No services are planned at this time for, Larry Dale Athey Sr., 70, of Winchester.
Mr. Athey died December 4, 2021, at FW Huston Medical Center in Winchester.
Category: Obituaries
Twila Dwon Lampke
Memorial services for Twila Dwon Lampke, 61, Lawrence, will be 11am Friday at the Pomona Assembly of God Church.
Ms. Lampke died Sunday, December 5, 2021, at her home.
She was born October 19, 1960, in Scott City, Kansas, the daughter of Rex Dean and Shirley Janette McIntire Rictor. She graduated high school in 1979.
Ms. Lampke worked as a customer service representative. She enjoyed watching football and movies, going to eat out, and especially spending time with her grandchildren and family.
She is survived by her parents; a daughter, April Dawn Lampke of Las Vegas, Nevada; sisters Evonna James and husband Ron of Pomona, Kansas, Rexanna Schneider and husband James of Lubbock, Texas; grandchildren, Jason Jessee and Zaya Jessee of Lawrence, and Gabriel Kneedler of Coffeyville, Kansas.
The family will receive friends from 10-11am Friday at the Pomona Assembly of God Church.
Marian Virginia Lang
Marian Lang, 93, died in the early hours of the morning on November 29, 2021, at her home in Lawrence.
She was born on April 10, 1928, in Lawrence to Joseph Robert “Bob” Gentry and Audrey Eva (Landis) Gentry. She grew up on a farm in the Lake View area and was proud of her heritage as a fifth-generation Kansan. She frequently talked about the fun she had as a child on the farm and at the Lakeview club house, where her grandparents Daisy and Ship Gentry worked as custodians after their retirement from farming. She attended Barker one-room grade school and Liberty Memorial High School.
On July 31, 1950, she married Edward “Ed” Lang of Jetmore, Kansas. They met at the Eldridge Hotel, where she worked as a waitress and he worked part time as a soda jerk while attending KU. The first time she saw him, she told a friend that he was the man she was going to marry. They married several months after meeting each other and were happily married for 47 years until his death in 1997. They had one daughter, Linda Lang, who survives of the home.
Marian primarily worked at home and was an immaculate housekeeper and a good cook. Over the years, she volunteered with McAllaster Grade School, the Girl Scouts, the Social Service League, and Watkins Museum.
She liked to read, especially mysteries in later years, and to watch the television show Jeopardy. She quilted and completed several beautiful traditional quilts. She loved animals and doted on several dogs – Yoyo, Sheba, Heidi, Molly, Muffin, Theda, and Junebug – who lived with the family over a period of decades.
Marian valued her friendships, and she had several women friends who remained close to her throughout her lifetime. She relied on them for fun, conversation, laughter, and emotional support, and they received the same in return.
Marian will be remembered for her sassy attitude, her wit, her sense of fun, her loyalty, and her quiet, behind-the-scenes generosity.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her sister, Dorothy Jean (Gentry) Trapp. Survivors include her daughter; her beloved dog, Junebug; her brother, Robert Ellis Gentry; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Special thanks goes to her nephew Rick Trapp and his wife, Patti Trapp, for their many kindnesses over the years.
No public services are planned.
Memorial donations may be made to the Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association/Hospice or the Lawrence Humane Society, sent in care of the funeral home.
James Walter Keener
Funeral services for James Walter Keener, 65, Kansas City, will be 2 pm, Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, Burial will follow at Clinton Cemetery.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents James T. & Christine E. Keener, and his brother Steven “Red” M. Keener. He leaves to cherish his memories forever; his wife Marilyn I. Keener, son Joshua M. Keener, stepchildren Melissa R. Owen, Jason C. Beason, Andrew V. Beason, his sister Renda Gail Stevinson; 9 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, 2 nieces, 4 great nieces, 3 nephews, and 2 great nephews.
Jimmy was born and raised in KansasCity, Mo. As a young boy he enjoyed summer trips down to Alabama to visit his Mamaw & Papaw Edgil. He fondly recalled soothing sounds of rain coming down on the tin roof of the house where they lived, and the smell of Mamaw’s home-made biscuits. Happy times were shared with aunts, uncles, and cousins, all of whom he stayed connected to until his last able months. He loved them all. Between the ages of 8-10, Jimmy enjoyed Cub Scout activities with his father and brother, where he earned achievement badges for camping and hiking.
After Jimmy finished with highschool, his love of music led him to work as a band & lighting technician for several bands. For over a decade he was able to travel the country with many big named bands such as Shooting Star and the Statler Brothers. In his late twenties, Jimmy returned to Kansas City where he met his wife Marilyn, and resumed his education at Longview Community College to become an auto mechanic. In 1987 Jim became a proud father of his only biological son Joshua Michael Keener.
Highly intelligent and blessed with a quick wit, Jimmy was an encyclopedia of random facts, and well versed on numerous subjects. You would definitely want him on your team for a trivia contest!! Conversations with him always proved interesting and engaging – even hilarious! His hobbies included: cooking, getting and sharing recipes from cooking channels, rooting for KU, Chiefs, Royals, and the St. Louis Cardinals. One of his favorite pastimes was spoiling rotten all of his grandchildren & nieces with pieces of candy and treats he carried in his pockets. He was known to say, “If mom says no, just ask grandpa!”.
Between 2005 and 2014 Jimmy was blessed to be the recipient of 2 organ transplants for which he was deeply grateful. These last years were filled with countless physical and emotional ups and downs for Jim and his family. However, through each unfolding health challenge, he persisted and endured with a positive outcome in mind. He was joined in his journey with the love, support and prayers of his family, as he met each new hurdle with steadfast courage.
His legacy is one of inspiration and hope. When we remember Jimmy, may the strength and Love he has for each of us continue on in our hearts..
Phillip Turner
Graveside services for Phillip Turner, 63, Lawrence, will be 11 am, Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at Oak Hill Cemetery. A visitation will be from 10-10:45 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
He died November 20, 2021, at LMH Health.
Kent Alan House
Funeral services for Kent Alan House, 64, Paola, will be 11:00am, Friday, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Mr. House died Monday, November 29, 2021, at Medicalodges Paola.
He was born September 21, 1957, in Lawrence, the son of Stanley Thomas and Agnes Velora Spitzli House. He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1975.
As a young man Mr. House delivered newspapers for the Lawrence Journal World.
He was a Christian and grew up in the Centenary United Methodist Church. He was a musician, enjoyed fishing, and painting.
He is survived by brothers, Frederick House and wife Norma Lea of Kansas City, KS, Ronald Dean House and wife Velma Kay of Norman, OK; sister, Nancy Ann Cornelius and husband Larry of Lawrence, KS; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Stanley Eugene House; sister, Helen Sue Seetin; nephews, Thomas Lee House, Daniel Warren House; nieces, Mischelle Seetin, and Rebecca Ann House.
Friends may call from 12:00pm to 8:00pm Thursday at the funeral home, where the family will receive them from 10:00am to 11:00am Friday.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Centenary United Methodist Church, sent in care of the funeral home.
Peyton James Whitaker
A private family Celebration of Life for Peyton James Whitaker, 18, Topeka, will be held at a later date. Peyton passed away Wednesday, November 24, 2021, in Lawrence.
Born to Shane and Amanda Rector Whitaker.
Step Mother Dora Whitaker, Sisters Eleanor and Cecilia Monaghan of the home, step brother Daniel Sallman, Step Sister Ana Sallman, Olathe, KS, Grandparents Leanne (Kevin) Quinn Arvada, CO, David (Denise) Santiago Weldon, CA, Great Grandmother Mary Rector Arvada, CO and Step Great Grandmother Sandra Rector Amarillo, TX. Step Great Grandparents Bob (Linda) Quinn Brighton, CO. Uncle Mark (Sarah) Miller Frederick, CO. Several great Aunts and Uncles and numerous cousins. Preceded in death by Grandmother Teresa Whitaker, Great Grandmother Ruby Puckett and Great Grandfather Duane Rector.
Peyton deeply loved his family and his pets. He genuinely loved nature and being outdoors. He made friends easily and wanted to help anyone he could.
Mary Ann Strong
Funeral services for Mary Ann Strong, 81, Baldwin City, will be at 2 pm Wednesday at Vinland Church of Christ, with Preacher Shawn Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Vinland Cemetery. A visitation will be held Tuesday from 5-7 pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Mary Ann passed away Wednesday, November 24, 2021, at her home, surrounded by family.
Mary Ann (James) Strong was born January 26, 1940 in Gainesville, Mo. The daughter of Opal (Luna) and Frank James. She was raised in Gainesville into her young adulthood. Mary Ann had two sisters Betty and Judy whom she dearly loved and always spoke of them with a twinkle in her eye. She never described anything elaborate or glamorous as a child. Rather she often spoke about hard work, lots of love, and her great joy of the music she and her family often partook in. Music was a staple in her home and stayed with her through her journey.
Mary Ann was united in marriage to Delbert L Strong (of Gainesville, Mo) on May 4, 1957 in West Plains, Mo. They almost made it to their 60th wedding anniversary before Delbert’s departure from battling cancer in March, 2017. Their love for one another was nothing short of remarkable and truly a display of beauty.
Mary Ann and Delbert raised their two sons Edward and Jack for the better part in Baldwin City, Ks.
Mary Ann always was willing to roll up her sleeves to provide for her family. She worked at Hallmark for a period, then during the Vietnam War era she worked for Hercules, (known as the Sunflower Ammunition plant), where she helped assemble wing mounted missiles designed for aircrafts. Her true passion came shortly after as a Beautician and Cosmetologist. She pursued beauty school and later became a business owner of her own shop, Guys and Dolls in Lawrence, Ks. She was always driven, and found much peace in making others feel good about themselves which she carried into her home as well. She eventually sold her business, but continued to do hair into her eighties coming in and out of “retirement”.
Mary Ann had a true passion for music. She spent much of her early adult life playing in a country band where she played guitar and sang lead. Almost all Friday and Saturday nights were spent this way for nearly 20 years. When she wasn’t playing music she could certainly be found with Delbert chasing bluegrass festivals or would be in her kitchen preparing the best food made with love for Sunday dinner. She deeply loved her family and extended that love to all in the most genuine form.
Her greatest love of all was certainly her family. She treasured her two sons, all six of her grandsons, and especially her two great grandchildren. She would stop at nothing to spend as much time with them as possible. Her and Delbert attended most every game or special event they could from day one. They often took trips only to include their grandchildren to places like Branson, Mo or maybe just a weekend at the lake to camp in their RV. Her grandsons often reflect on these golden times spent as her and Delbert did a fair share of spoiling their kids.
She is survived by two sons, Edward N Strong of Paola and Jack L Strong and Jan of Overland Park, Ks. One sister Judy Jewell and husband Clifton of Springfield, Mo. Five grandchildren, Jeremiah Strong and his wife, Christina of Olathe, Ks, Joshua Strong of Gardner, Ks, Cody Strong of Overland Park, Ks, Hunter Strong of Aurora, Co, Cory Drennen of Overland Park, Ks and two great grandchildren, Shaylee Strong and Justin Strong.
Mrs Strong was preceded in death by her parents, Opal and Frank James, her husband Debert, her sister Betty Lehar, and grandson, Judson Strong.
Mary Ann Strong was a loving and devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, and nana to all of her kids. In her you could find strength and the truest article of friendship. She was a devoted Christian of the Church of Christ, and always with open arms to all at her table. She will be deeply missed and will remain in our hearts forever.
Stanley Lewis DeFries
Stanley Lewis DeFries died November 24th at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. He was born December 2, 1928 son of Bailey Bennett DeFries and Margaret Lucille Glendening DeFries. He grew up in Muncie, Kansas, attended Stony Point Elementary School and Turner High School. He participated in vocal and instrumental groups and was a member of the Hosking Boys Band where he also taught at the Hosking Conservatory. A ten year member of 4-H, he assumed many leadership roles in church and community.
He married Alice Jo Hostetter of Wellsville, Kansas, June 10,1951. They began their life together in Topeka, Stanley was Minister of Music at the First Baptist Church and Alice Jo taught at Dover High School. Their two children were born in Topeka; Stanley Lucky in 1953 and Paula Jo in 1955. They began their lifelong commitment to music ministry and teaching. First in Topeka, then Bloomington, IN, Washington D.C., Sioux Falls, SD, and back to Ottawa. Stanley developed schools of choirs in the various churches and chaired Music Departments in Sioux Falls and Ottawa. A Sibyl Martin Distinguished Professor of Music, he conducted the Ottawa University Concert Choir for twenty years, touring the US and the first tour to Europe.
His degrees were a B.A Music in Piano, Ottawa University, a Masters in Vocal Pedagogy and Ph.D in Choral Literature and Conducting, Jacobs School of Music of Indiana University, Bloomington. He championed the music of American composers holding festivals of their music wherever he went. The list is long–Robert Wilson Hays, Will James, Powell Weaver, Thomas Beversdorf, Seth Bingham, Jester Hairston, Samuel Barber and Aarron Copland. Following his second visit to Ottawa, Dr. Copland gave a complete set of his scores to the department. Stanley founded Ye Olde Englishe Feaste which was a 28 year fixture of the Christmas Season. He was musical director for a series of Broadway Musicals, conductor of many major Choral works. He served as music critic for two newspapers, clinician and adjudicator for High School State Music Festivals. He also served on four panels of Judges for the District and Regional Auditions of the Metropolitan Opera.
Community involvement was an important part of his life. A member of the Arts Council Board, Chair of the Franklin County United Way, board member of the Ottawa Suzuki Strings, Chatauqua and Elderhostel leader and a Paul Harris Member of Rotary International. The DeFries retired in 1998 and moved to Lawrence. Retirement years for them were much like earlier ones, filled with many community activities. Stanley was an active member of the First American Baptist Church, singing in the choir, member of the finance committee and accompanist for the children’s choir. He was Friend of the Hall Center, the Lied Center, the Dole Institute for Politics, and Theater Lawrence. And to honor their long tenure Ottawa University established The DeFries Society for the Performing Arts.
Stanley is survived by the family he loved so much. He wife, Alice Jo, son S. Lucky DeFries and wife Pam of Topeka; daughter Paula Nauman and husband Bob of Louisburg; grandchildren and great grandchildren, Eric Nauman and wife Nichole, Claire, Stella, Callan Nauman of Kearney, Missouri; Kurt Nauman and wife Tasha, Salem Nauman of Olathe, KS, Kyle Nauman and wife Kelsie, Laikynn, Aspyn, Lexie Nauman of Sawyer, KS; Ashley Broxterman and husband Luke; Sarah and Ruthie of Wakarusa, KS; Brett DeFries and wife Emily of Minneapolis, MN; sister Mary Monroe and husband Hal of Stockton, CA.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions made to the DeFries Society for Preforming Arts at Ottawa University 1001 S Cedar St, Ottawa, KS 66067 attn; Advancements or Lawrence First Baptist Church, 1330 Kasold Drive, Lawrence, Kansas 66049.
A Celebration of Life will be 2 pm, Sunday, December 19, at Ottawa University Chapel, Ottawa, Kansas. Online condolences made at rumsey-yost.com
Helen Winifred Skeates
No services are planned for Helen Winifred Skeates, 101, Lawrence.
Ms. Skeates died Friday, November 26, 2021, at her home.
Mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Strong, independent, determined, and fierce protector of those she considered family. An incredible woman and always full of life.
Helen saw the changes of a full century, experiencing firsthand what most today only know from history books. She learned so much in her time, and passed on that wisdom of others. She was always willing to adapt to continue providing for her family. Helen further showed her love through her amazing cooking.
She never backed down because of what others might think, standing firm and proud as a single mother in the fifties despite the stigma, then raised her granddaughter’s as well.
She will always be loved, and will be greatly missed as she begins this next stage of her journey. There will always be a part of her watching over and loving her family, a guardian angel just as she was in life.
