Category: Obituaries

Lois Elaine Clark

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A celebration of life for Lois Elaine Clark, 87, Lawrence, will be 2:00pm Saturday April 23, 2022 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lawrence, 1263 N. 1100 Road, Lawrence, KS  66047.

Mrs. Clark died February 26, 2022 at LMH Health after a brief illness.

Lois was born in Omaha, Nebraska May 21, 1934, the daughter of Harley and Hazel Meisinger. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Art History, and a Master’s Degree in Personnel Administration from the University of Kansas.  In 1996 she retired after a 30-year career at the University of Kansas as Assistant Dean in the School of Architecture and Urban Design, having served in many positions.

Lois married John Garretson Clark on January 30, 1954.  John died in 2000.  Lois then enjoyed the love and companionship of Don Marquis for 19 years.  She was an avid and “professional” traveler, a good thing because while John Clark worked on his degrees, followed grants and fellowships, and took sabbaticals they moved no less than 10 times in a 20-year span, covering at least 8 states and France.  She also greatly enjoyed traveling for fun, including theater and ballet trips with Dons.  She filledf many photo albums.

Lois held Jayhawk season basketball tickets from 1958 until her death.  She was a dedicated bridge player, attaining enough points to be Grand Master.  She was a longtime member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Lawrence, KS.  She gave her time and was a very generous supporter of many organizations.  She was a strong, compassionate, and giving woman, known as a mentor to many.  She will be greatly missed by her wide circle of friends, and her family.

She is survived by her companion Don Marquis, three children: Garry, Steve (Sharon), and Larisa (Bruce); sister Lorene Robbins (Jack), and brother Larry Meisinger (Connie).  Lois cherished her six grandchildren:  Steven (Amber), Ann E, Brandon, Emily, Shelby and Mackenna, and her greatgrandchildren Mason, Liam, Gage.

Memorial contributions can be made to the charity of choice and sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

The celebration of life will be available to watch remotely at:

https://zoom.us/j/93527760061?pwd=c2MyZG5reHJFOU9Ycm5UUDVDNkYvUT09

Meeting ID: 935 2776 0061
Passcode: 3339

 

T. Mardell Hile

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Mardell Hile, 95, passed February 22, 2022 at her son’s home in Lawrence, KS surrounded by family. Mardell was born October 3, 1926, outside Gridley, KS, the daughter of Carl and Eva Bessie Sage Luthi. Mardell grew up on a farm in Lamont, KS and attended school in Lamont. She graduated from Ottawa High School and Flint Hills Vocational Technical School. She worked for Santa Fe Railroad and Hallmark Cards in Topeka, KS and retired from Newman Memorial Hospital in Emporia, KS during her long working career. She often commented that she loved all her jobs, and she loved life and people.

Mardell married Lester “Les” Hile of Quenemo, KS in Topeka on April 3, 1945, and they were happily married for 49 years. He preceded her in death in July 1994.

Most importantly, Mardell loved being a mother and grandmother. She was the greatest Mom ever! Survivors include her much loved children, Lennes (Greg) Dallas, TX, Teresa (Steve), Lawrence, KS, Ken, Lawrence, KS and Mavis (Robert), Topeka, KS, along with cherished grandchildren Jason, Jarrod (Ali), Cherie, Aaron and great-grandchildren Alexa, Lily, River, Axel, Sydney, Caroline and Andrew.

Due to Covid, a private graveside service will be held at the Apostolic Cemetery in Lamont, KS. Mardell will always be loved and will be greatly missed as she begins the next stage of her journey.

Special thanks to Dr. Kevin Stuever and his staff for the years of quality care for our mother.  A special thank you also needs to go to VNA Hospice.

Doris Dahlene Johnson

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Services for Doris Dahlene Johnson, 94, Overland Park, but formerly of Lawrence, will be at 10:30 am, Saturday, February 26th, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.  Burial will be at Washington Creek Cemetery.

Mrs. Johnson died Monday, February 21, 2022, at St. Luke’s South Hospital in Overland Park, Kansas.

She was born October 7, 1927, in Lawrence, the daughter of Overton E. and Stella A. (Wilson) Hundley.  She grew up out in the country and developed a love of animals.  She surprised her parents by bringing home a baby goat which she raised for many years.  She graduated from Lawrence High School in 1945.

On June 26, 1950, she married Raymond A. Johnson, in Lawrence.  They were married 47 wonderful years until his death on January 16, 1998.

Mrs. Johnson worked at Rusty’s Superette and Rusty’s IGA Food Center for 38 years, retiring in 1986.  She loved her customers as much as they loved her.  She was a past member of the Chipperfield Neighborhood Association, where she had served on various committees and as a board member.

Family meant everything to Mrs. Johnson and she was a wonderful role model to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was rarely without a smile on her face and she almost never met a stranger!  Her hobbies included cooking, genealogy, and creating wonderful family photo albums.  The photo albums she made for her children and grandchildren will be cherished forever.

Mrs. Johnson had lived her entire life in Lawrence until 2018, when she relocated to the Brookdale 119th Independent Living Facility in Overland Park, Kansas, to be nearer to her daughter.

Survivors include two sons, Tommy, Pullman, Washington, and Richard, Mimbres, New Mexico; one daughter, Janice Wisdom (Keith), Overland Park, Kansas; five grandchildren, Jeremiah Johnson, Jennifer Longacre (Daniel), Phillip Anderson, Seth Wisdom, and Nate Wisdom, and six great-grandchildren, Makenna, Tatum and Blake Longacre, Caleb and Aubrey Anderson, and Eli Cersovsky.  Other survivors include a sister-in-law, Zora Belle Hundley, Overland Park, Kansas, along with many nieces and nephews.

Along with her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, and two brothers, Overton E. “Doc” Hundley, Jr. and Edwin D. Hundley.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 to 10:30 am Saturday at the funeral home, before the service.

The family suggests memorials to the Lawrence Humane Society, sent in care of the funeral home.

The funeral service may be viewed live on Facebook at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory | Facebook

 

Joyce Virginia Ewing

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Joyce Virginia Ewing died at the age of 91 on Friday, February 18, 2022, in Lawrence, Kansas.

She was born September 28, 1930, in Cairo, Kansas, the daughter of Earl Edward and Martha Estella (Nossaman) Barker. The family moved to Great Bend where Joyce attended Great Bend
High School.

Joyce married Glenn Morrison and they had four children. Joyce and Glenn worked at Harvey’s Furniture Store until opening their own furniture and fabric stores the early 70s in LaCrosse,
Kansas. They later divorced.

Joyce worked Central Kansas Medical Center for over 20 years–mostly in the Admissions department. Never one to sit still, she also owned Nature’s Nest and Country Treasures gift
shops. She painted in oils, selling her art at regional shows. Joyce was licensed in graphanalysis and taught classes at Barton County Community College on the topic. In the 1990s, Joyce started and ran a support group for families dealing with the effects of ALS. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Great Bend.

Joyce is survived by her sister Faye Shepherd of Salina; her son Stan Morrison and wife Vicky of Albert, Kansas; daughter Vicki Sisson of Johnstown, Colorado; son Steve Morrison and wife Denise of Hoisington, Kansas; and son Jeff Morrison of Lawrence, Kansas.

Marsha G. Schwyhart

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Funeral services for Marsha G. Schwyhart, 70, Lawrence, will be at 11 am Wednesday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Tom Herries officiating. Interment will be at 2:15 pm at Oak Hill Cemetery. The service will be broadcast on Facebook Live on the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home page.

Marsha passed away on Thursday, February 17th, 2022, in Lawrence after a battle with cancer. Marsha was born September 4, 1951, in Garden City, KS- the daughter of Robert (Bob) and Martha Clester. Marsha married Vance Schwyhart on May 12, 1979, in Topeka KS.

Marsha served in many roles for the Girl Scouts, including Troop Leader, Service Unit Coordinator, and Product Sales Manager. She later served as a lead VIN Inspector for the Kansas Highway Patrol. Her greatest and most beloved job, however, was that of being a Mom and a Grandma. She spent countless hours volunteering at the schools of her kids and grandkids, including the harrowing task of homeschooling 3 of her grandkids during the pandemic.

Survivors include her husband, Vance Schwyhart; three daughters, Heather Lambert (Derek Thyssen), Cari Simons (Jeff Simons), and Katie Newell (James Newell); and five grandkids, she affectionally called “The Five”, Peyton, Logan, Lukas, Lilly, and Emma, all of Lawrence KS.

Marsha enjoyed traveling, camping, and being outdoors- especially on the lake. She loved reading, cooking, and anything that involved family. She was a prayer warrior and an avid student of the Bible.

Memorial contributions may be made to Kansas Trails Council or the Lawrence Public Library Friends & Foundation, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

 

John Dale Fowler

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John Dale Fowler passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 16th after succumbing to complications from dementia. John spent his final hours surrounded by his family.

John was born on November 1, 1942, the fifth of six children born to Sims and Mary Fowler. He is survived by his wife, Carol Anderson, his three daughters and their spouses, Erin (Trey) Klawiter, Alexis (Eric) Hyyppa, and Austin (Mike) Bell, grandchildren Palmer, Wyatt, and Sam Klawiter; Annika Hyyppa; and Lillian Wattier, John-Michael, Dean, and Rosa Bell. He is also survived by his brother, Frank Fowler, sister, Linda Folger and Carol’s children and grandchildren, Justin (Amy) Anderson, Julie (Brian) Flory, Lane and Tate Anderson, Cole and Piper Flory. John was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bob and Gene Fowler, and his sister, Sue Avants.

John earned a BS from the University of Central Oklahoma and a master’s degree from the University of Texas. After graduation, he worked as a journalist with The Oklahoman and the Associated Press, and taught journalism at UCO. He then began a 45 year career leading Chambers of Commerce for Weatherford, Oklahoma, South Oklahoma City, Stillwater, Oklahoma, Midland, Texas, Greater Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and Industry. John was the recipient of numerous awards and recognition, including Chamber Executive of the Year in Colorado and Oklahoma. He was an early leader in developing community leadership training and organized programs for industry recruitment, small business development, tourism, and nonprofit management.

John had many passions in life. He was a skilled painter who closely followed the financial markets. He loved a rare steak and a martini, would surprise you with a showtune, and absolutely adored his grandkids.

The family will be holding a private service at a future date. In lieu of flowers they have asked that you consider a donation in his name to an organization he greatly appreciated, the Lumberyard Arts Center in Baldwin City, Kansas.

Judy Elaine Degenstein

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Private family services for Judy Degenstein, 77, Independence, MO, will take place at a later date.

Mrs. Judy Elaine Degenstein died Friday, February 11, 2022 at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Missouri.

She was born on September 9, 1944 in Kansas City, the daughter of James and Hazel Tarwater. She graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1961 and earned an Associates Degree in Journalism from Donnelly College in 1963. While she and her husband Robert have lived in many different places in the United States from the east to the west coast, her favorite was Biloxi, Mississippi. She and her husband were currently living in Independence, Missouri.

Judy worked for many different businesses over her lifetime including Schlage Lock Co., Casey’s, Southwestern Bell, but the job she was most proud of was raising six sons. Her love, dedication, guidance, and determination ensured their success. (A smack on the hind section with a flyswatter didn’t hurt either.) She was not only their mother but their teacher, guidance counselor, confidant, and sometimes warden. Her pride in their accomplishments was evident if you ever got the opportunity to visit with her. She loved to dote on her ‘boys’ and share their successes with anyone that would lend her their ear. In her free time she enjoyed crafting, sewing, playing the slots, spending time with her husband, and taking care of her cat ‘Horatio’.

She married the love of her life Robert ‘Bob’ Degenstein on June 9, 1981. Their love was evident from the beginning, her sharing the most precious thing she had with him, her children, and him accepting the children and raising them as his own.

Survivors include her husband Bob; her sisters Nancy and Sue; her sons Eric, Adam, Krystopher, and John; and multiple grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Judy was preceded in death by her mother and father; her brother James ‘Jimmy’ Tarwater; her sister’s Hazel ‘Lady’ Davis and Lori Joy; and two of her sons Scot Johnston and Thad Johnston.

Roger Everett Plummer

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Roger Everett Plummer, 88, Lecompton, passed away February 9, 2022 at the Baldwin Health & Rehab facilities in Baldwin City, Kansas.

There will be graveside services at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at the Richland Cemetery located in Monmouth Township, Shawnee County, Kansas.

He was born on June 21, 1933 to John Everett Plummer and Lois Marie Hayes in Hickman Mills, Missouri, the youngest of two children.

He grew up in DeSoto, Kansas and graduated from DeSoto High School. On February 8, 1953 he joined the United States Marine Corp along with seven of his buddies – all from DeSoto, Kansas. He was stationed in Japan after his training in San Diego, but while he was still in the states, he did witness a nuclear bomb test in Nevada. He was discharged on February 8, 1956 with the rank of corporal.

When he returned from the service, he worked for Farmland Industries and he retired from there in 1989. He also loved farming with his many John Deere tractors. He loved the green and yellow. He participated in many antique tractor shows around this area – hence, he had quite his own collection. So, when it came to our annual Halloween get-together, he was always willing to drive one of his tractors for the hayrack ride. Another one of his favorite pastimes was listening to country music and dancing.

Roger married Winona Mae Barrett on December 12, 1967. She survives of the home. Roger was a very positive addition to the family.

Other survivors include his, children, Laurie Striet, Iris Hale, Leslie Downing, Jr. (Heather), Lonnie Downing (Carolyn), Ella Curtiss (Duane), and Dailen Downing (Sherry). Grandchildren, Gaila Gilliland (Larry), John Hale, Amy Drake (Pat), Dustin Downing (Becky), Derrick Downing (Natalie), Kerry Jacques (Jon), Kirk Curtiss (Annie), Matthew Downing (Kayte), Heath Downing, and Jamie Edie, 23 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren, and a sister Edith LeValley.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or to Elara Caring Hospice Foundation sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

William B. ‘Bill’ Lienhard

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William B. Lienhard, 92 years old died peacefully in his home. He is preceded in death by his wife Jeanine Lienhard, son Eric Lienhard and grandchildren Kelsey Kivisto, Kyle Scott and his twin brother Jim Lienhard (Evelyn). He is survived by daughters Julie Kivisto, KC MO; Betsy Scott (Bruce), Hurricane, UT; Amy Lienhard (Jack Smithback) Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. He is also survived by his grandchildren Blake & Lissa Kivisto, Jessica (Tim) Joyce, Ryan & Cody Scott, Sebastian & Chelsea Smithback and great-grandchildren Landon and Piper Joyce.

Bill was born on January 14th, 1930, in Slaton, Texas with his twin brother James Albert Lienhard to Leon Victor Lienhard and Ruth Barner Lienhard. His father was with the Santa Fe railroad and they lived in a number of different towns before settling in Newton, KS. He graduated from Newton High School in 1948 where he had straight A’s and his basketball team went undefeated until they lost to Lawrence High School in the state finals. He was the leading scorer in the state and a member of the All-State team. Upon graduation he went to the University of Kansas to play for Phog Allen. He joined the Phi Delta Theta fraternity where he lived for four years. He had an academic scholarship and majored in Finance in the Business School. He was a member of Sachem, the National Honor Society. He started for three years on the KU basketball team. His 1952 basketball team won the National Championship in Seattle, WA, where he was a second team all American. His team went on to the Olympics in Helsinki, Finland where they won the gold medal in 1952. After graduation he served two years in the Air Force as a training officer and was discharged as a first Lieutenant. Having majored in finance he went to work for the Fourth National Bank in Wichita, KS where he became Vice President in charge of the Correspondent Bank department.

In Wichita he met his wife Jeanine Joseph who was homecoming queen at Wichita State University. He married Jeanine Joseph on August 27, 1955, at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Wichita. They lived in Wichita for 10 years before moving to Lawrence, KS in 1965 where Bill went to work for what is currently US Bank. He was very active in numerous civic projects throughout his life. To name a few, he was Drive Chairman for the United Way, President of the United Way Board of Directors, President of the Kansas Advocates for Better Care, President of the Kansas Head Injury Association, President of the Lawrence Country Club, President of the Lawrence Kiwanis Club, Treasurer of Independence Inc, Treasure of the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association, and President of the KU Letterman’s Club.

In 1990 Bill was senior Vice President in charge of the commercial loan department and a member of the bank’s Board of Directors where he remained until he retired when he turned 70.

He was inducted into the Newton High School basketball Hall of Fame and had the basketball court named after him. He was also inducted into the University of Kansas Sports Hall of Fame where his Olympic medal can be seen in Allen Fieldhouse. He is a member of the Kansas Athletics Hall of Fame, where he was described as having the finest one-handed set shot in Kansas Basketball history at that time.

Bill accomplished so much in life, but one of the greatest accomplishments was his devotion to his family. He cared for his son, Eric, after a tragic car accident. He brought Eric to church, KU football and basketball games and numerous outings. His three girls greatly admired his devotion to his wife, Jeanine, who was limited to a wheelchair the last ten years of her life. He became her loving caregiver, full time, until 89 years old. He did the grocery shopping, laundry, cooking and he became proficient at all of them.

We also want to give a special thank you to Beth Robbins who was Jeanine’s devoted caregiver and stayed on with Bill allowing him to remain in the home until his passing.

A mass and funeral will be held at 1 pm, at Corpus Christi Parish on Friday, February 25, 2022. After the service he will then be laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery where his wife Jeanine, son Eric and grandchildren Kyle and Kelsey are buried. A reception will follow until 5 pm at the Lawrence Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage donations to Corpus Christi Parish, Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence or the Brain Injury Association of Kansas, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS, 66044.