Betty Jeanne Allen, age 97, passed away on November 29, 2023, at Pioneer Ridge Skilled Nursing. Betty was born on June 14 ,1926 in Lawrence Kansas to Ray and Nellie Griffeth.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband Merrill Dean Allen, her parents, and a set of infant twins. She is survived by her three children Gary Allen (Lynda), Cathy Rosebaugh (Dennis) and Tom Allen (Susan), grandchildren Justin, Nicole, Caleb, and Josh, great-grandchildren Amante, Grady, Grayson, Keaton, Jordy, Jeremiah and Andy.
Betty and Dean were active in the American Legion where they enjoyed many weekends with friends. Betty was a homemaker but had various part-time jobs. Her passion was decorating, and she took pride in her various homes. She had quite a talent for knitting. Her grandchildren benefited with gifts of handmade blankets while her daughter and daughters-in-law were given sweaters at Christmas time.
Graveside service with family will be December 13 at 1:00 at Memorial Park Cemetery followed by a celebration of life at Murf’s Pub where all friends and family are invited to attend.
Author: RumseyYost
Debbie Jean Harvell
Private family services will happen at a later date for Debbie Jean Harvell, 65, of Lawrence. She died Sunday, December 3, 2023.
Patrick Anthony “Buddy” Jones
Patrick Anthony “Buddy” Jones 34 died Wednesday, November 15, 2023. He was a cross country driver and worked for Honey Creek Sanitation at the time of his death. He was a Demla. He is survived by his father, Michael Jones and wife Sharon, mother, Dorothy Gendron Newsom; brothers, Michael Jones II and Mathias Jones; sister, Rose-Marie Mellenbruch; grandparent’s, Joe and Donna Jones of Missouri and Jean Jones of Florida; four nieces; one nephew; aunt, Deborah Boyd and uncle, Tony Gendron. He is further survived by numerous cousins, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents; Sgt Jake Gendron and Rose-Marie Gendron; his uncle, Mark Jones; all great grandparents and step-father Gregory Newsom. Memorial services will be held 2:00 P.M. Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Southside Funeral Home of San Antonio, Texas. Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at the same location. Services will also be held at the Community Baptist Church in Greensburg, Louisiana, 1:00 P.M. Saturday, December 23, 2023.
Nicholas Adam Crowe Sr
Celebration of Life Potluck for Nicholas Adam Crowe Sr., 29, Lawrence, will be from 2:30-6 pm, Sunday, December 3, 2023, at Wayne and Larry’s Back Room.
Nicholas Adam (Nick) Crowe Sr unexpectedly passed away at 29 years old on November 23rd, 2023.
Nick was born October 28th, 1994 to Rebecca Stubbs and Christopher Crowe in Lawrence, Kansas. He was the middle child of 3. He graduated from Free State High School in 2013. After graduation Nick worked in the construction industry for various companies such as Hunt Inc and A- Team. He came from a long family history of carpenters and woodworking was a true passion of his.
He was a hardworking, humble, compassionate, kind and hardheaded man with a sense of humor that could light up every room. No matter what he always put 110% percent into everything he did. He faced many hardships in life but that never managed to take the smile from his face.
He was a loving father, brother, son, and the most loyal of friends, that will be deeply missed. No one can replace the person he was and the impact he made on everyone around him. He loved making people smile even on his worst days. Nicholas is predeceased by his grandparents William and Nancy Stubbs, grandfather Gary Crowe, his mother Rebecca Stubbs, and his uncle Garrett Stubbs. He is survived by his son Nicholas Crowe Jr (Lawrence,KS), father Christopher Crowe (Lawrence,KS), brother Damon Stephens (Liberty,MO), sister Alexia Crowe (Lawrence,KS) and grandmother Veronica Crowe (Lawrence,KS)
Elaine Louise Blank
Elaine Louise Blank, age 94, passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2023 at LMH.
Elaine was born on August 21, 1929 in Kansas City, KS to Robert and Lottie Modrell. She attended KU and was a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. She was a finalist for KU Relay Queen.
Elaine married Robert H. Blank on June 25, 1950 and was happily married for 62 years, before Bob’s death in 2012.
She was active in Ventura Club and several Bridge groups and was an avid gardener. Elaine worked for Allen Press for several years as a proof reader.
Elaine is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sister Ruth Modrell and brother Robert Modrell. Elaine is survived by her daughter Sheri Robertson, sons Rob Blank and Randy (Betty) Blank, grandchildren Kimberly Carter, Madelyn Blank and Julia Blank as well as two great grandchildren Kollin Green and Rennie Carter.
Funeral services for Elaine will be held Sunday, December 3 at 3:30 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Elaine’s name to “Do Good for Erin”. DoGoodForErin.com is a foundation benefiting both KU School of Social Welfare and women and children who are victims of domestic violence.
John G. VanDiest
It is with heavy hearts that we inform you of the passing of John G. VanDiest, 85, of Lenora, Kansas, on Sunday, November 26, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born in Lenora, Kansas, on August 23, 1938, son of T.H. and Helen (Bennett) VanDiest. John grew up in Lenora, graduated from Lenora High School in 1956, and graduated with a degree in psychology from Doane College in Crete, Nebraska, where he also played football.
In June of 1964, John married Patricia Hardiek of Norton, Kansas. They built their home in Lenora and together they raised two children, Teresa and Greg. John served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, and was active in the community as president of the Jaycee, Chief of the Lenora Volunteer Fire Department, Lenora City Council member, and little league baseball coach.
He spent his life in the farming/ranching industry, fertilizer business, and owner/operator of VanDiest Grain. He remained active with his farming and cattle operation until his health declined in recent years. John never met a stranger or foe, as evidenced by his loyal customers and he treated them all with respect and fairness. Never a bad word can be associated with the name, John VanDiest.
Always an avid sports fan, John never missed a game and supported his teams 100%, even if their performance was less than stellar. We remember dad fondly sitting in his chair with his “Go Big Red” cup, and later changing it to a blue cup (for obvious reasons)!
John is survived by his wife Pat; daughter, Teresa (VanDiest) Akin and husband Danny of Thornton, Colorado; son, Greg VanDiest and special friend Denise of Eudora, Kansas; three grandsons, of whom he was tremendously proud — Ben VanDiest, Wichita, Kansas, Zakary VanDiest; Eudora, Kansas, and Chase Akin, Thornton, Colorado. Other survivors include a sister, Marian Nuernberger of Lincoln, Nebraska; two brothers-in-law, Roger Hardiek and wife Bev and Jim Frack, all of Norton, Kansas; three sisters-in-law, Lisa Hardiek, of Las Vegas, Nevada, Connie Dreyer and husband Roger, and Cathy McMillin, all of Hays, Kansas; and many nieces and nephews.John was welcomed to his heavenly home by his parents, T.H. and Helen VanDiest; his parents-in-law, Virg and Irene Hardiek; three brothers-in-law, Bill Nuernberger, Rick Hardiek, and Danny McMillin; two sisters-in-law, Kay Berls and husband Jerry, and Rhonda Frack, and many cousins and lifelong friends. There surely were hugs all around and maybe a drink or two when he arrived!
A private ceremony at the Lenora South Cemetery will be planned at a later date. The family suggests memorials be made to the Arthritis Foundation, in lieu of flowers. In honor of our dad John, and dear friend to many, we ask that you raise a glass to toast the life of this amazing man on Friday, December 15 at 7:00 p.m. We will miss his witty sense of humor and his smile that lit up the room, more than words can say! We look forward to the day we will all be together again.
David Underwood Fitzcharles
David Underwood Fitzcharles of Brandon Woods Retirement Community, Lawrence, KS and Naples, FL entered heaven on November 22, 2023. He was born on Feb 2, 1929 and was the son of the late James and Lucille Fitzcharles, brother of the late James Fitzcharles III, an attorney, and the late Sarah L. Fitzcharles, RN. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Alice Ritchie Fitzcharles of the home, and three children. They are Michael of Naples, FL; Diane Covello and husband Timothy, of West Hartford, CT; and Eric and wife Melinda, of Edwards, CO. He adored his five grandchildren – Allyson Covello and her fiancé Imran Cronk of New York, NY; Matthew Covello of Worcester, MA; Evan Fitzcharles of Highland Heights, KY; Adam Fitzcharles of Lawrence, KS; and Ethan Fitzcharles of Lawrence, KS. He also is survived by a dear Sister, Carolyn Wyckoff of Trumbull CT, and many nieces and nephews.
David grew up in Lower Makefield Township, Bucks County, PA, and received a Bachelor’s Degree from Pennsylvania State University and a Master’s Degree from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. After graduate school, David moved to Chicago, where he met Alice through a young singles group at the First Presbyterian Church in Evanston, IL. They were married on October 10, 1959.
Mr. Fitzcharles was employed in various investment positions. He worked as Securities Analyst with the Northern Trust Company, Chicago; Vice President of Investments for Casualty and Life Insurance companies of American Family Insurance Group, Madison, WI.; and Executive Director for Pension and Profit Sharing Plans of Farmland Industries, Inc. of Kansas City, MO. He is a former member of the Philadelphia Stock Exchange, and a member and past President of the Kansas City Society of Financial Analysts. He was a Chartered Financial Analyst, a member of the CFA Institute, Charlottesville, VA, and served several years on its Examination Grading Staff. He was a member of Post 14, American Legion, Lawrence, KS, having served in the US Army during the Korean War.
Mr. Fitzcharles was an avid biker, and continued taking 20-30 mile bike rides until after his 88th birthday. He enjoyed tennis, bridge and family vacations including trips to Florida, California, England and Scotland. He also took annual ski trips to Colorado, Utah, Wisconsin, and Michigan for many years.
Dad will be forever inspiring as a bedrock of support to everyone in his family, never wavering through all phases of life, always setting a stellar example for his children and grandchildren, putting the rest of us ahead of himself, and only asking for hugs in return. Dad exemplified humility, delighting in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, without highlighting his own. Grandpa will always be remembered for his witty, incisive, and occasionally comedic adages about the world around him, and his quiet ruthlessness at the bridge table. He was a good friend and neighbor to many, and his mind ran circles around all of us to the end.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Brandon Woods Employee Recognition Fund, 1501 Inverness Ave., Lawrence, KS 66047, or First Presbyterian Church, 2415 Clinton Parkway, Lawrence, KS 66047-3723.
Details regarding a Memorial Service will be announced by Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home (rumsey-yost.com) at a later date.
Shirley Ann Phillips
Shirley Ann Phillips passed away on November 24, 2023 in Lawrence, Kansas. Shirley was born October 27, 1932, in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of Dale and Ruth Liese. She grew up in Kansas City, Missouri and graduated from the University of Missouri in Columbia.
She was an accountant for Kansas City Power & Light Co. and for Commonwealth Edison of Chicago. In 1964 she moved to Lawrence, Kansas. Beginning in 1972, she was administrator of United Child Development Center, and later financial administrator of the Douglas County Child Development Association
She sang in the Kansas City Philharmonic Choir, and the Lawrence Civic Choir.
After retirement, she volunteered as a Master Gardener for the Douglas County Extension Service, and at the Spencer Museum of Art. She was a member of the Kansas Alumni Association Endacott Society, the University Women’s Club, and St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church.
She married Oliver Phillips June 6, 1954. He preceded her in death February 16, 2010. Survivors include two sons, Stephen Phillips and wife Jean of Perry; Mark Phillips and wife Becky of Hillsboro, Oregon; five grandchildren, Grace, Laura, Luke, Tom and Nick.
Funeral services will be held at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Lawrence, at 10am on Saturday, December 2nd.
The family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, 5700 W. 6th St., Lawrence, KS 66049, or to the Lawrence Humane Society, P.O. Box 651, Lawrence KS 66044
Sidney “Sid” Haupt
Sidney “Sid” Martin Haupt, age 73 of Lawrence, Kansas passed away Thursday, November 2, 2023 at his home. Celebration of life will be held on December 9th at 11am at Worden Cornerstone Church in Baldwin City KS.
Sid was born on November 9th, 1949 in Leavenworth, Kansas the son of William Bernard Haupt and Gladys Lorene (Bowie) Haupt. Sid moved to Baldwin City, Kansas with his family in 1954. In his youth, Sid and his brother Les did yard work and shoveled snow for their neighbors. Sid attended Baldwin City schools and graduated from BHS in 1968. After graduation, Sid served as a cook primarily in the National Guard. He attended a trade school in Atchison, Kansas and then worked for Douglas County Public works as a surveyor for over 30 years retiring in 2012. He was a member of the Methodist Church.
Sid married Karen Sue Parsons in June of 1970 in Baldwin City, Kansas. They had 4 sons, Brian, Dennis, Gary, and Jay. They divorced after 24 years of marriage. Sid married Linda Mclaughlin in 2002 In Lawrence, Kansas. They divorced in 2020.
Sid Loved watching the KU Jayhawks and the KC Chiefs. He loved working on projects and helping his son Jay on the family farm. A fruit tree will be planted at the farm in his honor.
Sid is survived by his sons Dennis, Gary, Jay and Jay’s girlfriend Tarynn Stacy, his grandchildren Tula and Benoit Haupt, sister-in-law Sharon Haupt, and nephew Dustin Haupt, sister Darlene McRae(Florida) and other nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, William, his mother Gladys, his stepfather Charles “Pop” Spain, his brother Leslie “Les” Haupt, and his son Brian Haupt.
In lieu of flowers; please consider a donation to the church for hosting the service, or make a donation in his honor. Please let the Worden Cornerstone Church or family know if you plan to join us for lunch after the celebration of life.
Kara Sue Berry
Kara Sue Berry, 61, passed away Friday, November 24, 2023 at Olathe Regional Medical Center. She was born October 16, 1962 in Oakley, Kansas to Wesley B. and Maxine M. (Wagy) Berry.
Kara graduated high school in 1980 from Triplains USD, Winona, KS, and completed her education at Texas Woman’s University, Denton, TX, in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The majority of her career was spent at Parkland Health and Hospital in Dallas, TX in the ER Department as an ER Nurse and Biotel RN providing assistance to EMS services in the North Texas area. Kara was a proud team member of the North Texas Disaster Medical Team TX-4 and was with the group as an early responder to Hurricane Katrina.
Kara retired from nursing in 2019 due to medical reasons and moved to Lawrence, Kansas to be near her family. Kara was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by sisters, Beth (John) Senn, Lawrence, KS and Jana (Ed) Hutton, Colby, KS. Kara was especially close to her nieces and nephews, Tanner Wycoff, Lindsay (Andrew) Smith, Emeline Hutton, and Eli Hutton. Her role as great aunt to Wyatt and Lydia (Tanner) Wycoff and Elliott and Vada (Lindsay) Smith brought her much joy.
Inurnment at the Winona Cemetery will be held at a later date. Memorials made to an animal rescue shelter (donor’s choice) would honor Kara’s love of animals and her rescue Dobermans, Bubba and Jubilee.
