Category: Obituaries

Jimmy Ray (Chopper) Wilkins

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Funeral services for Jimmy Ray (Chopper) Wilkins, 85, Meriden, will be 10 am, Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, burial will follow at Clinton Cemetery. A visitation will be from 6-7 pm, Tuesday, October 4, 2022.

Jimmy Ray Wilkins passed away on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at his home in Meriden. He was eighty-five years old.

Born April 7, 1937, to George and Rena (McIntyre) Wilkins in Sardis, Oklahoma, Jim was the sixth child in a large family.

He was employed by Kansas Power and Light, later Westar, for twenty-five years as a tree trimmer. He also served as the fire chief for the Sarcoxie township fire department for fifteen years. Later, he operated his own tree care business for over twenty years. His co-workers and friends called him Chopper because he was an artist with a chainsaw.

Jim loved his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. He was always willing to put on a glove to play catch or shoot baskets on the goal in the yard. He taught all his children how to ride a bike and years later how to drive a car. He also taught them how to hunt, work on their cars, cut and stack firewood, take care of their families, and to always be willing to help others in their time of need even if we had less than they did.

Jim never failed to make people laugh. He had a special level of orneriness that made people enjoy being around him. He enjoyed seeing the people he loved happy and enjoying their lives.

Jim was married multiple times and then reunited with Barbara (Hummelgaard) Blatt in 2017.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, George and Rena; four sisters, Ada (Marion), Nona (Vernon), Lorene (Travis), and Jewell (Billy); four brothers, George Leon (Verdie), Robert Dale, VJ, and Harold (Glenda), a son, Larry (Tonya) Casteel, and a daughter, Linda Casteel. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, a brother, Jerry (Lila); three sons, Jeff Dover, Jimmy (Lori), and Randy (Kristi) and four daughters, Robin Ulrich, Tammy, Brenda (Terry) DeCarlo, and Bernice (Michael) Stogner. He has seventeen grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jefferson County Visiting Nurses Association, sent  in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Rosetta Louise Hodge

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Graveside memorial services for Rosetta Louise Hodge, 94, Lawrence, will be at 11 am Saturday, Oct. 1st, at Oak Hill Cemetery. A visitation will be held Friday, Sept. 30th from 6;00 to 7:30 pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory. Rosetta passed away Monday, September 26, 2022, at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor.

She was born February 10, 1928, in Lawrence, the daughter of James and Thelma Curby Badger. She attended Lawrence schools and later worked in food service at Lawrence High School.

She married Clarence ‘Murray’ Hodge who preceded her in death. Survivors include three children.

More information will appear here later.

Ardith Louise Curtis

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Ardith Louise Curtis devoted her life to helping others. Always the giver, rarely the taker, she sought no reward for assuming family obligations ever since she was a girl in Missouri. Her devotions included caring for her husband Leon in their home as he progressed into late stages of Alzheimer’s disease, and for her son Jeffrey, who died of Parkinson’s-related causes. 

Ardith also worked as a licensed practical nurse at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Kansas from 1989-2006. She died Sept. 26, 2022, at the hospital where she had dedicated many years to assisting patients. She was 91. 

To her grandchildren, she always had the best advice, never forgot a birthday, loved to play card games, and complimented their achievements. They looked forward to her gentle smile and warm hugs. She freely encouraged everyone around her to do their best, listened to all points of view without passing judgment, and was known for her kind demeanor. She was an avid reader of mystery novels, expertly reconciled financial and legal arrangements in her family and church, wrote well, lived independently, and managed her own affairs until her death. 

Her faith was a guiding light since she was young. In later years she became an Elder in the Community of Christ church. She also played the organ at Sunday services. 

Ardith was born July 27, 1931, in Mountain Grove, Mo., to Harold and Stella M. Jothen Reynolds. Being the oldest child, she helped raise her siblings. She married D. Leon Curtis in 1950 in Independence, Mo. He preceded her in death in 2016 in Lawrence, as did her son Jeffrey, who died in 2021, and her sister, Eleanor Sowter of Leavenworth, Kan. 

Survivors include two daughters, Rebecca (Kevin) Giles of Stillwater, Minn., and Lianna (Tim) Corteville of Chesterfield, Mo.; sons Randy (Karan) and Phil of Lawrence; two brothers, Dale (Kaye) Reynolds of Independence, Mo., and Roger Reynolds of Kansas City; a brother in law, Charles Sowter of Leavenworth; five grandchildren, Heather (Jim) Peacock of Columbia Falls, Mont., Harmony (Jim) MacDonald of Waverly, Neb., Hillorie (Dwayne) Giles-Brauch of Cottage Grove, Minn., and Erin Corteville and Austin Corteville of Chesterfield. She also has eight great-grandchildren: Haylie, Kazin, Kimberly, Tyler, Seanna, Liam, Kyleigh and Kayde. 

Services will be held Nov. 19, 2022, at 1 p.m. at University Community of Christ Church, 1900 University Drive, in Lawrence. Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home is handling arrangements. 

In lieu of flowers, Ardith requested that donations be made to University Community of Christ, Lawrence, or Graceland University DeBarth Scholarship Fund, or to the donor’s choice.  

Herman E. Morris Sr.

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A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date for Herman E. Morris Sr., 86, Lawrence, who passed away Sunday, September 25, 2022, at LMH Health.

Herman was born January 2, 1936, in Mountain Home, Arkansas, the son of George and Zona Hinkle Morris. He was the longtime owner/operator of Morris Plumbing.

More information may appear here later.

David LeRoy Brown

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David LeRoy Brown passed away, surrounded by family at LMH Health, on September 24th, 2022, at the age of 76. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, October 4th, 2022, at 10:00 AM at Memorial Park Cemetery in Lawrence, KS, with David’s dear friend and fishing buddy, George Berg, officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 3rd, from 6-8 PM at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory.

David was born to Quinter and Dorothy (Ray) Brown on December 5th, 1945, in Bendena, KS. On May 18th, 1962, David married Carol June Harper after being together since they were both 14. From this union they had 3 daughters – Jeanette, Carol Lynn, and Amy. They enjoyed 48 ½ years of marriage. Carol passed away on December 27th, 2010.

He worked as a Skilled Maintenance Supervisor at Kmart Distribution Center, retiring after 38 years there. During his time at Kmart, David made many friends who became like family to him.

He was an avid fisherman, enjoying fishing trips in the company of his friends, children, and grandchildren. David was also a big sports fan, cheering on the Chiefs, Royals, KU, and Lawrence High. He also loved a good garage sale!

David is survived by his three daughters, Jeanette Reiling (Roger), Carol Brown, and Amy Rinke; four grandchildren, Eric Allen (Andrea), Chase Reiling (Whitney), and Emily (Liam) and Scott Rinke; and two great-grandchildren, David and Lyla Allen. He is also survived by his siblings – Richard, Helen, Bobbie, and Ruth. He was preceded in death by his sister, Millie.

David also leaves behind many friends who loved him and were loved by him. David had countless friends and acquaintances, being a very outgoing, kind, and caring person. He had a heart of gold; he would drop everything to help out anyone in need. David was always quick to crack a joke; he enjoyed making people laugh and was great at it! He told the best stories too! David had a great laugh and a wonderful smile, which friends and family will cherish the memory of forever.

David was known for his hard work, loyalty, humor, and generosity. His love, laughter, and kindness will be in our memories forever. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association, in care of the funeral home, at 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

Ova Mae (Jean) Brizendine

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Ova Mae (Jean) Brizendine passed away on September 23, 2022 at age 94 at Garden Terrace Memory Care of Overland Park, Kansas. Graveside services will be held on Friday, September 30, 2022 at 2:00pm at Memorial Park Cemetery in Lawrence, Kansas. Address: 1517 E. 15th Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044. Donations may be made out to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Jean was born on May 19, 1928 to Ida and Ren Davis in Peel, Arkansas. Her parents were share croppers and worked a farm where they always had plenty to eat although Jean’s young life spanned the Great Depression era. She and her family picked cotton in the Missouri Bootheel when she was at the young age of eight years old. When Jean reached the age of fourteen, she ventured to Redondo Beach, California for better work opportunities and lived with family friends. In 1943, she joined her mother and older sister Hester to begin working at the Sunflower Army Ammunition plant in Lawrence, Kansas fibbing about her age in order to work there. She lived in the barracks with her mother and sister which was great because she had really missed them both. When the war ended, she started working at Gilkerson’s restaurant in Lawrence which was where she met the love of her life Clifton Brizendine. Together they raised six children. In 1964, they moved from Lawrence to Bonner Springs, Kansas. Soon after, Jean began working as a supervisor in housekeeping at a nursing home in Bonner Springs, she took much pride in her work during this time. When her late husband Cliff developed Alzheimer’s, she devoted most of her time to take great care of him for close to three years. She eventually placed him in a memory care facility and visited him every day. Cliff passed away in 2002. She stayed a devout member of the Bonner Springs Church of Christ for the remaining years she spent in Bonner Springs. She was diagnosed with dementia after breaking her hip in 2017. Jean loved her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchild. She loved reading, gardening, crocheting, playing cards and dominoes, the Kansas City Royals and most of all spending time with family. One of her most fun and favorite memories was kayaking on the North Fork of the White River when she was at the age of 75 years old. She had a competitive nature which showed when it came to playing Bingo at Garden Terrace, sometimes playing three cards at once. She also discovered the joy of painting at age 91, creating many masterpieces. She lived a full and adventurous life, loved her family and was loved by all. She will be missed greatly.
Jean was preceded in death by Ida and Ren Davis, husband of 55 years, Clifton Brizendine, son Gary Brizendine, daughter-in-law Linda Brizendine, brothers Ralph, Roy, Hobart and Joe Davis, sisters Irene Posey and Hester Hallmark.
Jean is survived by Daughter-in-law Val Brizendine, children Carol Jordan and her husband Harold Jordan, Roger Brizendine, Terri Andersson and husband Lars Andersson, Jeff Brizendine and wife Fon Brizendine, Aaron Brizendine and wife Amy Brizendine. Grandchildren, Michele, Krystal, April, Tony, Adam, and Courtney, Heather, Jason, Jeanette, Gillian, Andrew, Eric, Luke, Cliff, Brenna, Cassie, Travis, Chloe, Nathan, Mia, Tori, Drake, Audri, Nikolai, Behrenger, and Luciana. Great Grandchildren, Nicholas, Sydney, Carter, Sofia, Nora, Jeremy, Austin, Baleigh, Hunter, Archer, Matt, Aiden, Charlotte, Ani, Lola, Calvin and Gracie. Great, Great Grandchild, Harrison as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Saundra Diane McDaniel

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Graveside services for Saundra Diane McDaniel will be at 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 3, 2022 at the Norton Cemetery, Norton, Kansas.

Saundra passed away on September 21, 2022 at Morningstar Care Homes Dunn’s Vista, Baldwin City, KS.

She was born on November 12, 1939 in Norton, KS daughter of Lowell William McDaniel and Dana Estelle Kinney McDaniel.

After graduating from Norton high school in 1957, she attended beauty school, K-State and took countless other courses at regional schools.

Saundra worked as a social worker for 25 years. In earlier years she was involved with the Eagles Auxiliary and Girl Scouts. She loved her family, pets, art, music, antiques and visiting with anyone who would engage in a conversation.

She was married to and divorced from Claron Voss, Dwight Heikes, and Stephens Smiley to which a blended family emerged.

Her parents and brother Dolan McDaniel precede her in death.

Survivors include: daughters, Pam Heikes (Theron Gregg) Lawrence, Kelly Voss Solomon (Gordon Solomon) Ellis; son, Brian Heikes, Shawnee; step-children, Becky and Mike Smiley; grandchildren, Nick Austerman, Miles Austerman, Reagon Koppi, Bo Garrison, Shana Harting; and eight great-grandchildren.

Dorothy G. Michael

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Dorothy G. Michael, 98, of Perry, KS, died at The Heritage of Overland Park on September 21, 2022.

Dorothy Gertrude Bariteau was born September 24, 1923 in Nashua, New Hampshire to mother Marion Morris Bariteau and father Aime Bariteau. Both Dorothy and her mother spoke French.

Dorothy married Charles Thomas Michael July 5, 1946 in Pascagoula, MS. Charles was a career navy man and the pair lived in Indianapolis, IN, Arkansas, Hawaii and Lawrence, KS among other places before settling in Perry, KS. Dorothy especially enjoyed Hawaii and commented on the beautiful flowers and landscape in that state.

Charles and Dorothy loved to square dance in their younger years and Dorothy acquired an assortment of square-dancing costumes.

Dorothy was an immaculate housekeeper who enjoyed cooking big meals and feeding anyone who came by. She also enjoyed card playing, listening to the radio and sending greeting cards and thank you notes. Dorothy had many household pets, which she loved with all her heart. Her last dog was Buddy and her last cat was Priscilla.

Dorothy’s husband Charles died in 2001at the age of 81 and was preceded in death by their son, Charles Thomas Michael Jr., who died in 1976.

In her later years, Dorothy enjoyed knitting and crocheting, working in her yard and getting mail.

Dorothy was a member of St. Theresa Catholic Church, Perry, KS and supported many Catholic Charities as well as many Veterans’ Organizations and Animal Welfare Groups.

Dorothy is survived by extended family members and a faithful friend Wally Kinson.

A Memorial Service will be 2 pm, October 13, 2022, at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 209 E 3rd St Perry, KS 66073

Jesse “John” Nunez

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Please join us as we remember Jesse “John” Nunez as it’s been almost 2 years since his passing. He requested his family and friends come together to celebrate his life and party! You’re invited to come to share some of John’s favorite foods, listen to some stellar tunes by The Bonfire Blues Band, share funny & touching memories, and remember a wonderful person who is greatly missed! Let’s toast to Double J! October 8th , 2022 from 2pm to 7pm at the Kaw Valley Public House at 444 Locust St. North Lawrence.
  Thanks, Melinda

Jesse John Nunez, 75, passed away on December 14, 2020 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born March 27, 1945 to Pablo and Mary (Garcia) Nunez. The oldest of six children, John attended Lawrence schools and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1963.

He started his career at Albertson’s Dairy and then later worked for Hallmark Cards as a Large Press Operator, retiring from there in 1999 after 32 years of service. He then went to work for Tom and LuAnn Wilcox at Round Corner Drug where he was treated like family. This was truly his favorite place to work.

John was an avid blues lover and enjoyed listening to live music. The next time you listen to Joe Bonamassa, please remember John. He loved collecting die cast cars, unique knives, and eating any kind of chocolate. But his true love was spending time with his grandchildren and traveling. He was able to enjoy trips to Colorado, northern Arkansas, and the beautiful island of Anna Maria in Florida. John and Melinda renewed their 30th wedding vows on Anna Maria Island in 2012. John was always friendly, helpful, and genuine. He never spoke ill about anyone. John was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2004 and NEVER complained or gave up.

John married Rosalee Hernandez on August 29, 1964 and later divorced. He then married Melinda Dianne Reeves on July 31, 1982.

He is survived by his wife, Melinda of 38 years; his 5 children Richard Nunez, Dionne (Stephen) Chavez, Christopher Nunez, Yvette (John) Herrera, and Adrianne (Jaron Ruckman) Nunez; his 10 grandchildren, Nina, Alexandria, Matthew, Sarah, Andrew, Luke, Simone, Isabella, Sophia, and Juniper; two brothers Nicholas (Edda), and Pablo Jr.; two sisters Maxine Nunez and Jean Walters; Brother-in-law Rick (Marsha) Reeves and Sister-in-law Judy Samuels. John is also survived by a large, loving family of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Michael, in-laws John and Yoland Reeves, sister in-laws Phyllis Clary and Janice Reeves, and brother in-law Dan Samuels.

The family would like to thank Humberto and Pam Pineda, for sharing their beautiful Florida home during John & Melinda’s travels; Mark Barnes, for always being a true friend and being by his side; Dave Drewry, for his kind words during John’s Celebration of Life and all of their wonderful, kind neighbors who proclaimed John the “King of Chalk Hill Court.”

The family appreciates the loving care and support given by the three angels from Elara Caring Hospice.

“Per John’s wishes we will have a big party to celebrate his life at a later date.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Elara Caring Hospice, Willow Domestic Violence Center, and Lawrence Parkinson’s Support Group, sent in care of the funeral home.