Services for Eric Walther, 92, Lawrence, are pending and will be announced by Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
He died October 4, 2023, at Bridge Haven Care Facility.
Author: RumseyYost
Barbara F. Archinal
Barbara Ford Archinal, 83, passed away September 28, 2023, at her home.
She was born Dec. 2, 1939 in Worth County, GA., the daughter of Fred G. and Agnes M. Powell Ford. She graduated from Sylvester High School, Sylvester, GA. in 1957.
After living in several different states as a military wife, she settled in to work at AGE Federal Credit Union in Albany, GA, where she worked for 10 years from 1971-1981, before moving to Lawrence, KS with her family. She was employed there with the City of Lawrence in the Finance Division, where she worked from 1981-2005 before retiring after 24 yrs.. She was a member of Cornerstone Community Church.
She is survived by a daughter, Donna K. Smith (Sean P.) Linwood, KS., and a son, Alan C. Archinal (Carol E.) Perry, KS. Two grandchildren – Kayli E. Tucker, Topeka, KS. and Tyler C. Archinal, Lecompton, KS. Great-grandchildren – Kycin and Breckin , Step-grandaughters – Nicole R. Garber (Micah), Rachel E. Ussery, and Madison D. Smith, Step-Great-grandchildren – Aleah, Ashton, Cole, Xander, Colton, and Raelynn – A brother, Billy G. Ford, Azle, TX. and a sister, Anita Ford Mallory (Shirl C.) Cedartown, GA., and several nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by not only her parents, but her husband, Donald E. Archinal, and sisters, Bettianne Ford Amick and Joyce Ford Bliss.
Memorial services for Mrs. Archinal will take place at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS. 66046 on Sat., Oct. 28th at 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions made to Visiting Nurses Assoc. of Douglas Co. or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 , Lawrence, KS. 66044
Larry Lee Helm
Larry Lee Helm, 68, of Wellsville Kansas passed away unexpectedly in his home on September 29th, 2023.
Larry was born on August 18th, 1955, to Odis “Lee” Helm & Lois Helm in Wichita Falls, Texas. Larry graduated from Lawrence High School in 1974 and he spent most of his career at Lawrence Paper Company until a work injury forced him to retire.
Larry spent his childhood years camping and enjoyed collecting Antique Barbwire with his father. Over the years, Larry often frequented barb wire shows and had a passion for woodworking, gardening, and fishing. He spent much of his time tinkering around his shop and was a collector of many things by thrift shopping at Goodwill. Larry enjoyed weekly lunches with his parents and there wasn’t a conversation to be had where he wasn’t sharing stories or bragging about his daughter.
Larry is survived by his parents, Lee & Lois Helm, Lawrence, Kansas, his daughter Amanda Davis (Kyle Davis), Lawrence, Kansas. His sister Lori Petrie (Matt Schmidt) Baldwin City, Kansas, a niece Kari Brungardt (Ken Brungardt), Lawrence, Kansas, grandsons Cohen & Nash Davis, Lawrence, Kansas, and many extended family members.
A Private Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring for family and friends.
John (David) Ragan
The Lord called John David Ragan home on August 21, 2023. A Memorial Service will be held October 3 at Christ United Methodist Church in Independence at 10 AM, with a visitation at 9:30.
David is survived by Ann Ragan, loving wife of 51 years; son Phil Bennett and wife Kirsten; grandchildren Trevor, Laurel, and Tristan Bennett and his wife Amy; niece Ellen Ragan, her husband Mark Allen, their children McKinley Allen and Ragan Archer and her husband Max; niece Janice Lopez and son Mark Lopez; and Markus Preissler.
David graduated from the University of Kansas in 1965 in Architecture, and served in the Army as a Captain in the Ordnance Corps. As an architect, David was on the design team of many projects, notably Bartle Hall, One Kansas City Place and the Folly Theater renovation in Kansas City, as well as the Seattle Seahawks football stadium.
David’s life was characterized by service to the community. He was a Boy Scout leader and Commissioner, and hosted AFS international exchange students including Markus who has been family for 43 years. He served on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity in Eastern Jackson County, and was a long-time supporter and President of the City of Independence Sister City program with Higashimurayama in Japan. David also was a volunteer docent at both the National Frontier Trails and Chicago-Alton Railroad museums in Independence, teaching hundreds of students these aspects of American History.
As a humble servant of the Lord, David took leadership roles in Trinity Presbyterian, First Presbyterian, and Christ United Methodist Churches in Independence, where he also donated architectural design to facility upgrades over a 50-year span.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations supporting School of Architecture and Design Scholarships (04831), which he supported. Donations can be made to KU Endowment, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044 or online at www.kuendowment.org/givenow.
David’s spirit lives on in his family, the people he touched, and through his works.
Janice Gail McKenzie
Services for Janice Gail McKenzie, 83, will be on October 1st, 2023 at 10am at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Hardy Oak Cemetery in Jefferson County, KS.
Janice died Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. She was born June 12, 1940 in Corona, New Mexico, daughter of Claude and Lucille Tarpley. She graduated from Placer High School in Auburn, California.
She married Kenneth Alec McKenzie US Navy, on July 29, 1959 at the US Naval Base in San Diego, CA by the Chaplin. They had met on a blind date on a Monday, got married on a Wednesday, and he shipped out on a Friday for a year at sea. Kenneth died July 7, 2007. They were together for 48 beautiful years and had 2 daughters, Robbie and Melody.
Jan loved children and spent her life serving Jesus.
Proceeded in death were Janice’s parents, Lucille and Claude Tarpley, brothers Warren Preston Tarpley, Joe Mitchel Tarpley, and Howard Dale Tarpley.
She is survived by daughters Robbie (Rob) Fischer, Ottawa. Melody McKenzie (Michelle Gainer), Lawrence. Brother Jimmy Wade Tarpley, Dubois, Idaho and sister Amy Shirlene Tarpley, Citrus Heights, California.
Grandsons Shaun (Wanda) McKenzie, Blue Springs MO, Michael (Mischell) Peters, Philippines, Mark (Tanya) Bartling, Lecompton, Andrew (Paige) Barrows, Olathe, and Steven Barrows, Topeka.
Great grandsons Chet Bartling, Lecompton, Tommy and Evan Barrows, Olathe, Phillip McGraw, Tonganoxie, Austin and Nicholas Asmussen, Blue Springs, and Issac Bartling, Lecompton.
Great granddaughters Lacey Barrows, Topeka, Tabitha Peters, Lawrence, Danae and Delaney McKenzie, Springfield, Illinois, Neveah Peters, Philippines, Callie Bishop, Blue Springs, Marissa Bartling, Perry, Ashlyn Henney, Perry and Kay McKenzie, KCK.
Great great grandsons Bently and Hudson Umbenhower, KCK, and Waylon Henney, Perry.
Great great granddaughters Maria Umbenhower, KCK, Brelynn Cullumber, Perry, and Haidyn Henney, Perry.
Honorary granddaughters Dorothy Ann and Mary Ann and Bobbie Lee.
To livestream the service please click the link below
Drury Leigh Forinash
Drury Leigh Forinash, 86, passed away on September 26, 2023 at his home. No services are planned at this time.
Janice “Jan” McConnell
Celebration of Life Visitation for Janice “Jan” McConnell, Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home on Thursday, October 5, 2023, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. No graveside services are planned at this time.
Jan died Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at home surrounded by family and friends.
She was born on February 20, 1947, the daughter of Alice (Mustain) Vantuyl and Warren Vantuyl.
She moved to Lawrence, KS in 1965. She worked for Barber Emerson Law Firm from February 1992 until retirement in February 2010. She moved to Florida to enjoy retirement before returning to Kansas.
Jan married James (Mike) McConnell on July 3, 1965, in Monett, MO. Mike passed away in July 1998.
Other survivors include two daughters, Julie Bond, Lawrence, and Jill Lavin (Russell) Perry. Two sisters Jeanie Douthitt (Florida) and Kerri Morgison (Lawrence). Jan has three grandsons, Justin (Justine) Bond, Bradly Lavin, Austin (Amber) Lavin. Three great grandchildren Ryleigh Bond, Tanner Chapin, and Justin (JT) Lavin, several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Midland Hospice in Topeka, KS, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.
Bret Allen Coleman
Funeral services for Bret Allen Coleman, 63, will be 2pm, Friday, October 6 at the American Legion Post 142, 410 Perry Pl, Perry, KS. A visitation will be from 1pm to service time. Burial will follow the funeral services at the Mount Calvary and Rose Hill Cemetery, 2374 Ellsworth Rd, Perry, KS.
Bret passed away on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital following a six-year battle with cancer. He was born April 30, 1960, in Topeka, KS, the son of Harold and Margaret (Barton) Coleman. He graduated from Perry-Lecompton High School in 1978. Bret married Kelly Warren in 1990 and moved to the Lecompton area in 1992.
He worked at Hallmark Cards in Lawrence, Walmart Distribution in Ottawa, Hamm’s in Perry and Brown Cargo in Lawrence.
Bret is survived by his wife, Kelly Coleman, of the home, three children, Kyle Coleman (Liz), Lecompton, KS, Cameron Coleman (Montana), Topeka, KS, Cory Coleman, Lecompton, KS, and five grandchildren. He is also survived by his four brothers, Kent Coleman, Overbrook, Kevin Coleman (Judy), Ozawkie, David Coleman (Michelle), Overbrook, and Michael Coleman (Kim), Williamstown. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Margaret.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman, which he passed his love for hunting and fishing to his three boys. He also enjoyed repairing cars, working in the yard, kayaking, and building things out of wood. He loved attending the NHRA drag races at Heartland Park and especially enjoyed watching the funny cars.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The American Legion Post 142, Perry, KS, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.
Susan Elaine Mango
Surrounded by her loving family Sue passed on September 22, 2023, at home. Her family, especially her husband Joe and dear daughter Tara, were the bright lights of her life and she cherished every day with them.
Susan was born April 1, 1963, in Lawrence, Kansas. She is survived by her husband Joseph Mango; daughter Tara Mango; sisters Cathy Daicoff and Julie Daicoff (Maurice Stack Jr); her sister in spirit Bobbie Perry Flory (Scott); niece Jessica Stack; and nephew Joseph Stack (Laurie). She was proceeded in death by her parents, Margaret and Darwin Daicoff.
Sue’s hallmark was her passion for communicating and drawing others into conversations. She learned these skills at The University of Kansas where she earned a degree in communication in 1985. Susan used her people skills as event director in the hospitality industry at exclusive country clubs and the hotels in Dallas, Texas and Chester County, Pennsylvania. Ten years ago, Susan returned to Lawrence and became the Director of Development for KU’s Lied Performing Art Center. Susan’s relationships with patrons, audience, and staff were engaging and she achieved record-breaking contributions.
Susan was an avid reader who once challenged herself to read one book every week for an entire year. This interest expanded as she became involved in University Women’s Club as an event coordinator. Sue was a woman of faith that treated everyone with love and respect.
Susan’s other hobbies include gardening, home decorating and her peloton. Her decorating skills inspired her to start Sewing for the Home and Décor where she made custom draperies. She had a knack for taking something mundane and seeing its possibilities.
We all knew Sue’s love of chocolate. Every Sunday night for 50 weeks she tried new recipes in search of the perfect brownie recipe. She enjoyed cooking for her family, but baking was her specialty.
Memorials in honor of Sue can be made to Kansas University Endowment – Sue Mango Patio and Garden at the Lied, and may be sent to the Lied Center, 1600 Stewart Drive, Lawrence, Kansas 66045.
Friends of Susan are invited to join the family for a reception at Arterra, 2161 Quail Creek Drive, Lawrence, Kansas, on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, from 5 to 8 pm.
A private inurnment will be held at a later date
Jay Owen Wagner
Jay Owen Wagner, 77, passed away on September 21, 2023 at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. He was born June 10, 1946 in Emporia, Kansas to John O. and Margaret (Sattler) Wagner.
In 1963, the family moved to Lawrence when his mother’s job with Hallmark Cards was relocated. Due to being only one year away from graduating, Jay stayed behind and lived with his grandparents his senior year. He graduated from Emporia High School in 1964. After graduation he joined his family in Lawrence. There he worked for Hallmark Cards and attended KU until he was drafted in to the Army serving one year in Vietnam.
Jay married his wife, Betty Curl on May 28, 1971. His job took them to the Chicago suburb of Wheeling, Illinois, where their first son Christopher was born. After a year, they returned to Lawrence where their sons Erick and Dustin were born. Lawrence became home for the rest of his life.
Jay was employed by E&E Specialties as a building manager until it closed in 2004. He then joined his son Dustin in farming on his wife’s family farm in Jefferson County. With the help of his sons he raised corn, soybeans, and his favorite; cattle. Other than the farm, he enjoyed watching KU sports and the Kansas City Chiefs. One time refusing to go to the hospital because the Chiefs were on TV. He had his priorities!
He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Linda Jones and Dale Ann Fabriz, brother Johnny Wagner and brother-in-law Eugene Curl.
He is survived by his wife Betty and sons Chris (Brooke Raasch), Erick and Dustin Wagner of Lawrence, brother and sister-in-law Paul and Mary (Curl) Runyon, Raleigh, North Carolina, and many nieces and nephews, and their children.
No services were requested. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.
Donations may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in memory of Jay, a two time cancer survivor, and as a gratitude for the care his great nephew, Tucker Wagner, has received there.
