We are sad to announce the passing of Rebecca Vasquez, 68, Lawrence, She died on December 5, 2022. There will be a Private Ceremony with only close family members.
More information to come later
Author: RumseyYost
Michael Dean ‘MJ’ Johnson
A Celebration of Life for Michael Dean Johnson, 49, Lawrence, will be at 2 pm Saturday, December 17, 2022, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory. A visitation will follow the celebration until 4 pm. Michael passed away Monday, December 5, 2022, at his home.
Michael “MJ” Dean Johnson was born December 24, 1972 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
MJ worked as a solid waste operator for the City of Lawrence Sanitation Department.
He was preceded in death by his twin sister, Melinda Jean Johnson, mother Donna Jean Johnson, maternal grandparents Harry and Marian Carr, and paternal grandparents James and Ruby Johnson.
He is survived by his son Andrew Thomas Johnson, his father Karl Madison Johnson, sisters Deborah Sue Rouse and Martha Eileen DuBose, brother Karl Madison Johnson, Jr, his beloved parrot Alex and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins and numerous friends, ex-wife Jani Burghart, former companion Alana Beer, and all who loved him as a member of their own families.
Michael “MJ” was passionate about raising his son, camping, being pool-side as frequently as possible, enjoyed bowling and was a keen poker player, especially Texas Hold ‘Em, coaching his KU Jayhawks, never missing a game and rooting for the KC Chiefs, and being with friends and family.
His only M.O. in life was to be happy and positive. He lived that each and everyday, practicing what he preached and he would want those he’s left behind to carry on with that legacy, continuing to smile and laugh as we celebrate his life.
Blake Aaron Davis
Celebration of Life services for Blake Aaron Davis, 51, Lawrence, will be from from 1-3 pm, Saturday, December 17, 2022, at St. Luke AME Church, 900 New York Street Lawrence, Kansas 66044.
Blake Aaron Davis died on Saturday, December the 3rd, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. He was born and raised in Lawrence, Kansas on July 31, 1971. He was the son of April Trevino.
Blake worked as a construction worker for multiple companies, and he was a tow truck worker for Quality Tow, which he loved. Then he went into disability in 2017.
He married Dawn Marie McLees on June 26, 2005. Dawn survives in the home. Other survivors in the home include his son, Tristian Davis and daughter, Bethany Davis. Both are in Lawrence, Kansas.
Blake also has three sisters, Annette Davis, Oklahoma; Missy Davis and spouse Lisa Anderson, Tonganoxie, Kansas and Michelle Davis, Lawrence, Kansas.
Blake enjoyed playing video games and fishing with his son Tristian. He also enjoyed going on tow truck rides with his daughter, Bethany and going to her concerts at LHS Band.
Verle Calvin Smith Jr.
Funeral services for Verle Calvin Smith Jr. 53, Lawrence, will be 11am, Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. A visitation will be 6-7 pm, Tuesday.
Verle passed away at his home December 2, 2022, due to a recent illness.
Verle was born August 7, 1969, in Lawrence, Kansas. He attended Lawrence Public Schools and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1988.
He was employed by Berry Plastics for 30 years. Later at Amarr Garage Doors and most recently at Walmart South.
Verle enjoyed all family dinners and all sports. He was an avid chiefs fan and a season ticket holder for 17 years. He loved dearly his beloved dog Gizmo.
Verle will be greatly missed by all his family who loved him dearly.
He is survived by his parents Verle C. Sr. and Karen L Smith, sisters Samantha Bender, Nicole Blevins, Brianne Kellerman and many nieces and nephews.
Private graveside services will happen at a later date.
Verle’s family would like to thank Lawrence Memorial Hospital ICU and all staff for his recent stay at LMH Health.
In leu of flowers, donations may be made to LMH Health or Lawrence Humane Society, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.
Lorie A. Vanchena
Professor Lorie A. Vanchena, 61 of Lawrence, KS, formerly of Kenosha, WI passed away on December 2, 2022, after a long battle with Glioblastoma, brain cancer.
Born and raised in Kenosha, WI, Lorie graduated Tremper High School in 1979 as Valedictorian and went on to receive her Doctoral Degree in German Studies at Washington University in St. Louis. Her studies took her abroad several times to Germany, and while living there, she witnessed the removal of the Berlin Wall. Upon returning to the States, Lorie started her teaching career at Creighton University.
In 2008, Lorie moved to Lawrence, KS and continued her studies and teachings at the University of Kansas. Over the course of Lorie’s career at KU, she received several grants and awards for exceptional student mentoring. Lorie also published several books and was Director of the Max Kade Center for German-American Studies at the University of Kansas. She enjoyed talking basketball and cheering on the Jayhawks.
Her hobbies included music, playing the piano, gardening, and photography, but her passion was taking care of her beloved Beagle, Tipper, who also passed shortly before Lorie did.
Lorie is survived by her brother Mike (Lori) Vanchena, and her uncle, Ralph Morrone, all of Kenosha, WI.
Lorie was preceded in death by a sister, Georgia Ann, and her parents, George & Angie Vanchena.
Lorie’s family would like to thank her medical team along with the staff at Bridge Haven Care Facility, Elara Caring, Apple Home Health and all of their staff members for their compassion and loving care provided to Lorie during these trying times. Thank you, also, to Mike Davies and Rebecca Wempe for their guidance and support.
And a special thank you to Dr. JoDee Ahrens, a lifelong family friend. Our deepest gratitude to JoDee, not only for her professionalism, but also for being a caring friend.
In keeping with Lorie’s wishes, there will be no services, and she will be laid to rest beside her family in Kenosha, WI. Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, Lawrence, KS, is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in memory of Lorie to the Lawrence Humane Society, 1805 E. 19th Street, Lawrence, KS, 66046.
Dale A. Enick
Dale Alan Enick, age 63, went to be with Jesus on Thursday December 1st at the University of Iowa Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was born in South Bend, Indiana to Frank and Frances “Fran” Enick. He grew up a couple blocks from Notre Dame and was a lifelong fan, especially of Fighting Irish football. He would ride his bike to the game and somehow talk his way into a free ticket many times. He graduated from John Adams High School and subsequently attended Ball State University. He later moved to Kansas and graduated from the University of Kansas where he discovered his love for the Jayhawks. He worked most recently as a Data Analyst until his retirement in 2019.
He married Carrie Schwartz on September 10, 1988. He liked to remind everyone that Carrie asked him out first. He would reference his 100-pound marriage many times as he truly enjoyed food, family and fellowship. He blamed the good cooking for his increase in stature over the years. Dale and Carrie were blessed with 3 children and loved going to their activities and following their various sports teams. He beamed with pride and took every chance he could get to talk about them.
Dale was a genuine and caring man. He was always available to listen to others. He could talk with anyone about sports, especially his Jayhawks and Fighting Irish. He was a dreamer and despite his condition, continued to make big plans for his future. He was incredibly resilient and was recently told he had “escaped death” at least 3 times. He was known to be kind to all, caring and humble.
Dale enjoyed playing golf at the Baldwin Golf Course where he formed many lasting friendships. They are a truly giving and caring group of men, that would spring into action at a moment’s notice. Dale took his golf seriously, even attempted to teach his 18-month old grandson the correct putting form.
Dale is survived by his wife Carrie of Baldwin and their children Jacob (Jamie) Enick of Emporia, Rachael (Ericko) Borrero of Bellevue, Nebraska, and Callie (Kyle) McDaniel of Lawrence. Also surviving are his grandchildren Ryken and Kayson Hensley and Emery Enick, Elijah and Emilia Borrero, and Baby McDaniel. He is also survived by his sister Colleen Terry and brother William ‘Bill” Enick (Beth). Other survivors include father-in-law and mother-in-law Don and Jane Schwartz, and brothers-in-law Greg (Kelly) Schwartz and Scot Schwartz. Several nieces, nephews including April, Andrew, Charley Jo, Camdon, and Hayley and very supportive extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and just recently, his brother-in-law Robert “Bob” Terry.
Dale fought a valiant battle with cancer since 2014. We appreciate his team at Lawrence Memorial Hospital healthcare system as he had extraordinary care over the years. His life was extended due to all their hard work and dedication. He put up a tough fight against cancer and we take solace in the fact that he is at peace with our Lord and Savior in heaven now.
Funeral services will be at 10 am Friday at Worden Cornerstone Church, with Pastor Wes Sirles officiating. Burial will follow in Worden Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 5-7 pm Thursday also at the church.
In his memory, donations can be made to Worden Cornerstone Church or the Baldwin City Golf Course.
Donald “Duck” Kilburn
Donald Ray Kilburn passed away on December 2, 2022 while at home.
Don was born on May 9, 1938 in Monkey Run, Arkansas, the son of Herman and Rosy Kilburn. Don was a retired butcher for the A&P grocery store in Lawrence, Kansas. After retirement, Don was active in real estate where he owned and refurbished multiple properties in the surrounding area. In his spare time, Don restored cars and motorcycles and was proud of his car collection. He was an avid fisherman who spent countless hours at the lake and outdoors which he considered his church.
Don has four children, Timothy, Debra, Randall, and Mark Kilburn. Don is survived by Debra, Randall and Mark.
Other survivors include two brothers, George (Kansas) and Robert (Oklahoma) and ten grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Don’s memory is a blessing to the family and all that knew him.
A private ceremony will be scheduled in coming weeks. On-line condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.
Ottis Harold Vann
Funeral services for Ottis Harold Vann, 81, Charlotte, North Carolina, will be 11 am, Thursday, December 8, 2022, at First Regular Missionary Baptist Church. A Visitation will be from 6-7 pm, Wednesday, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
He passed away on Tuesday, November 29, 2022.
Ottis Harold Vann was born October 16, 1941, in Fort Scott, Kansas. He departed this life on November 29, 2022. He was the son of the late Elmer and Mildred Vann. He would have celebrated 49 years of marriage with his beloved wife Bessie Vann last Thursday December 1, 2022. He leaves to cherish his memories to his siblings; Donna Mitchell, Lawrence; Duane (Brenda) Vann, Kansas City, KS; Leonard (Willa) Vann, Raytown, MO; James (Madolyn) Vann, Lawrence; Craig Vann, Lawrence; Bryan (Junko) Vann, San Bruno, California; Sheila Vann, Lawrence. And his children Rochelle (William) Howard, Galveston Texas; Colette Vann, Lawrence; Steven (Kimberly) Vann, Charlotte, NC; Frank (Guadalupe Patricia) Hatchett III, Houston, TX; and Eric (Cortney) Vann, Charlotte, NC. He also leaves behind 12 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren along with a host of other family and dear friends. His brother Dalton T. Vann preceded him in death.
Ottis accepted Christ at an early age. He was a Sunday school teacher, member of the choir, and a Trustee at various Churches throughout his life. This commitment to Christ allowed him the opportunity to introduce friends and family to Christ as well.
He started his career at Norris Brothers Plumbing. During this period of his life, he ran for a seat on the Lawrence School board. Although he lost, he realized the potential he had to go on a journey that was higher than his own expectations. He quickly learned that his gift to connect with people would allow him a career in the Automotive Industry. That decision led him to become the first Black Ford dealer in the Central United States in 1982. He went on to own Vantage Ford in El Dorado KS, Lima Lincoln Mercury in Lima OH, Vantage Lincoln Mercury and Queen City Lincoln Mercury both located in Charlotte NC.
As he gained confidence and started to exceed his own expectations for his career, he guided others to take the same path. He made a point to make sure others knew they could succeed no matter their background. That confidence led him to be on Ford Motor Company’s Minority Dealer Board which allowed him to help minority dealers with issues he had already encountered.
Ottis enjoyed golf and was the King of the long drive competitions. He also loved dining at fine restaurants, following sports and debating his passionate opinions about all things sports related.
Ottis had a very vibrant personality, which was obvious to all that met him. He was always the life of the party and never left anyone out. His charisma was contagious to all who encountered him and he enjoyed his interactions with everyone. He is enjoying his reunion in heaven with his family and friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Kidney Foundation, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.
Everett Robert Farmer Jr.
On 11-26-2022 Everett Robert Farmer Jr. peacefully passed at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. He was born on April 29th 1937 in Lawrence Kansas. He dedicated 22 years of service to the city of Lawrence maintenance Department. He was married to Virgie M Farmer for 63 unforgettable years of his life. His daughters; Virgie K Farmer, Dorothy F Farmer, Linda L Cosco and son, Robert D Farmer.
Visitation will be Monday December 5th 2022 at 6:00 pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.
Ila Dean ‘Deanie’ Stewart
We are sad to announce the death of Ila Dean Stewart from Lawrence, Kansas. After a long battle with multiple health issues, she passed on at home surrounded by loved ones on 11/27/22 at the age of 86.
She worked at the Kansas Color Press for many years and retired from Hallmark Cards in 2000. Deannie was brought up with traditional values of hard work and devotion to family. She liked gardening, vacationing and treasure hunting at White Cloud. Her greatest pleasure came from the gathering of friends and family. There are many memories of fun times together playing a competitive game of Michigan Rummy, brewing up a batch of homemade wine or doing the Two-Step to some good ‘ol Honky Tonk music.
Predeceased by mother Theresa Norcross, brothers Verlon Daniel, Wayne Daniel & John Norcross, grandson D’Vaughn McMechan
Survived by Rick Mische, Sheryl McMullen, Steven Stewart, Glen Daniel, Harold Daniel, Christine McMechan, James McMullen, Cammie Garrison, Kenton & Tracey Mische, Chad & Amanda Mische & so many more grandkid, great grands, nieces, nephews, and loved ones.
Graveside services will be held at 1 pm Friday at Oak Hill Cemetery. Don Cunningham will officiate. A visitation will be held from 11:30 – 12:30 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
