Category: Obituaries

Kenneth (Ken) Dale Emde

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Kenneth (Ken) Dale Emde of Lawrence, KS, died Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. Ken was born in Washington, IA, June 29, 1954, to David and Phyllis Emde. He spent most of his youth in Manchester, IA. He attended the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls and was awarded a BA in Music in 1977. Following college, Ken attended the Western Iowa Tech Community College in Sioux City, IA enrolling in the band instrument repair program. His first instrument repair position was at Bohart Music Co. in Kansas City, MO followed by a position at Wallick Music Co. in Pine Bluff, AR. After moving to Lawrence with his family in 1986, Ken opened his own business, Emde Music Shop, in Topeka, KS in 1987. He provided band instrument sales and repair to patrons and service to local schools and universities until 2014 when he retired. Through the years, he played upright bass, acoustic and electric guitars with various local groups.

Ken married Judith Zotika July 19, 1975, in Cresco, IA. They had one daughter born in 1984 in Little Rock, AR. He is survived by his wife, daughter Sara (Cristian Arancibia) Emde; granddaughters, Mia and Ava of Topeka, KS. Other survivors include sister, Karla (Fred) Rossow and niece, Evelyn (Ryan) Rush of Cedar Rapids, IA; a sister-in-law, nephew, niece, and four great-nephews and nieces. His four-legged survivors include dogs, Suzy and Buddy.

Ken’s sometimes inappropriate humor, his knowledge of obscure music and musicians, his commitment to family, and his love of life will always be remembered.

A private ceremony will be held this summer. Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com. Memorials may be sent to a charity of your choice.

Ronald Dean Sheaffer

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Services for Ronald Dean “Ron” “Bear” Sheaffer, 61, Perry, will be 11am Wednesday, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Buster Cemetery near Perry, Kansas.

Mr. Sheaffer died Thursday, January 6, 2022 at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, Kansas.

He was born May 17, 1960, in Emporia, Kansas, the son of Duane Harvey and Shirley Mae England Sheaffer.  He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1978.

Mr. Sheaffer worked for Hallmark Cards for 35 years before retiring.  He enjoyed working on cars, motorcycles, and lawnmowers.

Survivors include a daughter, Danelle Harris and husband Tim of Perry, Kansas; his mother, Shirley Sheaffer of Perry, Kansas; sister, Kay Sheaffer of Perry, Kansas; brother, Robert Sheaffer of Ottawa, Kansas; niece, Sunny Hepner and husband Russ of Perry, Kansas; nephews, Ryan Crain of Topeka, Kansas and Tyler Sheaffer of Wichita, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his father.

The family will receive friends from 10-11am Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Jefferson County Humane Society, sent in care of the funeral home.

The service will be live streamed on the funeral home’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RumseyYostFuneralHomeandCrematory

A. Monroe Helm

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A. Monroe Helm, 79, Ozawkie, died at LMH Health on December 31, 2021.

Mr. Helm was born February 16, 1942, in Wynnewood. Oklahoma, the son of James Boyd and Williemae Ellen Dees Helm.  His family moved to Kansas in 1952 and he started working as a truck driver for Lawrence Freight Line for many years, then worked for Chris Truck line in Topeka until his retirement after 38 years.  Mr. Helm was a member of Teamsters local 696.

Monroe’s hobbies included gardening, camping, fishing, hunting, bowling, and oil painting.  He played in the first organized men’s slow-pitch softball in Lawrence.

Survivors include his four sons, Morgan of Iowa, Brendan of Eudora, Brett of Savannah, GA, and Jason of Springfield, GA; two daughters, Monica Dykes of Lawrence, Melissa Richter of Lawrence; a number of grandchildren and several great grandchildren; two brothers Lee and Oliver of Lawrence and three sisters, La Vern Redford, Carolyn Sue Proctor and Brenda Kuhnert, all of Lawrence.

Mr. Helm is Preceded in death by his wife Ann Helm, his parents and two brothers, David and John Helm, a brother-in-law, James Redford, and a sister-in-law, Geneva Helm.

No services are planned at this time. Mr. Helm will be cremated and inurned at Memorial Park Cemetery, Lawrence.

Monroe is a loving father, grandpa, uncle and brother, he will be greatly missed.

Online condolences may be made at rumsey-yost.com

Kevin Anthony Lawrence

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Graveside services for Kevin Anthony Lawrence, 67, Gladstone, Mo. will be 2 pm, Monday, January 10, 2022, at Memorial Park Cemetery.  A visitation will be at 1 pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

He died unexpectedly at his home.

Kevin was born in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Doug and Mary Alice Lawrence, and spent his childhood in Kansas City and Raytown, Missouri.

He graduate from Raytown High School in 1973 and was a gifted track athlete.  He later attended the University of Kansas.

Kevin was a member of the Jackson County Sherriff Department, Missouri Highway Patrol in Saint Louis and later with the Saint Charles Police Department.

Kevin married Debbie Scott on December 10, 1980, and they had two children Sean and Nicole.  Kevin was a dedicated family man and was involved in scouting throughout is life attaining Eagle Scout and participating in his children’s scouting journey.  He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #305.  He was an avid reader and maintained a strong interest in history and current world events.

In spite of his failing health in the last few years he maintained a positive outlook and was always ready to take on current events and participate in family get togethers.  His passions outside of his family over the years were scuba diving, chess and history/archology.  Kevin had a keen intellect and sharp mind for politics and his passion for the love of contry will be greatly missed.

Kevin was preceded in death by his wife Debbie and parents Doug and Mary Alice.

He is survived by his children Sean, Nicole, two brothers Keith (Anne) and Brian.

 

Brenda Carol Offutt

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A Celebration of Life for Brenda Offutt, 73, rural Lawrence, will be at 2:00 pm Saturday, January 8, 2022, at Lawrence First Church of the Nazarene, 1470 N. 1000 Rd. Lawrence, Kansas 66046.

Brenda died peacefully and suddenly Sunday, January 2, 2022, at the University of Kansas hospital, surrounded by her children and other family members following a short battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and heart failure due to pulmonary emboli.

She was born February 12, 1948, in Sioux Falls, SD, the daughter of Robert J. Fortner and Ethel L. (Robley) Fortner of rural Mount Vernon, SD. She graduated from Mount Vernon High School (1966), earned her Bachelor of Science from Bethany Nazarene College (1971) along with her certification in medical technology. She worked to put her husband Dane through his Master’s program and worked until the day before their first child was born, after which she was a full-time mom and homemaker.

She married Dane on December 30, 1971, in Mitchell, South Dakota. She is survived by her children Aaron & Stephanie (Lincoln, NE), Cara & John Kruid (Easton, KS), and Evan & Todd Boesiger (to be married April 2022, Sidney, NE), and her grandchildren: Bryce, Allison, Loralai, Aubree, John Marcus, and Mayleigh + many “bonus” kids and grandkids including Rob & Shelly Needham (Sam, Isaac, Lydia, and Rachel).

In the course of their 48 years of marriage, Dane & Brenda spent time living all over Oklahoma, as well as in San Antonio, TX; Amarillo, TX; Lincoln, NE; Cabot, AR; and Lawrence, KS. Brenda was a beloved wife, mother, grandma (“gramma” and “G-ma”), daughter, and sister. Her love for Christ, creativity, and kindness leave a wonderful legacy for all who knew her. Sweet “Momma Offutt” opened her home for people and pups alike—whether family, friends or strangers—to be welcomed, well-loved and well fed.

Financial gifts in Brenda’s memory may be directed to:

Quilts of Valor® Foundation | P.O. Box 191 | Winterset, IA 50273 |

Birthright of Topeka Inc. (Crisis Pregnancy) P.O. Box 414, Topeka, KS 66601-0414

Or send checks in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

 

Helen Joan (Daum) Ludwig

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Graveside Inurnment for Helen Joan (Daum) Ludwig, 88, Lawrence, will be live streamed at 10 am, Tuesday, January 11, 2022, on Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home and Crematory Facebook Page.

On January 1, 2022, Helen Joan (Daum) Ludwig, 88, died.

She was born in Lawrence, Kansas and spent most of her life there.  Ruth and Chester Daum were her parents.  Roger Daum, Carol Daum were her brother and sister.  Ruth, Roger, and Carol have all passed.

She married Bill Dyer of Lawrence.  They had three children, a set of twin boys maned Don and David Dyer, and a daughter, Wanda (Dyer) Thompson.  Don and Wanda Survive.  Bill and David passed away several years ago.

Helen Lived in the Lawrence Babcock Place for many years.  Health forced her to move to Goodman, Missouri, to live with her daughter.  As her health declined had to have nursing home care.  She was residing at Granby House in Granby, MO., at the time of her death.

Helen was not just your average little old lady.  During her life, she was a pilot, a police officer, a lady trucker, lady biker, and taught classes at the truck driving school.  She will be missed terribly, but is in a better place now for sure.

Due to weather and Covid concerns the family has decided to have a small graveside service broadcast on Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home and Crematory Facebook page.

Bruce L. Passman

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Bruce Passman (June 18, 1949- December 24, 2021).

Bruce was born in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of Herbert and Lorraine, and spent his childhood in Omaha, Nebraska. He attended the University of Kansas, wrapping up his college degrees with a Ph.D in Special Education Administration. His career began in Lawrence as a School Psychologist, continued in Blue Valley as Executive Director of Student services, followed by a position in Topeka as the State Director of Special Education, and he returned to and retired from the Lawrence school district as the Deputy Superintendent.

Bruce taught numerous graduate courses for KU and served on a multitude of state and national boards. His passion for special education was evident in his life-long commitment to students and families and was instrumental in changing the focus of special education across the state.

Those who knew Bruce would be hard pressed to recall a memory of him that doesn’t include laughter, a KU sweatshirt, a cold beer in hand, and music in the background. He could tell you the name of every song/artist and was always singing along. Bruce never forgot a face or a name and loved nothing more than talking with people. He was incredibly open-minded and interested in politics and current events. His non-professional resume includes soccer coach, tennis partner, avid yet unsuccessful Minnesota fisherman, dedicated SNL viewer, and basketball fan. His granddaughters loved baking for him and he raved about everything they made. In return, Grandpa always kept a secret stash of gummy bears or Twizzlers for the girls. His highlight of the week was Sunday family dinners.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 52 years, Michele, of the home; his son, Travis Passman of Lawrence; his daughter Erin Passman Lawrence, her husband John, and their daughters Abby, Elise, and Anna, all of Lawrence; his mother Lorraine of Overland Park; his brothers Neal of Tampa, FL and Randy of Raleigh, NC.

The family wishes to thank Bridge Haven for the compassionate care he received in the last year of his 17-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation through Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

A Celebration of Bruce’s Life will be held at a later date.

Clayton Gene “Skeet” Nuss

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Clayton Gene “Skeet” Nuss, 89, of Lawrence, Kansas. Born in 1932 at home in Hoisington, Kansas to Henry W and Amalia Nuss. His parents were both “Volga Germans” who were immigrants to the United States from Russia.

Gene joined the U.S. Navy immediately after graduation in 1950 from Hoisington High School. He served on the USS Sperry, a submarine tender, and in Guam during the Korean War from March 1951 to February 1955.

Gene attended the University of Kansas using the GI Bill from 1955-1959. He graduated obtaining a BA in English and a minor in Art History.

Gene worked in various office positions at the H.D. Lee Company in Kansas City and Presbyterian Hospital Center and Plastic Surgery Associates in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Gene retired in 1993 from his “dream job” as a paraprofessional at the Fines Arts Library at the University of New Mexico.

Always an avid reader, Gene’s mantra was, “So many books, so little time.”

In 1994, Gene married Mary Jane Lybolt in Albuquerque. They moved to Lawrence, Kansas, in 1995.

Gene served as an usher at Trinity Episcopal Church and the Lied Center (from 1996 until about 2011), both of which fed his love of music and language. Gene was one of the first group of volunteer greeters at the Union Pacific Depot Visitor Center. His love of trains made that particularly easy duty as he’d count them as they came through Lawrence.

Mary Jane survives of the home. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and two sisters.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 21st at 10:30 am at Trinity Episcopal Church, with Fr. Rob Baldwin officiating. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Gene’s life can make a donation to the Trinity Episcopal Food Pantry, the Lawrence Humane Society or the Hospice division of the Visiting Nurse Association.

Carol Ann Detter Falen

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Carol Ann Detter Falen, Age 86, entered into rest peacefully on December 28, 2021, in Missoula, Montana. She was born on November 8, 1935, daughter to Harry and Mildred Detter in Hutchinson, Kansas.

She graduated from Winfield High School, Winfield, Kansas in 1953 as valedictorian and received several art awards. Carol has maintained lifelong friendships from her days there. She attended Oklahoma State University where she was a very active member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. Carol was chosen to represent OSU and honored as an American Royal Princess in 1954.

Carol married Darrell Keith Falen on June 23, 1956. They had 59 joyous years, filled with adventure and extensive travel within the US and Abroad. They spent their early married days with the US Navy in Florida, California, and Washington State, landing back in Kansas to continue raising their two children. Carol finished her undergraduate work at Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas in 1969. She began teaching Home Economics at West Junior High School, Lawrence, Kansas alongside her dear friend Janet Fike, retiring after 26 years in 1995. Carol was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church, Lawrence, Kansas where she also volunteered. She continued to help with the University of Kansas Alpha Chi Omega chapter in Lawrence.

Carol was blessed with a wonderful family and many friends with whom she enjoyed bridge, coffee, parties, travel, boating, skiing, golfing and sharing cherished memories. She was an accomplished painter and loved to sew and quilt, designing numerous beautiful creations, donating and gifting to others.

Carol treasured her time with family. Together, Noni and Pop Pop supported and shared in their grandsons lives and activities, bringing much pride and joy to all. Carol proudly supported her husband as Coach and Administrator at Lawrence High School and was also a loyal fan of the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, KC Royals and the KC Chiefs sports teams.

Carols beloved husband, her parents and brother, Marshall Detter preceded her in death.

She will be greatly missed by her two children and spouses, son Steve Falen and wife Susan, daughter Diana Vincent and husband Jeff, grandsons Zach Falen, Cooper and Tanner Vincent, sister and brother-in-law Janice and Larry Flick and sister-in-law Diane Detter.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Springs At Missoula and Pioneer Ridge Independent Living in Lawrence for the care extended to Carol during her time living in each facility.

Private inurnment is planned. A Celebration of Life will be held from noon to 2 pm Saturday, April 9th, 2022, at the Eldridge Hotel.