Author: RumseyYost

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.

Gary Wayne Ward

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Gary Wayne Ward passed Friday, November 3, 2023 in Lawrence (Lone Star), KS.

He was born November 11, 1972 in Weatherford, TX to Charles Don and Violet Jane (Harmon) Ward.

Gary graduated high school from Keota, OK in 1991. He also attended Carl Albert College in Oklahoma.

He moved to Lawrence, KS in 2000 where he worked various jobs in the area. Most recently Gary worked at Pur-O-Zone as a warehouse worker and delivery driver.

Gary is survived by his partner Steve Silvers, Lone Star, his mother Violet Ward, sister Zora Short (Kenny), brother Charles Ward (Samantha), all of Keota, OK, daughter Dannon Fox(Bryce), granddaughter Keegan, Fort Smith, AR, extended family members, long-time friend, Lonnie Stroud, Lawrence, and innumerable friends. Gary’s father preceded him in death in 1998.

Visitation will be Thursday, November 9, 2023 from 1:00-3:00 PM at Rumsey -Yost Funeral Home, followed by graveside services at Washington Creek Cemetery, please dress casual.

Memorials can be made to Visiting Nurses. On behalf of Gary and the family, we would like to recognize and thank all of the doctors, nurses, care facilities, and service providers who cared for Gary during his fight with cancer.

Annella Regina Ahles (Klaers) 

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With much sorrow, we announce the passing of Annella (Ann) Ahles on October 31, 2023, at the age of 91.  

Born in Minneapolis, MN, on January 9th, 1932, to Regina (nee Otto) & Bernard Klaers, Ann (Nella) was raised in Loretto, MN, with her 4 brothers on the family farm. Those years were her most memorable. She reflected on her farm life often in her later years. She graduated from Mound High School in 1950. 

Ann met Gerald (Jerry) Ahles in early 1955 in Minneapolis and they were married on October 24th, 1955, in Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Loretto. They moved to Little Falls, MN, in 1958 where she and her husband purchased and operated a successful A&W franchise. They had 4 children.  

After 20 years of running a restaurant in the chilly Midwest, they decided to move to a warmer climate. They moved to Mesa, AZ in 1978 and finished raising their family. They loved living in the warm climate of Arizona. 

Ann moved to Lawrence, KS, in 2014 after the passing of her beloved husband, where she enjoyed reading and spending time with her family. 

Ann is survived by her four children, Andy (Christine), Tim (Rusty), Peggy Jo Watts (Bret) and Joel (Donna), five grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents & siblings. 

 A Visitation will be held from 5-6:30 pm, Monday, November 6, 2023, at the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS. 66044. Funeral services will be 11am, Monday November 13, 2023 at a Queen of Heaven Funeral Home Cath0lic Chapel, 1562 East Baseline Road, Masa, Arizona 85204. Condolences may be made at www.rumsey-yost.com. Arrangements entrusted to Queen of Heaven Catholic Mortuary, Mesa, AZ. 

 

Karen Yvonne Pauli

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Funeral services for Karen Yvonne Pauli, 82, Stull, will be at 1 pm, Friday, November 3, 2023, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.  A short visitation will take place after the service. Burial will follow at Stull Cemetery.

She died October 28, 2023, in Baldwin City.

Karen was born in Yuma, CO to Albert and Edna Deinert on September 25, 1941, and passed in Baldwin City, KS peacefully surrounded by family on October 28, 2023.

She was blessed with two younger siblings, Judeen and Dale. As a young girl, she attended a one-room schoolhouse a few miles from their farm. At age 11, Karen’s father and grandfather tragically lost their lives in a wheat field fire. Several months later the family moved to town. While attending high school she worked at the local drug store.

On November 23, 1957, she married James D Pauli of Joes, CO. The couple took residence and started managing his family’s farm. In 1967 they moved to Goodland, KS where they reared three children, Marcy, Diane and Jeff. Karen served as deputy at the Sherman County Courthouse from 1978 to 1986.

Jim and Karen moved to Stull, KS the summer of 1986. She worked at Wright Chiropractic in Lawrence, KS and then at Lord’s Financial Planning in Topeka from 1992 until retirement.

She enjoyed sewing, scrapbooking, gardening, and attending Bible study. She was supportive of others and kind to all.

Preceding her in death: Her parents, Albert and Edna Deinert, stepfather, Fred Ernst. Her sister-in-law, Cheryl Deinert.

She is survived by: Husband, Jim Pauli of Baldwin City, KS.

Daughter, Marcy (Gary) Rust of Topeka, KS and grandchildren/great grandchildren: Landon (Paula) Rust, Parker and Landon of Montgomery, AL; Grant Rust of Charlotte, NC; Graydon Rust of Birmingham, AL and Sydney (Troy) Weakland, Josie of Topeka, KS.

Daughter, Diane (Randy) Haeffner of Baldwin City, KS and grandchildren/great grandchildren: Matt (Chelsey) Haeffner, Audrianne, Ashton, Haven, and Henley of Houston, TX; Zach (Kelli) Haeffner, Harrison, Hadley, Hunter of Baldwin City, KS; Josh Haeffner, Dax, Ryker and Jase of Houston, TX; Lesley (Jake) Nellor, Lauren of Baldwin City, KS.

Son, Jeff (Liana) Pauli of Derby, KS and grandchildren/great grandchildren: Leah (Kody) Barger of Moore, OK; Luke (Grace) Pauli, Lucy of Olathe, KS.

Sister, Judeen (Bob) Berry of Castle Rock, CO and brother, Dale Deinert of Yuma, CO. Nieces and nephews.

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

Robert (Bob) E. Herschell

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A Celebration of Life for Robert (Bob) E. Herschell, Sr. age 85, Lawrence, KS will be held from 11am – 2pm on Sunday, November 12, 2023, at Union Pacific Depot located at 402 N. 2nd Street in North Lawrence.

Bob lived at Oakley Place in Rossville, KS since January 2023.  He recently had an extended hospital stay.  Bob then passed away at Oakley Place in Topeka, KS on Tuesday, October 24, 2023.  His step-daughter, Mandy Tinch owns and operates Oakley Places.

Bob was born on June 15, 1938, in Overbrook, KS, the son of Kenneth and Cecil (Ewing) Herschell.

In 1956 he graduated from Baldwin High School in Baldwin City, KS before he joined the Navy later that summer. On the day he returned home in 1959, his dad surprised him with a 1959 Red Chevy Impala that he instantly named “Cherry Pie.” He said it was the perfect car except that it had a V6 not a V8!

Bob not only loved fast cars but motorcycles especially. He rode one for more than 60 years of his life. His son, Robert Jr., began riding with him in 2015; they went on to enjoy many day trips together. Some of his days were spent with his daughter going to Dairy Queen for his weekly ice cream and french fry cravings. He lived life to the fullest and loved spending time with family and friends – especially those periodic visits from his children going through pictures and reminiscing about the good ol’ days. The pictures gave proof that Bob certainly never shied away from having a good time!

Survivors include his spouse of 23 years, Terry Herschell.  They met in Lawrence, KS 31 years ago.  By this marriage Bob had three adult step-children; Travis Wales, Meredith Mazza and Mandy Tinch.  He also had nine step-grandchildren and three step great-grandchildren.

Other survivors include younger sisters; Louise (Bob) Howard and Wanda (Joe) Gaggero; two children, Robert (Terra) and Tammy Herschell, five grandchildren, Michael and Josh Herschell, Dylan Warrington, Mikayla (Cameron) Bruns, Nathan Herschell and one great-grandchild, Ian.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Steve Herschell.

The family suggests memorials in Bob’s name to Lawrence Humane Society and may be sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory, 601 Indiana St, Lawrence, KS 66044.