Author: RumseyYost

Doreta Yvonne Boyd

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Services for Doreta Boyd will be held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at 2pm. Visitation will be from 1pm till service time on Tuesday, also at the funeral home.
Burial will follow the services at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Doreta passed on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, in Topeka, KS. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Brenda Dunbar Swartz.

Doreta was born Tuesday, March 22, 1938, in Lawrence, KS the daughter of George Patterson and Bessie Puderbaugh Patterson. She graduated from Lawrence High School in 1956 and was a part of the a cappella singing group. Doreta owned her own art store, Doreta’s Decorative Arts, in Lawrence, KS. Where she specialized in painting classes for 18 years. Her & Monty later became traveling sales reps. They enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends along the way. She also enjoyed spending her pastimes watching the Jayhawks play basketball, never missing a KU game. The grandchildren were always her pride and joy. Doreta had an infectious smile and a kind soul. She was loved by many and will be missed by many.

Doreta had two children, Brenda, and Beth. Doreta married Monty Boyd June 12, 1980. They brought their families together and she is survived by her husband, Monty Boyd, Lawrence, KS; Brother, Forrest Patterson; Sister, Sheryl Stafford, Florida; Daughter, Beth Crist, Lawrence, KS; Stepson, Marty Boyd, Eudora, KS; Stepson, Mike Boyd, Lewisville, TX; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s association or charity of their choice. alz.org

Martin Fan Cheng

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Martin Fan Cheng, 92, Lawrence, Kansas, died December 15, 2023 at LMH Health. He was born May 4, 1931 in Anhui province China. His family then fled to Chongqing, Sichuan province during the Sino-Japanese War. In 1949 he moved to Taiwan, where he received a degree in Civil Engineering from National Taiwan University. In 1958 he came to the US, where he earned a degree in Aeronautical Engineering and Mathematics from The University of Minnesota, followed by a Ph.D. degree in Mathematics from The University of Kansas. In 1980 he completed a BFA degree from the same university and then an MFA degree from The University of Washington.

For most of his life he was a watercolor artist in Lawrence, KS and was widely known for his meticulous, detailed and realistic-looking watercolor paintings. His artistic work was influenced by fishing, one of his beloved hobbies, through which he became intrigued by the glistening presence of fish and he persisted in his quest to “to paint the real world as we see it.” Along with his interest in fish, his work incorporates the significance of food as a Chinese cultural obsession and focuses on fish and other Chinese food in a life-size or larger format paintings. Survivors include his daughter Christine Cheng of Millcreek, UT, son Ian Cheng of Albuquerque, NM, and three grandchildren.

No services are planned at this time.

Thomas Baker Williams

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In the early hours of Christmas Eve, 2023, the Williams family lost their beloved patriarch, Thomas Baker Williams. Tom was born on January 7, 1951, to Harold and Elizabeth Williams in Indiana. The proud father of Nathan Luke Williams, Zachary Hamilton Williams, Ian Williams Watt, and Mojo Alexander Watt Williams. Tom endlessly proclaimed himself, “the luckiest dad in the world.” In addition, he is survived by his beloved siblings: sister Betty Welch and brothers Harold Douglas and Edward Michael, as well as his beloved grandchildren: Noah,Isabel, Aubrey, Trent, Emelia, and Elijah. When it came to family, Tom surged with an untamable and indelible love.

Though he has passed on, Tom’s presence remains through his infectious qualities passed on to his family and anyone who had the privilege to truly know him. A wealth of stories, catch- phrases, and memories will echo down the hall of time for generations. A man like this does not go quietly into that good night; he inspired and uplifted those around him with his strength and humor up to his last day.

In keeping with Tom’s wishes there will be no public service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Hospice or your local Humane Society.

Darlene Myrtle (Votaw) Naff

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Funeral Services for Darlene Myrtle (Votaw) Naff, 92, Lawrence, will be 10 am, Thursday, December 28, 2023, at Southside Church of Christ, 1105 W. 25th Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66046, officiated by son-in-law Powell Pendergraft. Visitation will be from 7-8 pm, Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Darlene died December 22, 2023, at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living.

She was born August 4, 1931, in Lawrence, Kansas, the daughter of Milo and Angie Vitt Votaw.

Darlene graduated from Lawrence High School.

She was married to William D. Naff on April 24, 1953. He preceded her in death in 2010.

Mom was generous with those less fortunate and loved to bring those whom she called “old people” to her home, treating them to coffee and conversation.

Survivors include three children; William N. (Buddy) and Cynthia, Berryton, Kansas; Mark A. and Cynthia, of Lawrence; Kim E. Pendergraft and Powell, of Austin, Texas; seven grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to L.I.N.K. Kitchen, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Online condolences made at rumsey-yost.com

Babak Pakravan

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Memorial services for Babak Pakravan, 32, Lawrence, will be 10 am, Saturday, December 30, 2023, at Southside Church of Christ, 1105 W 25th St, Lawrence, KS 66046.

Babak Pakravan, age 32, died in his home on December 20, 2023, in the presence of his loving mother, Mitra Pakravan.

In a short life complicated by illnesses stemming from his premature birth, Babak accomplished much, adapting and over coming sickness to become a model son who gave himself lovingly and unselfishly to all who met and knew him. His parents, Bahman and Mitra, met at the University of Kansas as students after immigrating from Iran in the late1980s. They soon fell in love and, bolstered by deep friendships between their mothers in Iran, married in Lawrence, Kansas on January 8, 1987. On July 17, 1991, they were blessed with the birth of their only child, Babak. Born prematurely, he spent the first six months of his life on oxygen in the KU Medical Center NICU. From preschool-onward, Babak required intensive, ongoing medical attention, daily parental care and spent much of his time going in and out of doctor’s offices and hospitals. However, he never let illnesses stop him; instead, Babak remained unperturbed and grew resilient, developing amazing abilities to communicate with others as he shared his curiosity, intelligence and humor with children and adults alike. Patterning himself after his father, Babak gained expertise in computers, software and business. Patterning himself after his mother, a specialist in child development, he embraced and was loved by children who looked up to him for his experience and compassion.

Patterning himself after both his parents, who had traveled extensively throughout their lives, Babak inherited the travel gene, visiting Iran for the first of four times at the tender age of three, and later enjoyed trips to California and Florida and had been planning future travels. Over time, he matured and grew into a sophisticated man who read extensively, and who enjoyed collecting rare antique writing pens as much as eating a good meal. Babak studied communications at Washburn University, completing a degree in the field in 2019. He worked at Maximus as a customer service representative for two years before his death, and was highly esteemed by clients and colleagues alike. Everyone loved Babak’s caring and compassionate heart as he patiently guided impoverished clients around health insurance hurdles to get them the vital care they needed.

Babak was preceded in death in 2017 by his father, Bahman Pakravan, and is survived by his mother, Mitra. He is dearly loved and cherished by her and many extended family members in Iran. Austria and in other parts of the globe.

Memorial contributions may be made to the KU Medical Center NICU, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Steven Curtis Kline

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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

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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

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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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