Category: Obituaries

Dianna Elizabeth (Thomas) Raybern

Posted on by RumseyYost

Services for Dianna E. (Thomas) Raybern, 81, of Lawrence, will include a visitation on Thursday, September 3, 2026 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Graveside Services will follow at McLouth Cemetery in McLouth, Kansas, on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

Ms. Raybern passed away on September 1, 2026, at her son Shane’s home.

She was born February 20, 1945, in Sabetha, Kansas, the daughter of French and Pearl (Hillix) Thomas. She graduated from Lawrence High School in 1963. Dianna worked at Owen’s Flower Shop, Maupintour, and A-1 Mini Storage.

Dianna was a devoted mother who dedicated her life to raising her children and cherished time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In her youth, she enjoyed roller skating, and throughout her life had a love for dancing, drawing and artwork, and visiting with friends. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Lawrence and the Eagles Lodge Women’s Auxiliary.

She married Gerald Raybern on August 7, 1965, in Eudora, Kansas; they later divorced.

Survivors include two daughters, Sondra (Pat) Murphy of Lawrence, KS, and Belinda (John) Godden of West Palm Beach, FL; a son, Shane Raybern of Lawrence, KS; six grandchildren, Brittney (Adrian) Levsky, McKayla (PJ) Paez, Kylee (Tony) Gioannini, Tia Raybern, Nathan (Laura) Raybern, and Jakeb Murphy; seven great-grandchildren, Mila and Lena Levsky, Margot Gioannini, Isla and Raya Paez, Rosalina and Raelynn Raybern, and another great-granddaughter on the way; as well as many nieces, nephews, and her beloved cat, Dolly.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS 66044, to assist with the purchase of a headstone.

Kenneth Earl Martin

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Services for Kenneth Earl Martin, 93, Baldwin City, will be at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. Kenneth died Thursday, July 23, 2026 at Marshfield, Wisconsin.

He was born September 2, 1932, the sixth of twelve children born to Wilson and Christiana Martin in Welda, KS in Anderson County. He graduated valedictorian from Welda High School in 1950. He went on scholarship to a local college and then transferred to K.U. graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Business in 1956.

He married Freida J. Martin, of Lawrence, on Sept. 5, 1956. They were married 64 years before her passing in August 2021 at the age of 88. He was drafted into the Army and served 1957 to 1959. He was stationed in Colorado and Abilene, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Freida, all four of his brothers, three of his seven sisters, and a grandson, Nicholas, Minnesota.

Survivors include four sisters, Ella Thacker, Lecompton, Elsie Menefee, Wichita, Marietta Martin, Wichita, and Sarah, Dallas, Texas. Three children: Otto Martin (Lisa), Lawrence, Anita, Ramsey, MN, Kendra, Baldwin City. Grandchildren: Megan Judd (Chris), Cinn., OH, David, Lawrence and Brandon Martin (Cassie), Minnesota.

Services are pending and will be announced at a later date.

Robert Bruce Pears Sr.

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Robert Bruce Pears Sr., 91, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on August 26, 2026. He was born on May 5, 1935, in Clay Center, Kansas, to William and Melissa Annie Pears.

Robert met the love of his life, Mary Katherine Farmer, in 1957 at Strick’s Restaurant. The two were married on January 1, 1967, beginning a devoted marriage filled with family, faith, hard work, and many cherished memories.

A hardworking and enterprising man, Robert owned and operated Dairyland in the mid-1960s. He later became the owner and operator of Strick’s Restaurant, the very place where he and Mary had first met. Robert operated the restaurant from 1970 until 1991, becoming a familiar and welcoming presence to many in the community. Robert also worked for Hallmark Cards of Lawrence KS after 1991, and in Springfield MO employed by Heimos Greenhouses from 2012 – 2023.

Robert was a good Christian man whose faith was an important part of his life. He was a member of Grace Assembly in Springfield, Missouri, and was a former member of Clinton Parkway Assembly of God in Lawrence, Kansas. His faith, love for his family, and kindness toward others were reflected throughout his life.

Robert was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary K. Pears; his parents, William and Melissa Annie Pears; his brothers, Bruce, Dean, and Howard Pears; and his sisters, Wilma (Eldon) Anderson, Nellie (Gerald) Tesburen, and Barbara (Dick) Simpkins. He was also preceded in death by several nieces and nephews.

Robert leaves behind a loving family who will carry his memory forward. He is survived by his sons, William (Deborah) Pears of Nixa, Missouri; Robert Pears Jr. of Springfield, Missouri; James Pears (Ken Haymes) of Springfield, Missouri; and Daniel (Alanna) Pears of Jefferson City, Missouri; and his daughter, Nancy Pears of Springfield, Missouri.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jake (Kelly) Medford and Jacob Pears; granddaughter, Kayleigh Pears; and great-grandchild, Addison Medford, along with several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Robert will be remembered for his strong faith, devotion to his family, entrepreneurial spirit, years of hard work, and the many lives he touched throughout his long and meaningful life. His memory will remain a cherished part of the family and community he loved.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

Visitation
Rumsey – Yost Funeral Home 601 Indiana St. Lawrence, KS 66044
Visitation Friday, September 4, 2026, 5:00 – 7:00 PM,

Memorials
Rumsey – Yost Funeral Home 601 Indiana St. Lawrence, KS 66044
Funeral Saturday, September 5, 2026, 10:00 AM
Grave Side to follow at Winchester, KS

Grace Assembly of God 500 W. Mt Vernon Springfield, MO 65806
Celebration of life Thursday, September 17, 2026, 6:00 PM

Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Robert Pears to the American Heart Association and sent in care of:
Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home
P.O. Box 1260
Lawrence, KS 66044

Mahlene Nokes

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Gladys “Mahlene” Nokes, 83, of Tonganoxie, KS passed away August 25, 2026 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

Mahlene was born January 16, 1943, to Mahlon and Aileen (Freeman) Cook. She was united in marriage to Orval Dwight Nokes on June 25, 1964, who preceded her in death on August 11, 2005. Mahlene was also preceded in death by her parents, her stepson Ronnie Nokes, her son-in-law Marv Hiestand and her beloved grandson Colin Bennett.

Mahlene had a passion for flowers and worked many years as a Florist, even owning her own business in Tonganoxie, Village Floral. Mahlene loved flowers but her greatest love was her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include her stepdaughter Trish Hiestand, her son Rob (Paula) Crook, her daughter Tammy (Doug) Bennett, eight grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held October 11, 2026, at Ellie B’s in Tonganoxie, KS from 3:00-5:00 p.m. for all who would like to come.

Chase Douglas Fisher

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Funeral Mass for Chase Douglas Fisher, 24, will be 10 am, Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Rosary will begin at 5:30 pm, Wednesday, with a visitation to follow until 7 pm, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Chase passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

Chase was born at Fort Riley Kansas on March 30, 2002. He lived in Fort Knox Kentucky, Germany, Fort Carson Colorado, Enterprise Alabama, El Paso Texas, Columbus Ohio, Wichita Kansas, Lawrence Kansas, and Charleston South Carolina.

He graduated from Bishop Carroll Catholic High School in Wichita, attended KU, and joined the Navy as a Navy Nuke.
He loved laughing and making others laugh, gaming, cooking and baking, deep discussions, and learning everything he could. He deeply loved Jesus, his friends and his family.

He was proceeded in death by his father Jarrod Fisher, his uncle Juston Fisher, his grandpa’s “GG” Joe Fisher, Papa Gordon, his Papa Putch, Great Grandma Helen, Great Grandma Lou, & Uncle Bill Sanders.

He loved hard and lived a full life in his short 24 years.

He is survived by his mom Julie Fisher(Kevin Lashley), his siblings Colette (Ben) Bloch, McKenna (Connor) Reazin, Dalton (Emma) Fisher, nieces Aspen Fisher and Blair Bloch. Grandmother Jennifer Fisher-Wend “Grandma Toots”, Uncle and Aunts Mike & Marilyn Sanders, Steve & Kim Sanders, Emily & Rick Riggs, Allison & Eric Sitter, Andy & Anna Wend, Dana & Kelly Wend. Along with his best friend, Josh (Savannah) Casteneda, many cousins and friends.

Barbara Marie (Krug) Schaeffer

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Barbara Marie (Krug) Schaeffer, 93, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at Pioneer Ridge in Lawrence, Kansas.

Barbara Schaeffer was born on August 23, 1933 in Wauwatosa, WI to George and Mae (Arko) Krug. In 1954, she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Kansas, where she met her future husband, Robert F. Schaeffer. They married on July 29, 1955 and had two children, Jeanne Marie and Edward (Eddy) Phillippe. Barbara and Robert lived briefly in Luxembourg, where Jeanne was born, then returned to the Kansas City area where she lived until her death.

Barbara was a talented oil paint artist, and has painted beautiful portraits of many family members. After her divorce, Barbara worked as a commercial artist for Krug Litho Art Company until her retirement. She was a kind and generous woman, well loved by her colleagues.

Barbara also had a passion for the arts. She was an active member of the Kansas City Ballet Guild, loved opera and spent many happy hours at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. She was known to love a party, especially if there was dancing, had a smile for everyone and an infectious wit. She had endless curiosity and was a prolific reader. While her taste in literature included many genres, she had a special place in her heart for books by John Grisham.

Barbara was preceded in death by her father, George, her mother, Mae and her son, Eddy. She is survived by her daughter, Jeanne (Mike Warner) five grandchildren Amelia Goslin (David Knauss), Andrew Goslin, (Jessica) Juniper Goslin, Anna (Sebastian Bohn) and Lexi Schaeffer, four great-grandchildren Phillip, Theodore, Charlotte and Marielle, a step-great-grandchild Wil Knauss, her daughter-in-law Karla Schaeffer and several cousins. She is also survived by her beloved cat, Isabella.

A Celebration of Life is planned for the near future.

Tammy Ranee Hopper

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Tammy Ranee Hopper, 57, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away at her home on Aug. 24, 2026. Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Aug. 29, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Lawrence. A full obituary honoring Tammy’s life will be published when available.

The family kindly requests that, in lieu of food or flowers, memorial contributions be made to a charity of the sender’s choice.

Donald Charles “Don” Schwartz

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Services for Don Schwartz, 90 of Baldwin City, will be at 10:30 Friday 8/28/2026, at Worden Cornerstone Church.  Burial will follow at the Worden Cemetery.

Don left his earthy life to meet Jesus on Tuesday, August 25th, 2026, surrounded by his family. Donald Charles was born on May 20th, 1936 on the family farm in Worden to Lester and Lola (Hobbs) Schwartz growing up with sister Joanne (Hastings), who survives. He was a lifelong member and faithful attendee of the Worden Church.

He married Jane Christine (Anderson), which is how he referred to her. They celebrated their 68th anniversary on June 1st this year. He would tell anyone who listened that he felt lucky to ever have married his Jane Christine.

Other survivors include son Greg (Kelly) Schwartz, Baldwin City and daughter Carrie Enick (Schwartz), Baldwin City. He was preceded in death by son in law Dale Enick. He also was preceded in death by his youngest son Scot who passed away in December 2025. We can hear him saying “Hi Bud”, as Scot and Dale opened the door to heaven.

He is also survived by 6 Grandchildren: Charley Jo (Brett) Pittenger, Jacob (Jamie) Enick, Camdon (Madison) Schwartz, Rachael (Ericko) Borrero, Hayley Schwartz, and Callie (Kyle) McDaniel. He was blessed with 12 Great Grandchildren: Keeley, Landree, Ryken, Kayson, Emery, Wrenley, Rylee, Bryson, Elijah, Emilia, Micah, and Collins. He was fondly referred to as “Papa Don” by his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many more. His grandchildren were his pride and joy.

Don attended Union School in rural Douglas county through 8th grade, and graduated from Baldwin High School in 1954. One of the things he enjoyed most about high school was playing center on the high school basketball team, going to the Kansas state tournament and placing 4th. After High School, he attended KU, participating in track and trying out for basketball. His love for sports carried on as many in the community remember seeing him cheering on his children and grandchildren at all sporting events and activities.

Don worked for the Kansas State Highway Patrol from 1957 until taking a position with Douglas County Sheriff’s office in 1960. He worked in various roles at the Sheriff’s Department, including Under Sheriff, retiring in 1998.  He received several commendations while working as a Deputy Sheriff. While working a full time job, he was also a full time farmer. Along with the support of his wife Jane, he was able to take over the family farm, managing over 90 cattle and crops across 800 acres. He took pride in his family’s homestead, dedicating his work to continue their legacy.

He was many things in life: beloved husband, best Dad, Uncle Don, Don Daddy to some, and Papa Don to many. He was “110-110” at work and possibly other names that he didn’t share.  Despite his fading memory, he always had the biggest smile and happily referred to everyone as “Sis” or “Bud” even after he had forgotten names. We take solace in the many wonderful memories shared.

We would like to thank the staff of Ascend Hospice and especially the staff at Vintage Park/Homestead of Baldwin City.  Everyone has been very caring and went over and above all expectations.

A visitation will take place from 9:30 to start of service on Friday morning at Worden Cornerstone Church, 294 E 900 Rd Baldwin City, KS. The family recommends memorials to the Worden Cornerstone Church building fund, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home: PO Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.