to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com.
Nancy Jean Aduddell
Nancy Jean Aduddell, age 92 of Lawrence, died December 4, 2023 at Star Living in Lawrence. Nancy was born to Leo and Esther (Moriarty) Nicolaus on September 20, 1931 in Muscatine, Iowa and spent most of her childhood in LaGrange, IL. Nancy attended the University of Iowa and graduated from Northwestern University with a teaching degree in 1953. She was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority. Nancy earned her Master’s in Education and taught for many years. Her teaching career began at Graceland Elementary in Kansas City, and continued at Corinth Elementary and Meadowbrook Junior High, in Leawood, KS. Nancy was an excellent teacher and very popular with her students. After retirement in 1986, she moved to the Lake of the Ozarks where she was a member of the Gravois United Methodist Church. She devoted many hours to the United Methodist Women, as well as gardening, her bridge group, and line dancing. Nancy married Edward N Aduddell on June 27, 1953, in LaGrange, IL. Ed died in 2016. Other survivors include three children, David Aduddell and wife Pat, Lawrence, Jan Duffy and husband Michael, Orange Beach, AL, and Robert Aduddell and wife Pam, Gravois Mills, MO; a sister, Janet Thellman, Overland Park; six grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, sibling, Mary Madsen and one great grandson.
Memorial Services are scheduled for 10:00 A.M. Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Rumsey Yost Funeral Home. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Gravois Mills United Methodist Church, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St, Lawrence, KS 66044. Online condolences may be sent at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
