Author: RumseyYost

Theron Johnson Harper

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Theron Johnson Harper, 91, passed away August 19, 2023 in the care of Ascend Hospice Care and the great people at Bridge Haven Memory Care in Lawrence, KS, after a short illness.

He was born October 15, 1931 in the home on the family farm near Virginia, (Bates County) MO, to Rollin Hill Harper and Ethel Irene (McGuire) Harper. He was married to his high school sweetheart Dixie Deems Harper at the home of her parents on July 17, 1949. They were happily married for 73 years before her passing in January this year.

Theron and Dixie had five children: Stephen Kyle, Kathi Sue Hunsinger, Theron Kevin, Roderick Deems, and Elizabeth Ann Spring. Theron and Dixie along with their children, owned and operated Deems Farm Equipment the John Deere Dealership in Lawrence for more than 30 years. Theron and Dixie both attended the University Community of Christ Church in Lawrence.

In the Fall of 1989, Theron and Dixie decided to become Floridian Snowbirds and spent their winters in Bonita Springs, Florida. They continued to be Snowbirds for more than fifteen years and loved every minute of it.

Theron was preceded in death by his parents, all three of his siblings, his wife, his oldest son Kyle, his youngest daughter Libby, son-in-law Chris ‘Elvi’ Hunsinger, and his great grandson Reese Massey. He is survived by daughter Kathi Hunsinger, son Kevin (Becky, Theresa, Theron Craig), Rod (Barbara, Erica, Rod Jr.), son-in-law Jim Spring, grandchildren Kelly Renick, Travis Renick, and Kyle’s children, Jeanne, Julie, Jennifer, Branden and Whitney, several greatgrandchildren, nieces and nephews.

There will be a visitation for both Theron and Dixie Saturday, September 2, 2023 from 1:00 to 3:00pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home 601 Indiana Lawrence, KS 66044 The family suggest memorials in Theron’s name to Ascend Hospice Care, and University Community of Christ Church. Donations may be sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS, 66044.

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

Donna D. Turner

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Graveside services for Donna D. Turner, 86, Lawrence, will be at 11am, Friday, August 25, 2023 at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Donna died Saturday, August 19, 2023 at her home. She was born February 16, 1937. Ms. Turner worked at the Kansas color press, King Radio, and Independent Laundry. She then retired from Hallmark of Lawrence.

Survivors include a brother Aurther (Marjorie) Pine of Olathe, three daughters Susan (Mike) Wiediman of Lawrence, Vicki (Thomas) Ramirez of Lawrence, and Brenda Clark (Jason Kugler) of Raytown, MO. She has many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.

Family suggests memorial contributions to the Lawrence Humane Society or the American Heart Association, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Lucas Aaron Heckman

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Lucas Aaron Heckman died Saturday, August 12, 2023, at the KU Medical Center in Kansas City. He was born May 3, 1983, in Lawrence, Kansas.

Lucas was one of a kind. He was incredibly brilliant, funny, talented, and definitely marched to a different drummer. Perhaps this is why he beat his heart out on the drums during his days as a musician here in Lawrence, Kansas, and then later in Albany, New York, and Kansas City. He promoted other musicians and supported many others in their creative efforts. An old friend said, “He was quite literally the life of the party” at the vegan potlucks and at The Pirate House. He enrolled at The University of Kansas not because he wanted a higher education, but really because he wanted to be a DJ for the college radio station. His knowledge of music was deep and wide, especially punk. He was a straight-edge punk which means that he never used alcohol or other drugs. In his life and even now, he’s carried the soul of a musician.

He is survived by his mother, Iris Craver, and his step-father, Steve Stemmerman, Lawrence; his father, George Heckman, and step-mother, Bekki Heckman, Ozawkie; his brother, Jesse Heckman, and sister-in-law, Jennifer Strickland, Lawrence; and his sister, Sara Schafer, Topeka.  He also had his niece, Ida Heckman, his nephew, Oliver Heckman, Lawrence; and his nieces Cecelia and Marjorie Schafer, Topeka. He had many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who found him dear.

An open house memorial is planned for September 16, 2023, Centenary United Methodist Church, 245 N 4th St. Lawrence, Kansas, 66044 beginning at 1 pm.  Potluck!  A time for sharing stories. Eulogy by his brother at 2.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sunrise Project or the family suggests planting a tree.

Ronney Junior Williams

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Graveside Services for Ronney Junior Williams, , Eudora will be 11am,Friday, August 18, 2023, at Eudora City Cemetery.

Ronney Junior Williams died Saturday, August 12, 2023 at his home in Eudora, KS.

He was born April 15, 1959 in Lawrence, the son of Chester and Ellen Cannon Williams. He attended Eudora High School.

Ron spent the majority of his working years in the manufacturing field, primarily working for Darling Envelope Company in Overland Park, Kansas. While his children were young, he spent many years coaching his daughter’s softball teams and teaching his son basketball skills. Leading his kids in their sports endeavors was something he took a lot of pride in and brought him great joy. In doing so, he also provided other children in Eudora with great memories. Ron also enjoyed teasing his kids, giving each of them a unique nickname and a song to go along with it.

Ron married Tammy Erwin in November, 1982 in Tonganoxie, Kansas. They divorced in 1998 and Tammy passed away in 2003.

Survivors include a son, Andrew Williams, Olathe, KS, two daughters, Amanda Baldwin of Tonganoxie, KS, and Trina Goss of Baldwin City, KS, and four grandchildren, Samuel, Lilly, Emma and Sara.

Evelyn Margarete Staus

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Graveside services for Evelyn Margarete Staus, 94, of Lawrence, will be on Wednesday, August 16th, at 10:00AM at Memorial Park Cemetery, with Chaplain Paul Reed officiating. Mrs. Staus passed away on August 13th at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living.

She was born Jan. 29, 1929, in Lawrence, the daughter of Edward O. and Emma Margaret Brokman Smith. She attended schools in Lawrence. Evelyn was a homemaker, and worked at House of Fabrics for ten years. She enjoyed reading and sewing, and was a member of AARP.

Evelyn married George Albert Staus on June 23, 1945, in Sedalia, MO. He preceded her in death, as did a daughter, Dotti Seele, 3 son-in-laws, Sonny Sieber , Dale Seale, and Brad Grant, and 2 grandsons, Bobbie Owens and Connor Omara.

Survivors include two daughters, Jeannie Alley and Linda Grant, both of Lawrence; a brother, Edward Smith, Tucson Ariz.; a sister, Ella Anderson, McLouth, seven grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Memorials are suggested to Lawrence Humane Society, in the care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, PO Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Beulah Elizabeth Anderson

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Beulah Anderson, 97, peacefully passed away on August 12, 2023. Beulah was born on July 7, 1926 in Kansas, the oldest of 10 children born to Walter Grammer and Ruby (nee: Rist).  Beulah was married at the age of 16 to Glenn Eugene Anderson (“Gene”) on December 18, 1942.  In the early years, Beulah was a substitute teacher until she became a mother and homemaker at the age of 18.  Later in life, Beulah showcased many different talents by showing she had an eye for interior decorating by wallpapering and painting homes, working as a receptionist for Anderson Trucking and Excavating, and making toothbrushes for a dental manufacturing company. Upon becoming a grandmother, she helped care for and doted on her grandchildren, similar to how she helped care for her many younger siblings. After her grandchildren grew up, Beulah continued her love of caregiving and spent time taking care of others, even elderly clients older than herself.  Beulah finally retired from her caretaking at the young age of 93.  The one thing Beulah did not retire from was being the self proclaimed mayor of “Anderson Acres,” which is where she lived for more than 70+ years.

She is survived by her daughter, Sharon (James) Stein, and sons Gary (Marilyn) Anderson and Mark (Tiffany) Anderson; sibling Gerald (Virginia) Grammer; grandchildren Todd (Susan) Stein, Brian (Debra) Stein, Scott (Brenda) Stein, Christy (Kevin) Irland, Kent (Wendee) Anderson, Michael (Lynn) Anderson, and Mark (Brittany) Anderson; great grandchildren Katherine Stein, Michael (Elizabeth) Stein, Megan Stein, Connor Stein, Kyle Stein, Stephanie (Jeffrey) Brown, Christopher Stein, Charlie Irland, Jimmy Irland, Drew Anderson (preceded in death), Tanner Anderson, Carly Anderson, Mackenzie Anderson, Aiden Anderson, Liam Anderson and Hadley Anderson; and great, great grandchild Baker Brown. Beloved husband Gene preceded Beulah in death almost 28 years ago, in 1995.

Beulah loved watching all sports, and especially was an avid fan of both the University of Kansas Jayhawks and the Kansas City Royals.  She took great pride in keeping her house neat and tidy and doing her own yard work. She loved watching game shows and making candy. Beulah was known for being a kind and generous person, with a persuasive nature, who enjoyed life, people, and having fun.  She was happiest being around her family and friends, and brought joy and love to everyone she knew. Her bright blue eyes, contagious smile and flirtatious laugh will be truly missed.

Friends may visit Tuesday, August 15, 2023 from 6:30 pm until 8:30 pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home at 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, Kansas. 66046.  The funeral service will also be held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 16,  at 10:00 am, burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations In memory of Beulah Anderson, may be made to VFW Post 6654, 33725 West 84th Street, De Soto, Kansas 66018 or Ascend Hospice, 5020 Billings Parkway, Suite D1, Lawrence, Kansas 66049.

Martha Jane Parker

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Services for Martha Jane Parker, 94, Lawrence,  will be held on Friday, August 18. The burial service will be at the Clinton Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. and Celebration of Life at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home at 5:00 p.m.

Martha Parker died Wednesday, August 9, 2023, surrounded by family at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

She was born March 3, 1929, the daughter of Florence and Leslie Demeritt. She graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in 1945. She then received her teaching certificate from Kansas State University and taught as an elementary school teacher for 5 years. She married Roy Robert “Bob” Parker on February 16, 1951. Bob passed away September 12, 2008. They lived in Lawrence, KS., moved to Lee’s Summit, MO., then returned to Lawrence, KS before settling down in the Clinton area.

Martha was a founding member of Douglas County Amateur Baseball Association and Douglas County Landowners Association. Martha was a founding member and first chairwoman of the  Bloomington-Clinton Historical Committee (now Clinton Lake Historical Society). She was the co-founder and Executive Director of the Wakarusa River Valley Museum in Clinton, KS. In 2000, she was inducted into the Hall of Honor at Lawrence High School for her work as an author and historian. Martha was the co-owner of Parker-Laird Enterprises and owner of Freedom Publishing Company. Martha co-authored the book, “Soil of Our Souls”, and wrote “Angels of Freedom”, in 1999. She authored the Historic Map of Clinton Lake in 1976, as well as a Contour Fishing Map of Clinton Lake. She was awarded a grant from the Kansas Committee for Humanities for “Plowshares to Waterskis” Clinton: Uprooted Kansas Community. Martha created or helped create nearly twenty permanent/traveling exhibits about the Clinton Lake area. Martha and the Historical Society commissioned a sculpture representing the Clinton-Bloomington communities and later arranged a ballet to perform in the setting depicting escaping slaves and their benefactors.

Under Martha’s leadership, the Wakarusa Valley Heritage Museum became a founding partner of  Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area  established by Congress in 2006, representing 41 counties, and over 230 partners, along the border of Kansas and Missouri.

For forty years before, Martha had been preserving the stories of the Abolitionists who settled in the Wakarusa Valley who fought for the Freedom of slaves through the Underground Railroad. Martha’s landmark book, “Angels of Freedom” details the lives of the men and women who homesteaded the Wakarusa Valley to fight against slavery,  some sacrificing their lives in their crusade.

Martha preserved other  colorful stories in her first book, “Soil of Our Souls”.  Today, the Wakarusa Museum’s “Underground Railroad” exhibit  showcases Martha’s passion and pride in sharing these inspiring stories of the enduring struggle for freedom.

Douglas County Commissioners made a proclamation honoring Martha for her 45 years of research and historic preservation of Douglas County and declared April 22, 2017 Martha Parker Day. The Sertoma Club recognized Martha with the Service to Mankind Award. She participated in the re-enactment of the Sarah Gardner story. Martha was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and helped select scholarship recipients.

Martha’s political activities included Township Committeewoman Founder, past President of the Town & Country Republican Women, Douglas County Chairwoman for Phil Meinhardt for Congress and Ron Thornburg, Secretary of State candidate. Martha ran for State Representative of the 45th District. She attended, was in the choir and board member of the Clinton Presbyterian Church in Clinton, KS.

Other survivors include sons, Robert and Mark Parker, Lawrence; a daughter, Linda Parker, Houston, Texas. Her beloved grandchildren, Clint Jennings, Sally Jennings, Courtney Parker, Taylor Parker, Daren Parker, Haley (Parker) Morgan, Justice Mack and Tara (Mack) Malone. She is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren.

Husband, Bob Parker, daughter, Nancy Parker Taul, brother Leslie Demeritt, and sister, Mary Gordon preceded her in death.

The family will receive friends at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home on Thursday, August 17, from 6:00-7:00 p.m.

The family suggests memorials to the (WRVHM) Wakarusa River Valley Heritage Museum, sent in care of the funeral home.

 

Albert Lee Grayson, Sr

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Albert Lee Grayson, Sr. arrived on this side of heaven on April 18, 1930, to his loving parents Willie James and Dorris Ellis Grayson, in Kansas City, Kansas. When he was born, Albert was also welcomed by siblings Dorothy Mae, Betty Jane and James Edward. Two years after Albert was born, Willie and Dorris welcomed their last child, and Albert’s youngest sister, Bobbie Jean.

Having been born in the 1930’s, Albert experienced the many challenges of growing up in a segregated world, but he always met every challenge with his gentle spirit. Growing up, he had several friends, but his closest and best friend was Charles Kelly. They were quite the pair, had fun wherever they went, and were known to pull pranks in the neighborhood or be found sledding down the hilly street, somehow avoiding oncoming cars as they skidded around corners! He’d tell stories of the trains going by and the “coal man” throwing coal down off the train to the people so they could have free coal to heat their homes.

Albert’s educational achievements include his graduation from Sumner High School, Kansas City, Kansas in 1948 where he received numerous accolades from his teachers. This was followed by his attendance at the University of Kansas where he graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. While at KU, he became a very proud member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He was a lifelong Jayhawks fan and would always make sure the family visited campus every time we were in Lawrence.

While at KU, Albert met the woman who became the love of his life – his Anna Marie. They dated and then shortly after his graduation, Albert entered active service with the United States Army and was then stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. It was there that he successfully completed Leadership Training in March 1952, and subsequently became one of the first black candidates at The Engineer Officers Candidate School from May to October 1952.

Immediately following his graduation from Officers Candidate School, he proposed marriage to Anna Marie, and the two were married on November 23, 1952, in Lawrence, Kansas. They lived in Lawrence together where they welcomed their first of five children, Bettina, in 1954. Albert was hired as an Engineer by Westinghouse Corporation, along with his best friend Charles, which is how the move to California began. Albert and Anna Marie bought their first California home in Sunnyvale, and subsequently welcomed 3 additional children, Albert, Jr., Melinda, and William. In 1961 Albert moved his family to Cupertino, where they welcomed their final child, Andrea. In 1976 they moved to San Jose where they stayed until moving to Stockton in 2001.

At Westinghouse Albert oversaw the team responsible for designing the Trident nuclear missile casings for submarines. He retired after over 30 years with the company, after which Albert stayed busy and involved in the community tutoring high school math students, being the Editor for the Reserve Officers Association Newsletter, Chapter 63, and always kept busy in his most favorite job – that of being a Grandpa and traveling the world with his Anna Marie, capturing every moment on his camera.

The Lord blessed Albert to live 93 years on this side of heaven. He is now at rest and was greeted by his wife Anna Marie, who preceded him in death in 2012, as well as his parents, Willie and Dorris Grayson, his sisters Betty Jean Turner and Dorothy Mae Brown, as well as his brother James Edward Grayson, and Baby Grayson. Left to carry on his legacy are his sister, Bobbie Jean Saulet; his children, Bettina Jones, Albert Grayson, Jr. (Catherine), Melinda Griffith (Gary), William, and Andrea; grandchildren Rashaan Yarber, Lydell Yarber, Marquis Yarber, Adrianna Griffith, Erin Grayson, Shanell Grayson; great-grandchildren Jared Yarber, Nathaniel Yarber, Andrew (Yarber) Noland, Elijah Yarber, Kaliah Yarber, Kimani Yarber, and Tenaji Yarber, and Ja’Colby Grayson. The larger extended family left to remember his love and legacy include numerous beloved nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Funeral Services for Albert Lee Grayson Sr., 93, Stockton, CA, will be 11 am, Saturday, August 19, 2023, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial with Military Honors will take place at 11 am, Monday, August 21, 2023, at Leavenworth National Cemetery.

Dennis Joseph Supancic, Sr.

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It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dennis Joseph Supancic, Sr., 73, on April 24th, 2023. After a long struggle with several health issues Dennis passed away at home, as he desired.

Dennis was born on December 30th, 1949, to Tony and Lilly Supancic in Columbus, KS. He grew up in Scammon, KS, followed by Lawrence, KS, where he attended Lawrence High School. He graduated with a High School Diploma in 1967. He was united in marriage to Sheila (Nightingale) on February 11, 1974. Together they were blessed with two children: Daughter Tammy and son Dennis.

After graduating high school Dennis volunteered to join the National Guard and was enlisted from 1970-1974. During this time he trained as a jet mechanic, developing his unique aptitude for troubleshooting large machines and equipment – as well as dismantling, transporting, and reassembling them. Later he established his own brokering business, D&S Graphics and Associates, where he would match buyer and seller for printing and binding equipment and then proceed to break down the equipment for relocation and piece it back together on his own. He approached his work and career with a distinctive tenacity, resourcefulness, and industrial vigor that separated him from his peers.

 

Dennis will always be remembered by those who knew him as a fully devoted father and husband. His family was his passion and purpose in life, and with single-minded determination he supported each member individually with everything at his disposal. His delight was caring for those he loved by addressing their needs. He never stopped looking for ways to provide and communicate his love through ensuring these needs were being met – and that most wants were met as well. He would often accumulate small useful items discovered over the course of his travels to give to his loved ones later, serving as evidence that they were always on his mind.

Dennis will be missed by his wife, children, and loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A private viewing for his immediate family was held on 5/3/23 at Rumsey-Yost, followed by burial at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence, KS.

Dad, you will be dearly and sorely missed. We love you.

Anthony Leo Redwood

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A Lifetime Jayhawk, Anthony “Tony” Redwood died peacefully surrounded by family on April 28th in Alamo, California.

Born January 4, 1935, in Brisbane Australia to Kevin Leo Redwood and Winifred Doreen Johnson, he completed high school at St. Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace and started his adventures as a Patrol Officer in Papua New Guinea (serving in the Eastern Highlands, Central, Sepik and Bougainville Districts). This was an incredible experience for a young man, and he saw his mates on every subsequent visit to Australia; men who shared a kindred spirit.

He met Mary “Mollie” Redwood on a cruise to Hong Kong when she was traveling around the world as a registered nurse. They were married three months later and started their new life together in Buin, Papua New Guinea.
He continued his education receiving a Diploma of Public Administration (1964), a Bachelor in Economics (1965), and a Bachelor of Commerce (1968) from the University of Queensland. He then transitioned to a career in economics in the Papua New Guinea Department of Labour.

After having three girls – Karen, Michelle and Fiona – Mollie and Tony moved to the United States for Tony to earn his Masters in Labor & Employment Relations and Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His first position was as an Assistant Professor at the University of Kansas. So began his love of the University and of Kansas.

There was a short break from 1974-1976 when he took a position as the Assistant Secretary, Manpower & Economic Policy in the Australian government and the family moved to Melbourne, Australia. Then he returned to KU until his retirement in 1999 as Professor of Business Emeritus. Among his proudest achievements were his teaching awards, the economic development strategy for the State of Kansas developed with his colleague Charles Krider, service on the KU Athletic Board and being selected Kansan of the Year (inaugural awardee) by Kansas magazine in 1986.

He had a lifetime joy of sports whether in high school where he played multiple sports, as a rugby referee in Papua New Guinea, as a runner with the Mad Dogs and as a lifetime golfer. He was so proud of completing the KU marathon under 4 hours in 1976.

After retiring from KU, Tony and Mollie moved to Eagle Creek Country Club in Naples, Florida and he kicked off another career as a Federal Arbitrator. He retired in 2019 and received notification that none of his 150+ cases had been challenged.

Tony was truly Australian in his love for his mates and how he valued friendship. Geography had no bounds on his Friday night get-togethers whether it was in Lawrence with other professors, Book club in Naples with his golf buddies or with his new friends in California at a local craft brewery. He was a great storyteller. Whether it was seeing Bill Clinton at St. Andrews or just picking up the grandkids from school. There was always a story to be shared and laughter to ensue.

In 2020 (thanks to Covid) Tony and Mollie were finally enticed to move to California to live with Karen, Fiona and the grandkids. The last 3 years of his life were all about family and friends – celebrating special times like Brynna’s graduation from Macalester College, playing golf with Karen & McKenna, wine tasting with friends, and local travel.

In addition to Mollie, he leaves his sister, Denise Redwood; his daughters’ Karen Redwood, Michelle Davis and Fiona Redwood; and grandchildren Brynna Davis, McKenna Redwood and Mason Redwood. He joins his beloved grandson, Nathan Davis in heaven.

“And when we say goodbye to you, don’t mourn us when we go.
The Big D.C. will call us too, and this of course we know.
The last Patrol will take us all, along that well worn track,
But the difference for this final call, is that we won’t be coming back.
So our passing should not cause you pain, it’s not sad for us to die,
For we will all soon meet again, in that Patrol Post in the Sky.”
– Reprinted from Una Voce, June 2004

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on August 12th at the St. Lawrence Catholic Center, Lawrence, Kansas. Happy Hour to convene afterwards at The Pub at the Adams Alumni Center.