Category: Obituaries

Sharon Louise Abram

Posted on by RumseyYost

Sharon Louise Abram transitioned to Heaven surrounded by family on October 27, 2020, less than a month after receiving a stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis. To know Sharon was to love Sharon. She was loved by many.

Sharon entered this world to begin her “twinkly” life on January 28, 1943 to loving parents Marguerite (Nunemaker) and Nate Pettengill. Big sister Patty welcomed her and later Sharon was joined by little brother Glenn, and much later by little sister Denise. These surviving siblings grieve her passing.

Her childhood was full of visits to the family farm, roller skating in the attic, jumping off garage roofs, adopting kittens and roaming the Pinkney neighborhood where she spent her entire childhood. She loved nature and being outdoors.

A graduate of Lawrence High School in 1961, she was a head cheerleader during the Chesty Lions Football glory days. An article in LIFE magazine documented the team, the cheerleaders and the Chesty Lion Spirit. She played flute in the orchestra and band and loved to play throughout her life.

Always interested in health and wellness, she worked in chiropractic offices in Lawrence.

On July 29, 1985, she married Jim Abram, who survives of the home. They spent 35 active years of adventures together. Sharon was part of the running community; completing many races, and posting overall top times. She and Jim ran and biked for many years and finished the Bike across Kansas. They traveled America for eight years in their RV with their dog Hattie, avoided the Kansas winters, and enjoyed seeing their 24 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Two years ago they settled in Lawrence, engaging in the social life at their apartment complex. As an avid reader, Sharon loved loaning and discussing the latest book she had read with others. She was a generous and kind person.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents and a grandson, Henery Cromwell.

She was beloved mother to Tammy Towns, Ft Worth, Tx, Kimberly Williams and Hannah Louise Graham of Lawrence. Sharon was a loving step-mother to Anna Fritzel Shows of Plano, Tx, Brett Fritzel, Brian Abram and Mike Abram of Eudora, and Darren Abram of Linwood. Four nieces and two nephews remember her fun-loving outlook on life.

Her Christian faith was central to her and she enjoyed reading the Bible and worshiping at the Living Water Evangelical Free Church.

Memorial services will be 10 am, Saturday July 17, 2021, at Living Water Evangelical Free Church, Oskaloosa, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the youth program at Living Water Evangelical Free Church, PO Box 471, Oskaloosa, KS 66066 or the Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association, 200 Maine St., Suite C, Lawrence, KS 66044. Online condolences may be left at Rumsey-Yost.com.

Mark Richter

Posted on by RumseyYost

Mark Richter was born on October 31, 1951 in Sydney, Australia. Mark was grandson of Australian explorer Charles Francis Laseron. He was a gifted squash player and horseman. Mark left school at the age of 16 to apprentice as a livestock auctioneer; he watched the Apollo 11 moon landing from a TV set in a cattle yard. He married Geraldine O’Connor and started a family at the age of 19, but soon decided to return to school. While studying at university he often felt out of place because his hands were rough and scarred from shoeing horses and building fences, which helped to pay the bills. Mark completed an undergraduate with honors and a PhD in Biochemistry at the University of New South Wales. He and Gerry divorced and Mark eventually became custodial parent of his two children, Daniella and Martin, whom his mother Judy helped him raise. Mark secured a postdoctoral research position at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. He arrived in the U.S. on Thanksgiving Day of 1981 with his mother, his two children and seven suitcases. In Tallahassee he met and married Kimber Paschall. Mark completed a second postdoc at Cornell University and in 1987 joined the Biochemistry (now Molecular Biosciences) Department at the University of Kansas. He and Kim purchased their Lecompton home in 1989 which Mark extensively renovated over 30 years. While at KU Mark was promoted to full professor and served as department chair over two separate periods. He conducted federally-funded research on photosynthesis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and on biosensors for GABA, serotonin, histamine and nicotine. Mark taught undergraduate and graduate biology, biochemistry, and physical biochemistry. He won numerous awards for teaching—colleagues often wondered if students gave Mark extra points for his Australian accent. He helped found the recreational division of the Lawrence Adult Soccer League in 1998. Mark became an American citizen on August 27, 2020 and voted in his first election on November 3. He loved his family, science, his cat Max, the morning newspaper sudoku, red wine, mystery novels, and all kinds of games—especially, during COVID, socially-distanced but very competitive croquet. Mark died December 26, 2020 following a 7-week battle with COVID-19. He is survived by his wife Kimber Paschall Richter; his sister Margaret Withnall of Sydney, Australia; and four children: Daniella of Cooroy, Australia; Martin of Padre Island, Texas; and Nicholas and Loren, both of Kansas City. Mark is also survived by three grandchildren and 4 step grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren and 8 step great-grandchildren; and his many master’s and doctoral students—who were all like family to him. The family suggests memorials to the Mark Richter Fund of the KU Endowment which will soon be established; the Kansas Land Trust at klt.org; or, if you want to support Medicaid expansion and other important policies by getting political—and Mark often did—donate to Kansas Governor Laura Kelly’s re-election campaign at www.laurakellyforkansas.com.

An informal outdoor memorial service for Mark Richter will be held at Trivedi (1826 E 1150 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66049) on July 24th from 12-4. For more information go to https://www.eventcreate.com/e/markrichtermemorial

The family respectfully asks that those that attend the memorial service be vaccinated for COVID-19.

Dr. Zoe Ann Kelley

Posted on by RumseyYost

Graveside inurnment for Dr. Zoe Ann Kelley, 84, Lawrence, will be 2 pm, Friday, July 9, 2021, at Oak Hill Cemetery.

She died June 30, 2021, at Pioneer Ridge Nursing Facility.

Zoe was born April 18, 1937, in Dodge City, Kansas, the daughter of Hervy George and Zelma Ann Andrews Kelley.

She graduated from Pratt High School in 1955. Later earned her bachelor’s in music in 1959, Masters in 1968 and earned her Ph.D. in 1981 all in Music Education.

Zoe is preceded in death by her parents and a brother Owen R. Kelley.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lawrence Humane society, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, KS 66044.

William Christopher “Chris” Barteldes

Posted on by RumseyYost

Services for William Christopher “Chris” Barteldes, 74, Lawrence, are private.

Mr. Barteldes died Sunday, June 27, 2021, at LMH Health.

He was born December 23, 1946 in Lawrence, the son of Ben August and Stella Jean Haines Barteldes.  He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1964 and went on to earn a bachelors degree from the University of Kansas.

Mr. Barteldes worked as a realtor.  He enjoyed collecting cars, his favorite being Ferrari’s.  He also enjoyed obtaining autographs from athletes and celebrities. 

He is survived by a brother, Bart Barteldes and wife Regina of Lawrence; nephews, Otto Barteldes of Olathe, KS, William Barteldes of Lawrence; niece, Karla Barteldes; and friend, Todd Bradford of Lawrence.

Eunice Vera Hodgkins

Posted on by RumseyYost

Private family service for Eunice V. Hodgkins, 94, Lawrence, will be held at a later date. Mrs. Hodgkins died June 27, 2021 in her home.

She was born March 7, 1927 in Derby, England, the daughter of William and Vera Marshall.

She was educated in England, where she lived until 1953, when she emigrated to the U.S.A. She lived in Georgia, California and Iowa, before moving to Lawrence in 1980.

Mrs. Hodgkins worked as the bookkeeper for the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department from 1981 until her retirement in 1998. She was a volunteer for the Lawrence Humane Society from 1998 to 2008.

She married David O. Hodgkins on October 22, 1966. He died in 2009. Survivors include one daughter, Jennifer, 5 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. A daughter, Estelle, died in 2001 and sister, Joan, in 2010.

The family suggests memorials to the Lawrence Humane Society, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

Rex D. Johnson

Posted on by RumseyYost

Funeral services for Rex Dean Johnson, 88, Clinton, will be at 10 am Friday at River City Church, with Rev. Patrick Yancey and Chaplain Ron Nadvornik officiating. The service will be livestreamed on the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home Facebook page. Burial will follow in Clinton Cemetery. Rex died Friday, June 25, 2021, at his home.

He was born July 21, 1932, in Lawrence, the son of Rex Lee and Lillian Marie Petefish Johnson. He graduated from Liberty Memorial High School, where he played football for Nanny Duver. He was voted the ‘best team player.’ He received college football offers from McPherson, Ottawa, and Baker before deciding to play for Chalmer Woodard at McPherson.

Rex worked in the parts department of Ship Winter Chevrolet, and then began driving a milk route for Flory Dairy. In 1953, Travis Glass offered him a job as a Douglas County deputy sheriff. He left there to work for the City of Lawrence water department. He returned to the sheriff’s department and was appointed undersheriff by Sheriff Fred Broeker. He ran for sheriff on the republican ticket in 1964 and won. He would go on to win numerous elections until retiring as Douglas County Sheriff in 1989. He stated that he had never been treated better than by the citizens of Douglas County and Lawrence. The sheriff’s office was his extended family. Douglas County and the City of Lawrence were in good hands under the very capable leadership of Sheriff Rex Johnson and Police Chief Dick Stanwix. After his retirement, he worked for the USD 497 transportation department in safety, and later for N.R. Hamm Construction as security. He was a longtime member of Clinton Presbyterian Church.

Rex married Shirley Marie Baker, whom he met when she was working in the jail, on Oct. 31, 1954, in Lawrence. It was ironic that two of the Baker family daughters would later marry men who served as Sheriff of Douglas County – Rex and Bill Hodson. Survivors include two sons, Allen Johnson and wife Robin, Baldwin City, and Dale Johnson and wife Kathy, Lawrence; a daughter, Susan Collins and husband Jason, Savannah, Georgia; seven grandsons, Aaron, Paul, Patrick, Ross, Colton, and Jake Johnson, and Kyle Bulmer; two granddaughters, Robi Murray and Kelly Johnson Mondi; 21 great grandchildren; and many lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two sons, Duane Lee Johnson and David Bruce Johnson.

Friends may call from 9 am to 3 pm Thursday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 pm Thursday at River City Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Clinton Presbyterian Church, or VNA, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

Aubree Ann Martin

Posted on by RumseyYost

Funeral services for Aubree Ann Martin, Lawrence, will be 2pm Wednesday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Vinland Cemetery.

Aubree died Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at LMH Health.

She was born February 12, 2021 in Lawrence, the daughter of Jeremy Lee Martin and Anna Lee Adcox Martin.

She is survived by two brothers, Jeremy Martin Jr. and Jayden Martin, both of the home; maternal grandmother, Sara Schultz of Lawrence; maternal grandparents, Johnny and Sara Adcox Jr. of Dolan Springs, AZ; paternal grandmother, Lisa Ross of Kingman, AZ; paternal grandfather, Jimmie Martin; seven uncles, Austin Adcox and Dylan Schultz of Lawrence, Timothy Green of Kingman, AZ, Owen Adcox and Cody Faulk of Dolan Springs, AZ, Jacob Martin of San Bernardino, CA, Jesse and Steven Martin of Wyoming; four aunts, Alisabeth Adcox and Cheyanne Curtiss of Dolan Springs, AZ, Cynthia Reed of California, Nichole Patterson of North Carolina; several great grandfathers, great grandmothers, great aunts, uncles and many cousins.

She was welcomed to Heaven with open arms by Aunt Connie Adcox, great grandma Jewell Doris Adcox, great grandpa Harold Ray Adcox, uncle Kenneth Schultz, great grandma Annabelle and great grandpa Herman Schultz, Kristina Greene, Carol Ann Ross, and Irma Cain.

Aubree had such a contagious smile that just lit up a room.  In just her 4 short months on Earth, she had such an impact on everyone around. Such a good baby and will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Friends may call from noon until 8pm, Tuesday at the funeral home.

Gary Lee Stauffer

Posted on by RumseyYost

Gary Lee Stauffer passed away on Monday, June 21, 2021, after a brief and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born in Lecompton, Kansas, May 2, 1945, to Walter (Les) Stauffer and Betty Joyce Crady Stauffer. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Carolyn J. Foster Stauffer. He graduated from Lecompton High School in 1963 leaving his mark as one of the top 15 Kansas all-time prep boys basketball scoring leaders. He graduated from Emporia State in the spring of 1967 and married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn J. Foster, on August 6, 1967 in Lecompton, Kansas.

Gary spent his career with the Lawrence School District. He was fortunate to secure his first teaching position at Schwegler Elementary immediately following his student teaching in the exact same classroom. After obtaining his Masters, he moved into Administration and became the Principal at New York Elementary. Not long after, he was grateful to have the opportunity to return as Principal to what would become his home away from home for nearly 25 years, Schwegler Elementary School. He made numerous lifelong friends over the years who have kept in touch. Various principal buddies, former classmates and their families, and a loyal band of former staff continued to be an integral part of his life, and their support after Carolyn’s passing meant the world to him.

Gary retired after the arrival of his first grandson. In retirement he enjoyed spending time with Carolyn and was grateful they both had the opportunity to have an active role in their grandsons’ lives. He also enjoyed marshaling at Alvamar, biking with his cousin, taking up an interest in photography, continuing to be tech-savvy, but most importantly he enjoyed attending all of the  school and athletic events for Cole and Carson. Gary was an active supporter of his hometown, Lecompton, Kansas. In recent years, Gary put his passion for photography to good use as the official photographer for the Lecompton Bald Eagle. He helped with many photographic enhancements, documented various events and special projects, which contributed to several exhibits in the Lecompton Territorial Capital Museum.

He will now have a most joyous reunion with his lifelong love, Carolyn, and leaves his loving memories, passions, and amazing legacy to be cherished by his daughter, Mendi Hanna, and son-in-law, Scott Hanna, of Olathe and his pride and joy grandsons, Cole and Carson, as well as numerous loving family, friends, former students and colleagues. Gary’s strong dedication, commitment, love and generosity was a blessing to all who knew him.

Visitation will be 5:30-7:00 PM Monday, June 28 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday, June 29, at Lecompton United Methodist Church in Lecompton, Kansas. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Lecompton, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Gary’s name to the Lecompton Historical Society, P.O. Box 68, Lecompton, KS 66050.