Author: RumseyYost

Ronda René Barta

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Ronda “René” (Thornton) Barta, 58, of Lawrence, KS, died on February 18, 2023, in Lawrence, KS.

René is survived by her sons Anthony (Hayley) Barta of Derby, KS, and Tyler (Janelle) Barta of Eudora, KS; grandchildren Holden, Lowen, Huck, Jack, and Delilah; parents Ronald, Jr., and Sandra Thornton; brother Mike (Lisa) Thornton; and cousin Matthew Thornton.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Ronald William Thornton, III, in 2018.

Ronda “René” Thornton was born on January 16, 1965, in Pittsburgh, PA, to Ronald William Thornton, Jr., and Sandra Kay (Smith) Thornton.

She graduated from Lawrence High School in Lawrence, KS, in 1983.

On August 22, 1987, she married Myk Barta in Lawrence, KS. They divorced in 2015.

She most recently worked in tech support at Draiver.

A public Celebration of Life will be held from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. on Mar 5, 2023, at Family of Faith, 2295 N. 1300 Rd., Eudora, KS, 66025.

Kelley Joann Shoemaker

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On February 16, 2023, Kelley Shoemaker, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend, passed away at the age of 62.

Kelley was born Feb. 18, 1960, in Columbia, Mo., to Robert and Elva Canning Schafer. She grew up in Salem, Mo., and earned a Bachelor’s in Pharmacy in 1983 from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

She married Mike Shoemaker May 18, 1985, in Salem. The couple lived in Lee’s Summit, Mo., with their sons, John and Joe, until moving to Long Valley, NJ, in 1996. In 2021, they moved to Lawrence, Kan., to be closer to family.

Kelley worked as a hospital and retail pharmacist in Kansas City and Long Valley before retiring in 2018. She belonged to Valley View Chapel in Long Valley, where she played bass guitar in the praise band and volunteered in the senior high girls ministry, the church nursery, and the library. She also had been active in her sons’ school, and sports activities. Kelley enjoyed traveling, attending Broadway plays, walking, reading, and sewing.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Mike, of Lawrence; sons, John, (Casey Boyles) of Alexandria, Va., and Joe, of Philadelphia, Pa.; a granddaughter, June Kelley Shoemaker; her mother, Elva, of Lee’s Summit, Mo.; brothers, Rob (Minnie), of Cuba, Mo., and John (Suzie), of Loch Lloyd, Mo.; two nieces; seven nephews; four great-nieces; four great-nephews; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held 11 am, March 18 at Valley View Chapel in Long Valley, N.J. The family asks that you pray that medical science will discover a safe and effective treatment for Posterior Cortical Atrophy.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044 or donate directly at  https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2  f_id=51079&51079.donation=form1&mfc_pref=T&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=giving_google&s_subsrc=giving_google&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpJ3GoY-l_QIVOButBh0UgAf-EAAYAiAAEgJKlfD_BwE

Marion LeRoy Alexander

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Funeral Services for Marion LeRoy Alexander, 59, Lawrence, will be from 10-11 am, Sunday, February 26, 2023, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Known to most as Marty. His friends called him Boudin or my personal favorite MarToby which always made me laugh ?
    Marty was born on Friday June 7th in 1963 to his Parents, Walter Leroy Alexander and Cassandra (Sandy) Sue Surles Montgomery in Oceanside San Diego California.
    Marty was the oldest of three. Following Marty was his brother Troy who sadly passed during his Infancy and then His brother Tyrone (Ty) whom Marty remained in close contact with.
    Marty had four children, Johnathan, Shantele, Morgan and Ashley and twelve grandchildren, Lizzie and Jace (Johnathans) Julianna and Arianna (who were born asleep) Kayden, Mason and Owen (Shanteles) Dallas (Morgans) Michaela, Kelsey, Junior and Nicholas (Ashley’s)
      Marion LeRoy Alexander passed away on Tuesday February 14th, 2023 of cardiac arrest at his home (he shared with his girlfriend Naomi) in Lawrence, KS
   Marty grew up in Lawrence, Kansas where he attended school and made many friends. Many of whom he had remained in close contact with throughout the years.
    It is no secret that Marty’s life wasn’t the easiest of ones. His relationship with his parents was complicated at best.
       “If you have one foot on yesterday and your other foot on tomorrow, you’re just pissing on today” he’d always say.. See that’s just the kind of guy dad was. “The brightest star in the darkest room.” Dad always tried to take all the negative and find something positive out of it.
    He made it his mission to do something positive everyday no matter what. Rather it be for himself or somebody else. He was always there to lend a hand, ear or shoulder.. From helping people with running errands, helping with a garden, cars or any kind of handy work he was there happy to help.
   He was a busy body who liked to do many things.. He could always make something out of nothing. Anywhere from something that helped you around the house to a whole meal. He made sure to put his all into whatever it was that he was doing.
   Dad loved fishing!! I dont think he ever turned down a fishing trip. Even the ones with his grandchildren where he spent the majority of the time griping about fixing another one of their lines. Hardly getting the chance to cast his own pole. He’d always do it tho. Every single time. He was proud to be a Papa to know his blood was running through their veins gave him great pride and Joy!
     Cooking was one of his biggest passions, and he was damn good at it too. We’re gonna miss your food dad. We will miss more than just your cooking. Were going to miss spending time together as a family. Making memories and enjoying each other’s company.
   Playing cards especially Rummy or Spades and Domino’s was always fun and dads favorite games to play. Even tho he almost always won and talked shit the whole time. Saying, “don’t you lay them cards down” knowing our hand before he even saw them. We’d give anything to play another hand, to have another night. Just one more round.
    He thoroughly enjoyed being outdoors especially with his pal (Sheldon) Cooper, They’d take frequent trips to McDonald’s to get some cheeseburgers to enjoy together. Camping, gardening, taking walks, it didn’t matter. He loved the outdoors and making the most of his time and keeping his hands and mind busy.
    Music was another passion of his. He enjoyed Country, Rock, Oldies and Gospel he listened to pretty much anything. He was opened to a Little bit of everything.
     Dad also always had the best advice. We could call him for anything he was always eager to help. Giving us advice or even directions. He was like a human Gps. Who needed google when we had Dad. He also never forget to remind us to use the soap when we showered and was skeptical to believe us when we said that we had lol
    There’s no topping the kind of man he was or the gentle heart that he had. He may of had his share of flaws and faults but he owned up to all of them and took responsibility and tried his best to make it right.
      He joined AA and was working his steps and working on his amends. He was completely Sober. His steps were something he took very seriously and was deeply proud of.
   He also worked hard to establish a relationship with God. “I’m not afraid to die sis, I know exactly where I am going when I do” Dad said to me one time. I never thought in a million years you’d be leaving us so soon dad. We were supposed to change your diapers and apologize to your nurses for your inappropriate comments and gestures.
  There was still so much left for us to conquer and do together. So many more memories to be made, dinners to be had and laughs to be shared.
    We look forward to the day that we are all reunited with you. Until then we’ll be down here, doing our best to make you proud and keep your memory alive..
    We would like to thank each and every one of you for coming today and helping us tell our dad goodbye. Your presence means the most to us and we know it means the world to dad.

Catherine Estelle Warren

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Catherine Estelle Warren passed away peacefully in her home on Feb. 15th, 2023 in Overbrook, KS at the age of 86. She was born Sept 11th of 1936, in Lawrence, KS, the daughter of Nelle Jacobsen Saunders and Harold Keith Saunders.

Catherine is survived by her children, Peggy Warren, Overbook, KS, Brenda Cordts, Lenexa, KS, Kelly Coleman (Bret), Lecompton, KS, as well as grandchildren, Bridgett Reed (Nate), Marissa Mauszycki (Nick), Cameron Coleman (Montana), Cory Coleman, and three great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Warren, Overbrook, KS, daughter Cynthia Harris, Russel, KS, brother Charles Saunders, Leavenworth, KS, and parents Nelle and Harold Saunders of Lawrence, KS.

Catherine completed one year at Emporia State University. Catherine soon after met and married, Gerald Warren in 1956 while working at an insurance company. She then started her career at Hallmark Cards Incorporated. Over six years, she gave birth to four children (all girls) and took time off from Hallmark to raise them and provide them with love and guidance in becoming the amazing ladies they are today. After the birth of her last child, she returned to Hallmark and retired with 33 years in 1998.

Catherine was a kind, generous, loving, and crafty individual who loved sharing with her daughters and many more the art of embroidery, quilting, counted cross-stitch, and her love of flowers and gardening. She was also a member of the Daughters of American Revolution, the Betty Washington Chapter.

The visitation is scheduled for Saturday Feb. 18th, at 10 a.m., followed by the funeral at 11 a.m. at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence, KS. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Catherine’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Treasurer General, NSDAR, 1776 D Street NW, Washington DC, 2006. Or if you prefer to make your contribution with credit card you may call 800.449.1776

Ya-Ming Yang

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Ya-Ming Yang, 92, passed peacefully on February 15, 2023. Ya-Ming joined her daughter in Lawrence in 1995. She worked in the family electronics business before retiring. She continued occasional work as an accomplished seamstress.

Ya-Ming grew up during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan when she had to learn that language in school. In America she learned basic English, a lot with the help of the Small World program for international residents.

Ya-Ming was a devote Buddhist. She loved the Lawrence Farmers Market and could be seen every Saturday walking with her basket to load up with fresh vegetables. Among her favorite activities were harvesting chestnuts, apples and persimmons at local farms and up on campus.

Ya-Ming had a quiet, welcoming way. She befriended many Asian students over the years and cherished her fellow tenants at Vermont Tower.

She left us with her daughter, son-in-law and long time friend, Jolita, from Hong Kong by her side. She is survived by her daughters Peishan of Taiwan and Huei-Chi and her husband Myles in Lawrence.

Colin Alexander ‘Scotty’ Ovenstone

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On Thursday, February 9th, 2023, Colin “Scotty” Alexander Diack Ovenstone, a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away at age 91. He was born to Barbara and James Ovenstone in Aberdeen, Scotland on November 9th, 1931. Scotty is survived by his wife of over 36 years, Ginny; his sister, Edna; his daughter, Susie; his stepchildren, Mark and Dana; his 6 grandchildren, Brittany, Thomas Colin “TC”, Lindsay, Erin, Meghan, and Matt; his greatgrandchildren, Braxton, Georgia, and Eleanor; and his former wife, Jean. He is preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Beth Anne, and his stepson, Scott.

Scotty immigrated to the United States on his own at age 17. He proudly served as a Ground Radio and Teletype Operator in the US Air Force for 4 years. He was the owner of his business, Ovenstone Janitorial, and was a pillar of the community of Lawrence, KS. Scotty loved all things outdoors and playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also loved watching the History Channel and had a vast knowledge of the American Civil War and World War 2.

Scotty was best known for being a devoted family man, his sense of humor, fierce patriotism, and his piercing blue eyes. He was an incredibly loving man who was incredibly easy to love. His memorial service will be held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral home on Friday, February 17th, 2023, at 1:00 pm.

Reta Mae Banks

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Graveside Services for Reta Mae Banks, 85, Lawrence, will be 11am, Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at Oak Hill Cemetery. A visitation will be 6:30-7:30 Monday, at  Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

She died February 13, 2023, at her home.

Our Sweet Aunt Reta was called home to be reunited with her family on February 13, 2023.

Reta Mae Banks was born on March 12, 1937 in Lawrence Kansas to John Neal and Luella Banks.

Reta grew up in rural Douglas County where she was truly a country girl. Always helping feed the animals, working in the garden and gathering eggs from the chicken coup on the family farm. Her chores were not limited to the outdoors, as she would also help prepare meals and make her specialty, fresh pies for dessert.

She graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in 1955 and from there she went on to work in banking. She held many other positions throughout her lifetime, but the one she enjoyed was with the First Student Bus Barn. She was a secondary helper for kids with handicap needs for entering and exiting the bus. She would also help with trips out of town for away games. She left the Bus Barn in 2018 at the age of 81.

She was beautiful inside and out, always giving and caring to all who met her. She would help anyone in need without a second thought.

She dabbled in projects from crocheting, gardening as she loved her flowers, and even tried her hand at upholstery. She had many talents and hobbies and continued to make her doilies just before her passing. She will be missed by all that loved her.

Reta is survived by her nieces Diana Huseby (Richard Hird), Mary Banks, Sharon Banks Watson (Doug) and many great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents John Neal and Luella Banks, Brother John Banks, Sister Betty Otto.

There will be a visitation on Monday February 20 from 6:30 – 7:30 at Rumsey Yost Funeral Home.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday February 21, at 11:00 at Oak Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers Reta has requested that contributions be sent to the Humane Society.

Rita’s family would like to express their appreciation for Rita’s team at Gentiva Hospice. Diana and Richard thank you also personally for all your help we couldn’t have done it without you.

Barbara Jean Currant

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A Visitation for Barbara Jean Currant, 82, Lawrence, will be 2-4 pm, Sunday, February 19, 2023, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Barbara Jean Currant passed away on Sunday, February 12 surrounded by her family.

She was born December 8, 1940 to Glen and Lauretta (Bame) Shoemaker.

She is preceded in death by husband Dale.  She is survived by three children, David Currant (Kathy), Diane Patterson (Kenny), and Steve Currant, all of Lawrence.  5 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 3 great, great grandchildren.  A sister Sharon Gaskill (Donnie) of Copan, Oklahoma, brothers Bob (Peg), Phoenix, Arizona and Roy (Gert) of Omaha, Nebraska.  She is preceded in death by brothers Donald and Mike.

 

Ronald Guy ‘Ron’ Barnes

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Ronald Guy Barnes passed away on February 10, 2023 at his home in Kimberling City, Missouri.

Ron was born in Pittsburg, Kansas on October 12, 1939 to Mildred Rena (Pilkenton) and Guy Everett Barnes. He attended schools in Pittsburg and Lawrence, Kansas. He married Karen Kay Lewis and had two daughters, Kimberly and Melody.

Ron worked several jobs as a young man before settling into a career with the Kroger Company. After retirement from Kroger he went to work for the Lawrence Douglas County Housing Authority. Upon his second retirement, he decided that he still wasn’t quite ready to “sit around” and took on a job as a school bus driver for the Lawrence School District, which resulted in numerous friendships.

After a whirlwind romance, he married the love of his life, Donna Veree Schultz on February 2, 1996. They recently celebrated 27 loving years together.

Once Ron and Donna decided they wanted to retire (for real), they moved to their happy place near Branson, Missouri where they have lived life to the fullest for the past four years. Ron was involved in their local homeowner’s association serving in various leadership roles, including President.

Ron loved to travel, read, and his fix-it skills were legendary among family and friends. He had funny stories and fond memories of epic trips as he explored much of the west and southwest USA. One trip that may have topped all others was when Ron and Donna spent several weeks exploring Alaska by land and water.

Ron is survived by his wife, Donna; sister, Barbara Babboni; daughters, Kim (Andy) Booth and Melody Barnes; stepchildren, Delbert Schultz, Sara Schultz and Kristi Thompson; 17 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren (4 great grandchildren on the way), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, stepson, Kenneth Frederick Schultz, and great granddaughter Aubree Ann Martin.

A service to celebrate a life well lived will be held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home on February 27th at 11:00 am.

Ron had love for animals, particularly dogs and cats. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local animal rescue organization.

Lt Col James Rollin ‘Jim’ Hemphill

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Lt Col James R Hemphill, 89, passed peacefully at home on Wednesday, February 8th, 2023, surrounded by family. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Jim was born and grew up in Lawrence, KS. He was the son of Thornton and Helen (Cleveland) Hemphill. At a young age, he and his sister Charlene were raised by their grandparents after the death of their mother.

Jim graduated from the University of Kansas in 1954 with a degree in business and wife Carolyn Laing.

After college, he spent 2 years of active duty flying jets in the Air Force and 26 years in the Missouri Air National Guard flying refueler and cargo aircrafts. He and Carolyn met many of their lifelong friends during his time in the Air National Guard. Jim and his air force buddies enjoyed taking in the local sites and the local beers during their travels.

He also enjoyed building custom homes.

Survivors include, high school sweetheart and wife of 68 years, Carolyn, daughters Wendy Stauffer (Ron), Jennifer Hemphill, and Gretchen Windholz (Tim), all of Lawrence; Grandchildren Anna van Haandel, Lake Villa, IL; Ryan Stauffer, Heidi Webb, Hannah Windholz, and James Windholz, of Lawrence; Great-Grandchildren Jasper van Haandel, Sydney van Haandel, and Milo Webb.

Survivors also include sister Charlene Fritzel, Lawrence; half-brothers Richard Hemphill, De Soto, KS; and Roger Hemphill, Overland Park, KS.

He was preceded in death by his half-brother David Hemphill of Lawrence.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that you support the organization of your choice.

Lt Col James R. Hemphill has flown west.