Author: RumseyYost

Jon William Gaines

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Memorial services for Jon William Gaines, 68, Overbrook, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 18 at Worden Cornerstone Church in Baldwin City, KS. Burial will immediately follow at Twin Mound Cemetery in Overbrook, KS. A visitation for family and friends is being held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home on Friday, November 17 from 5-7 p.m.

Jon William Gaines was born on July 17, 1955, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Floyd and Lois (Downing) Gaines. He passed from this life surrounded by his family on Monday, November 13, 2023, at KU Medical Center after a courageous battle with esophagus cancer.

Jon grew up in rural Douglas County as the fifth generation on the Gaines 3M family farm. His childhood was spent enjoying the best of country living with a tight-knit family within the communities of Richland and Clinton.

He attended Wakarusa Valley Elementary, South Junior High, and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1973. Jon graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelors Degree in Environmental Studies. Many treasured friendships that were formed during his school years were carried through the remaining decades of his life. He dedicated 26 years as an employee of Life Span Institute at the University of Kansas.

On June 13, 1981, he was joined in marriage with Elizabeth (Betty) Marie Ryan in Colby, KS. He was a nurturing and supportive father to their children, Jeremy Lawrence and Stephanie Rose. His favorite past times in life involved caring for his herd of Hereford cattle, spending the summers in the hay fields, family time around a fire in his beloved Gaines Walnut Grove, deer hunting, pheasant hunting at the Ryan family farm, watching KU Jayhawks, and smoking meats for countless gatherings. Those who knew him have described him as a kind, caring friend to all, always willing to help in any way, and an all-around great man. He was a man of principle who valued respect, honesty and man’s word.

Jon was an active member of the Albert Neese Masonic Lodge where he served several terms as Grand Master. He also served many years as the President of the Twin Mound Cemetery.

Jon will be greatly missed by his wife, Betty and son Jeremy Gaines, daughter Stephanie McNish and son-in-law Earl. He was a proud and loving Papa to his grandchildren: Asher Gaines, Baret Barquist, Savannah, Henry, and Evan McNish. Other survivors include his siblings: Linda (Bernie) Faust, Saundra (Paul) Hiller, Diana Skinner, Tom Gaines. He is also survived by sisters-in-law: Margaret (Don) Spangler, Rosie Schell, Mary Woydziak, Patricia Ryan, Lois Ryan and brothers-in-law: Larry (Linda) Ryan, Bill (Kathy) Ryan, Terry Ryan, Donald Ryan, and Jerry Ryan and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws H.L. and Ethel (Bailey) Ryan. Brothers-in-law: Delbert Skinner, Thomas Ryan, Jim Ryan, Jerome Schell, and Jim Woydziak.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Wakarusa River Valley Heritage Museum sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Sarah Simpson Dean

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Sarah Simpson Dean was born April 10, 1937, in Salina, Kansas, the daughter of Irene and Grover Simpson. She died of heart failure at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, in the presence of family, on Thursday, November 2, 2023.

In grade school she sold home-grown asparagus to neighbors from a little red wagon. She graduated from Salina High School in 1955, as the President of her senior class and near the top of her class academically. The following fall she entered the University of Kansas, joined the Pi Beta Phi sorority, and began the study of Occupational Therapy.

On November 15, 1958 she married Ensign Raymond H. Dean and spent the first two years of her married life with him at Sandia Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. There, she gave birth to their first son Stanley. In August 1960, they moved to Brighton, Massachusetts where Ray pursued graduate education. They lived there for a year, Sarah raising their young son.

In August 1961 they returned to the Midwest and bought a small home in Fairway, Kansas. There she gave birth to, and began raising, two more children, John and Katherine.

In 1964, the family moved back east to Lawrenceville, New Jersey, so Ray could pursue additional graduate education. As she raised her family, Sarah served as a deacon in the Lawrenceville Presbyterian Church. With a committed group of local community leaders, she helped develop a children’s day-care center for underprivileged children.

In 1974, the family returned to the Midwest and settled in Mission Hills, Kansas, where they joined the Prairie Village Presbyterian Church. While the children finished grade school and matriculated through high school, she earned an MBA in business Administration and worked with other community members to promote women’s rights in the Greater Kansas City area. She also began to manage a family ranch near Junction City, and started working with several Kansas farmers to reduce chemical use.

Sarah was a deep supporter of numerous environmental non-profits, including the Land Institute in Salina, founded by their friends Wes and Dana Jackson. She was Board President of the Kansas Rural Center, and with her brother John Simpson, a founding Board member of the Kansas Land Trust.

In 1989, she and Ray moved into their final home on the north side of a 40-acre hay meadow in Southern Jefferson County. The house they built has a ground-source heat pump and hot-water and photovoltaic solar panels. They grew vegetables, tended sheep for awhile, and later raised chickens. Sarah continued her work with non-profits, including helping to organize a local food event featuring Alice Waters in 1994. She remained interested in local food and spent her grocery budget with farmers she had come to know. She was a great cook and a wonderful hostess.

Sarah’s survivors include her husband Ray, their three children Stan, John, and Kate and grandchildren Shelly and Jack Dean, Jordan and Caiden Dean, and Max and Kelsey Dunn. She also is survived by her brother, John Simpson.

In lieu of gifts or cards, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Land Institute, Lawrence Public Library, American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, Plymouth Congregational Church, Douglas County Community Foundation, or any other charity that fits Sarah’s values.

Services will be 11:00 AM Friday December 1 at the Plymouth Congregational church in Lawrence. Sarah’s ashes will be buried later at a private family gathering at her family’s plot in the Gypsum Hill Cemetery in Salina, KS.  Arrangements are with Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence.

Anita Jean Schaal

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Anita Jean Schaal, age 77 of Lawrence, died November 5, 2023.  Anita was born June 13, 1946 in Wood River, Illinois. She worked for many years as a housekeeper at Naismith Hall in Lawrence and especially enjoyed spending time with her family.  She will be greatly missed.

Anita was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin Schoenleber and Madeline Doyle Schoenleber; husband, Joe Schaal; son, Marvin Schaal and grandson, Grant Stone.  She is survived by children; Terri Schaal of Blue Springs, Missouri, Tammy Clark and Husband Tim of Garnett, Kansas, Michelle Moon and husband Andy of Lawrence, Angie Schaal and her partner Julie of Lawrence, Jackie Stone of Lawrence; daughter in law, Mindy Schaal of Lawrence; brother, John Schoenleber and wife Sallie of Mesa, Arizona; sisters, Linda Hadley of Springfield, Illinois and Cindy Goff of Wood River, Illinois; 20 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Memorial Services are scheduled for 2:00 P.M. Sunday, December 3, 2023 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence.  Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com.

Maria Dulcinea Ridinger

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Marie (Mary) Ridinger was born November 17, 1939 in San Miguel, New Mexico to Joseph and Fedalina Cisneros. She passed away at her home on November 8, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. 

Mary grew up in Monte Vista, Colorado where she helped raise several brothers and sisters. She went on to have children of her own, Corrine Torneden of Wellington KS, Leroy Archuleta of Lawrence KS, Valerie Cheek of Lawrence KS, Sharon Ridinger of Lawrence KS, and Charles Ridinger Jr. of Lawrence KS. She was married to Charles Ridinger Sr. They were happily married for 39 years. 

Mary was a production supervisor for many years at Cottonwood Inc. where she retired from. After retirement, Mary would continue on to help raise and care for many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When she wasn’t caring for them, she often enjoyed playing bingo and going to the casinos. But her favorite pleasure was going back home to Colorado to visit with her family. 

Mary was preceded in death by husband Charles Ridinger Sr., daughter Corrine Torneden, and Granddaughter Crystal Torneden.

Mark S. Thacker

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On November 4, 2023, Mark S. Thacker, age 70, died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Lawrence, Kansas.

Mark was born October 19, 1953, in Detroit, Michigan, to Fonso and Dolores Thacker, as the fifth of six children in the family. As a youth, Mark participated in Boy Scouts and earned the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Western High School, Detroit, Michigan, in 1971 and from Cleary University, Ypsilanti, Michigan, in 1997.

From 1977 to 1981, Mark served in the U.S. Air Force as a satellite and microwave communication specialist, stationed in Germany. Following his term of service, for over 20 years, he was employed by MCI/WorldCom as a Network Technician and Network Operations Manager in Michigan, Colorado and Texas. For the remainder of his career, 2003 until his retirement in 2021, he worked as a government contractor in Network Engineering for various companies including AT&T Government Solutions.

Through the matchmaking efforts of his sister Nanci, Mark met his beloved wife, Carolyn Mertz. They were married on May 26, 1990, at Saint Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church in West Bend, Iowa. In 1994, Mark and Carolyn joyfully welcomed the birth of their son, Luke, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Most of the years of their married life were spent in San Antonio, Texas, until they moved to Lawrence, KS, in the spring of 2023.

Mark was a loyal, life-long Detroit Lions fan. He enjoyed golfing, reading, sailing, and watching Michigan college sports. He also loved watching college baseball, and for many years, travelled to the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, always accompanied by his childhood friend, Steve Boyle, from Michigan. Mark was a self-educated, first-rate war historian who could easily recall dates and events, place them in a historical context and capture the attention and respect of his family and friends as a gifted storyteller. His passion and knowledge of history eventually evolved into his enjoyable hobby of constructing and collecting sophisticated model warships and tanks. Since his retirement, Mark worked steadfastly to master the art of Texas BBQ.

Mark is survived by his wife, Carolyn and son, Luke, both of Lawrence, Kansas; sisters Cheryl Guadagnio (Chuck) of Macomb, MI; Nanci Webb of Scottsdale, AZ; brother Ron Thacker (Karen) of Dearborn Heights, MI; many nieces, nephews and their families. Mark also leaves behind his two beloved dogs, Milo and Monty. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Rick Thacker and sister Cindy Emerson.

In respecting Mark’s wishes, a private memorial celebration of his life will be held in Michigan, at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Just Food, a local food bank in Lawrence, KS. Donations can be submitted by mail (1000 E. 11th Street, Lawrence, Kansas, 66046) or online (www.justfoodks.org).

Connie Jo (Reiling) Daniels

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Celebration of Life services for Connie Jo Reiling Daniels, 74, Lawrence, will be Friday , December 8, 2023, at RBar & Patio from 2-5pm.

Connie Reiling Daniels passed away surrounded by her son, Scott, her forever partner Brad and grandson, Connor and his partner Dawn on November 6, 2023 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. Connie was born on December 10, 1948 in Leavenworth, KS to parents Carl and Wilma (Dryden) Reiling.

Connie grew up in Oskaloosa, KS and was a 1966 graduate of Oskaloosa High School. She lived in a few prior locations in Kansas before settling in Lawrence. Connie had a large friend base in Lawrence and surrounding area. Her friends were an important part of her life. Connie was an avid Kansas Jayhawk and could “Rock Chalk” loud and proud with many of these friends.

Connie had a varied career as a Sheriff’s Dispatcher in Hill City, KS. She also was a hairstylist. Prior to her retirement, Connie was most recently involved in the banking industry.

Connie was married to Randy Daniels and they were blessed with two sons, Jeff and Scott Daniels both of Lawrence. She was preceded in death by her son Jeff in November, 2005. Connie was also blessed with two grandchildren, Connor Daniels and Morgan Daniels both of Lawrence. Connie deeply loved her kids and grandkids.

Connie also found the love of her life, Brad Bartlett. Connie and Brad thoroughly enjoyed spending time together. They made their home in Lawrence. They could often be found around Lawrence cheering on their Jayhawks with family and friends. Connie also has two brothers, Dennis (Linda) Reiling of Oskaloosa and Terry (Angie) Reiling of McLouth.

Memorial contributions may be made to Visiting Nurses, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Anne Gorbutt Adams

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Anne Gorbutt Adams, of Lawrence, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 in her own home on November 7, 2023. She was born on March 21, 1932, in Topeka, Kansas to John Detweiler and Doris Ash Gorbutt. She attended Topeka High School where she was a cheerleader. She then went on to Washburn University where she joined the Pi Beta Phi sorority. In 1951 in Omaha, Nebraska, she married Raymond E. Adams, Jr. of Maple Hill, Kansas. After raising her six children, she completed a bachelor’s degree and graduate level courses at the University of Kansas. Additionally, she studied yoga and meditation with mentors like Judith Lasater and Shinzen Young. She taught and researched the positive effects of yoga in classes convened at the University of Kansas. She also held yoga classes at Alvamar Country Club and other locations in Lawrence, where she lived for the last four decades of her life. She always welcomed her family and friends graciously into her home and lived there until her last breath.

She is survived by her five living children: Marie Adams Dolembo (Tom), Jessie “Sally” Bitar, John Adams (Lisa), Clay Adams, and Charlie Adams.  She is also survived by her eight living grandchildren: Janne Robinson (Aaron), R. E. “Pete” Adams IV (LeAnn), Rebecca Witmer (Greg), Lacy Berryman (Jay), Emily Gropper (Max), Jack Adams (Stefanie), Katy Adams, and Will Adams.  As well, she is survived by her nine great-grandchildren: Lauren Newell, Hadley Schreiner, Autymn Schreiner, Meredith Denton, Sarah Denton, Amelia Denton, John Witmer, Daniel Witmer, and Mackenzie Gropper. She was preceded in death by her son, R. E. “Eddie” Adams III (Peggy), and granddaughter, Rhiannon Meier.

Moine (Maxine) Foster

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Services for Moine Maxine Foster, 93, Lawrence, will be at 1:00 pm Friday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Visitation with family will be at 12:00 pm. Burial will be in Eudora City Cemetery.

Maxine Foster died November 5, 2023, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital surrounded by her family.

She was born September 5, 1930, in Miami, Oklahoma, the daughter of Frank W. Philips and Jessie Opal Keller Phillips. She graduated from Golden City High School in Missouri in 1948, Valedictorian of her class.

She married Virgil Ross Foster on Oct. 6, 1948, at the Ministers home in Miami, Oklahoma. They were married for 57 years until his death in 2006.

They moved to DeSoto, Kansas in 1949, then moved to Sunflower Village in 1951. They then moved to Eudora in 1957.  She resided there until 2015 when she moved in with her daughter Glenda.

She was a member of the Eudora Assembly of God Church until 2010 when she became a member of Lawrence Calvary Temple.

She is survived by a daughter Caroline (Murl Hicks), Hollister, MO; a son Philip Foster, Kimberling City, MO; a daughter Glenda Caldwell (Larry Caldwell), Lawrence, KS; a son Larry Foster, Lawrence, KS. Two sisters Fern Hart, Commerce, Oklahoma, Gladys Dorsey (Glenn), Beebe, Arkansas, a brother Norman Phillips, Washburn MO, and 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren plus other extended family.

A daughter Sonia Marie Foster died earlier in 1988.

The family suggest memorials to the Cystic Fibrosis sent in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com.

Jack Mitchell Lawson

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Jack Mitchell Lawson, 90, of Lawrence KS, passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2023, after contracting Covid 19. Jack was born the youngest of three children to Ralph and Olive Lawson of Emporia KS in 1933.

During his early childhood, he lived in Emporia KS, Neosho MO, Warsaw MO, and Louisiana MO and finally in Lawrence KS. His first job, at eight years old, was as custodian of the Varsity Theatre for $5.24 cents a week. Next, he became a paperboy for the Lawrence Journal World and always looked forward to reading the daily newspaper his whole life. A near tragic motorcycle accident nearly claimed his adolescent life and kept him from military service. Later, he became a heavy equipment operator and helped build parts of the early interstate highway system in Kansas and Oklahoma. He was a long-timemember of Operating Engineers Local 101. His love of “dozers” led to years of collecting and restoring over 30 different antique/vintage bulldozers and tractors. On occasion he would transport one or two of his favorite “Cats” to the local or regional tractor show. He was immensely proud of this hobby.

Carpentry and roofing were other skills that Jack got from his father. He never lost his desire to tell anyone how to do it “right.”  For a brief period, Jack worked for the local water and gas companies. He then went on to buy, remodel and rent apartment houses. Eventually he started his own trucking company and helped local developers and clients with their hauling needs. Jack loved to work and never got used to being retired.

As a younger man Jack enjoyed square dancing, boating, water skiing, fishing, playing cards, traveling in the U.S., behind the scenes politics and served as Treasurer of The Eagles Club on 6th Street. Jack could often be found caring for the many birds and squirrels in his backyard. He also enjoyed the companionship of his dogs and cat. He loved to reach out to friends with long phone calls, loved telling jokes and had a story for anyone that would listen.

Jack was preceded in death by his mom, Olive, his dad, Ralph, his brother, Leroy, and his sister Fern. He is survived by two daughters Kathy White and Julie Fredyma, 6 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren and “Ladybug” his most beloved chihuahua.

Jack will be remembered as a “Dirt Genius”, Daddy-O and friend. He will be missed until we meet again in paradise.

A private service is being arranged by the family at Hubbell Hill Cemetery in Tonganoxie. Messages and condolences for the family may be made on Rumsey-Yost website. Any memorial contributions should be made to the Lawrence Humane Society, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, PO BOX 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.