Category: Obituaries

Cynthia F. Parsons-Chubb

Posted on by RumseyYost

Cynthia Parsons-Chubb (Johanning) passed away peacefully on Friday, October 1, 2021, at LMH Health. Cindy was born on February 8, 1929, in Lawrence. She grew up on a farm outside of Baldwin City. 
 
Cindy was predeceased by her parents, Henry and Selma Johanning, sister Mildred, husband of 48 years, Lewis Parsons, husband of 11 years Gene Chubb. Cindy will be lovingly remembered by son Brad Parsons, and daughter, Melinda Hoover. She had six grandchildren, Heidi Chestnut, Lauren Ostrow, Jamilee Grammer, Jacob Hoover, Jordan Parsons, and Reiss Parsons. She also had eleven great-grandchildren. 
 
Cindy attended school at Marion Springs Elementary School and graduated Baldwin City High School. She graduated from Kansas State Teachers College of Emporia in 1951. 
 

Cindy was happiest when she was spending time with her family. It gave her great joy to help others and serve the Lord as a long time member of First United Methodist Church of Lawrence and St John’s United Church of Christ rural Baldwin City. 
 
Funeral service will be held at 2pm, on Saturday, October 16, at St John’s United Church of Christ, 396 E 900th Rd, Baldwin City. (59 Hwy to 56 Hwy West to 900th Rd North 1 mile) The family will receive friends at 1pm before the funeral at the church. Internment will follow at the Church Cemetery. Cindy’s family invites you to join them after the service to celebrate her life and share memories at 4pm. at her son Brad’s home.

The family suggests memorials to Family Promise Of Lawrence Inc, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, PO Box 1260, Lawrence KS 66044.

Condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.

Georgia Rose Bell

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Private family services for Georgia Rose Bell, 98, Lawrence, took place 11 am, Thursday, October 7, 2021, at Maple Grove Cemetery, North Lawrence.

She died September 27, 2021, in Topeka.

Georgia Rose Bell was born November 30, 1922 to Dowin J. Gerhardt and Anna Rose Payne (Coleman) in New Franklin, MO. The oldest child of 7.

Georgia attended Lawrence Public Schools. Georgia Graduated from Lawrence High School and went to Clark’s School of Business.

While living in Lawrence, Georgia had several jobs working for Kansas Turnpike as a toll-gate operator, University of Kansas as a clerk, Kings Radio as an production worker, Sunflower Ammunition’s plant. Georgia’s favorite job was being a Director of East Lawrence Community Center being with the young adults and assisting their parents. Georgia also cooked for the Fraternities at KU. Georgia enjoyed cooking. gardening, sewing and most all crafts. She even raised parakeets of all kinds and colors.

Georgia Rose Bell, peacefully passed away on September 27. 2021. at the age of 98. with her children around her. Georgia is survived by her 6 children, 4 daughters: Phyllis A. Bell of Arizona, Gloria J. Miller of Topeka , Claudia E. Bell of Topeka, Merna D. Bell of Topeka. 2 sons: Norman S Bell of Lawrence, and Steven W. Bell of Topeka. 17 grandchildren, 14 greatgrand children, several great great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews with 2 remaining siblings: Sister- Nina M Gordon of North Carolina and brother- Charles W. Coleman of California.

She was preceded in death by her parents Dowin J Gerhardt and Anna Rose Coleman and two sisters. Minnie Jane Lewis of Lawrence and Betty Ann Fowler of KC Missouri and 2 brothers, Larry E. Coleman of Lawrence, Paul Shelton Coleman of Lawrence.

Timothy J. ‘Tim’ Will

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Private family inurnment will take place in Reno Cemetery at a later date for Timothy J. ‘Tim’ Will, 61, Lawrence, who passed away on Sunday, September 26, 2021, at his home after a battle with cancer, surrounded by family. A private Celebration of Life will be held later as well.

He was a longtime supervisor in the City of Lawrence Utilities Department.

A full obituary will appear here later.

 

Burdett Loomis

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Burdett Loomis, 76, Lawrence, passed away Saturday, September 25, 2021, at his home, surrounded by family, following a bout with cancer. He was a longtime professor of political science at the University of Kansas and a well-respected election analyst. He also contributed locally to the arts.

Born June 14, 1945, in New York City, NY, Loomis began his career at KU in the late 1970’s and worked there for more than 40 years. Before that he worked at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, and at the University of Wisconsin in Madison as a visiting professor, according to KU’s website. He also held positions as director of administrative communication for former Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and as interim director of the Robert J. Dole Institute for Public Service and Public Policy from 1997 to 2001.

Local survivors include his wife Michel, his son Dakota, and two grandchildren.

Matthew James Breshears

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Services for Matthew “Matt” J. Breshears, 30, of Lawrence, will be held at 10am Saturday, October 2 at Victory Bible Church, 1942 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, Kansas, followed by a memorial at 23rd Street Brewery at noon. Burial will be private at a later date.

Matt passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, September 21, 2021.

He was born on March 3, 1991, in Lawrence, Kansas to loving parents.

Matthew was a loving father, brother, and son.  He worked for many years in the automotive industry and was loved by many.

He was an avid sports fan of KU and the Chiefs.  He loved spending time with his girls, going to the lake, road trips, hunting, and fishing with family.  He also enjoyed taking the girls for motorcycle rides and working on vehicles with them by his side.

Survivors include two daughters, Gabriella Mae Breshears (6) and Haleigh Marie Breshears (5); father, Eugene J. ‘Jim’ Breshears; brother, Eugene R. Breshears; sister, Lori Shackelford; brother, Ronald E. Breshears; sister, Beth Clark; sister, Mary M. Billingsly; sister-in-law, Katalyn Brandy; and many nieces and a nephew.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Anna Mae McNeal of Sedalia; brother, Joshua Edward Breshears of Sedalia; and fiancé, Lizz Ann Allen of Lawrence.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to Gabriella Breshears or Lori Shackelford.

Jonathan Louis Torneden

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Graveside services for Jonathan “Jon” Louis Torneden, 62, Lecompton, will be 11 am, Saturday, October 9, 2021, at Clinton Cemetery. Jon’s ashes will be buried with his father.

He died September 21, 2021, in Lawrence.

Jon was born January 3, 1959 in Lawrence, KS – the middle son of Floyd Frederick and Neysa Ann (Dean) Torneden. He graduated in 1977 from Mission Valley High School in Eskridge, Kansas. He attended Butler County Community College and Fort Hays State University on track scholarships. He also attended San Diego Community College. He graduated with a business degree.

Jon served in the United States Army from 1980-1984 as an Infantryman acting as a Presidential Honor Guard. As the Presidential Honor Guard, he had the honor of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and served at many high-ranking military funerals. During his service, he was approved for all top-secret clearances. While in the Army, he was highly decorated including the good conduct medal, army service ribbon, expert infantryman badge, marksman qualification badge with rifle and marksman qualification badge with hand grenade.

After leaving the military, he worked in several industries. At the time of his passing, he was working as a forklift driver at Brill, Inc. in Bonner Springs, KS.

He is preceded in death by his father, Floyd Torneden, and his stepfather, Bill Blair.

Survivors include his mother, Neysa Blair, Topeka, KS, his stepmother, Jeanne Torneden, Lawrence, KS, three brothers, Fred (Deb) Torneden, Manhattan, KS, Lee Torneden, Baldwin City, KS, and Jud (Marcia) Blair, Topeka, KS, four sisters, Janet (Jerry) Kessler, Perry, KS, Cheryl (Dana) Johnson, Fernandina Beach, FL, Lisa (Buzz) Bohmeyer, Oklahoma City, OK, and Jeanne (Scott) Waisner,

Lawrence, KS, his three cats, Castiel, Gordo and Bud, and many nieces and nephews.

Jon loved driving a Datsun 240z, was a huge gun enthusiast, cherished his cats and enjoyed collecting items.

Memorial donations can be made to Wounded Warrior Project, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS, 66044.

Morris Vincent Harding

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Funeral services for Morris Vincent Harding, 53, Lawrence, will be 10am Friday, October 1, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory.

Mr. Harding passed on September 16, 2021, at his residence.

Vincent was born on January 19,1968 to Asenath Ann Riley in Topeka, Kansas. He was affectionately known as Vincent aka “Vinny” by his friends and loved ones.

Vincent was raised in Topeka and Lawrence, Kansas by his mother and stepfather John W. McCrary Sr. He was an active child and loved to be outdoors. When he was younger, he loved to ride a skateboard. He enjoyed playing the guitar and singing. He especially enjoyed listening to Prince and Michael Jackson. Vincent was a dancing machine. There was a time you could see him walking down the street carrying a big boom box showing off his muscles.

He went to Job Corp to become a journeyman plumber.

Vincent had a heart of gold and enjoyed being with people. He liked to make people smile and laugh. Vincent took pride in his looks. He worked out, kept his hair nice, and wore stylish clothes. Vincent learned how to cook from his mother, looking over her shoulder and learning her secret recipes.

There are many special memories we can hold in our hearts. Vincent knew the Lord and we are comforted to know that he is in our Savior’s arms.

Vincent will be missed by his loved ones and is survived by his children, Marcus Lee Harding, Michael Ailes, Mathew Ailes, Savannah Ailes, Thea and Logan Brown; mother, Asenath Ann Riley; sister, Rose Mila McCrary; brother, John W. McCrary Jr.; extended family includes, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews, and grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 5-7pm Thursday, September 30, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

 

Stuart B. (Stu) Harwood

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Graveside inurnment for Stuart B. (Stu) Harwood, 62, Lawrence, will be 2 pm, Friday, October 1, 2021, at Oak Hill Cemetery.

He died at home Sept 17th of an apparent heart attack.

Stuart was born April 12th 1959 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital  to Winston B Harwood and Harriet Ruth Harwood (Reisner).

He was preceded in death by both parents, a brother, Kevin Scott Harwood and his beloved   pooch Miss Murphy.

He is survived by two brothers, Robert W. Harwood, Douglas E. Harwood  and wife  Laura Lee of Lawrence, as well as their children, niece,   Allison M. Harwood, Mission Ks.  and Shawn Harwood  of Lawrence.   A sister, Harriet J. Harwood of Dallas. Nephews Samuel L. Harwood and wife Jennica Wessels Harwood and nephews Bennett, Beckham, Bowen and a niece, Ellison Harwood.  All of  Lawrence. And another niece  Haley G. Harwood, and sister in law Susan Harwood both of Shawnee, Ks.

Visitation will be from 12 noon to 1;45 P.M. at the funeral home with graveside services  to  follow At Oak Hill Cemetery . A  Celebration of Life will be held immediately following the graveside service at Empire, 925 Iowa Suite ‘P’. In the Hillcrest Shopping center. Light food will be served along with a cash bar.  Time will be provided for friends and family to share good memories and ‘Stu’ Stories during this time. (He would tell one on you and he would appreciate the same in return from the many who loved and shared many an adventure and laugh with him.)

Stuart received a Bachelors Degree of General Studies form Kansas University. He later returned  to K.U. and earned a second degree in Communications. Stu owned and operated Stu’s Midtown Tavern in the Hillcrest Shopping Center  as a premier Blues and Jazz venue for more than 10 years. Prior to that he managed the family business, Harwood’s Inc. Stuart was one of a number of  original organizers of the Lawrence St Patricks’ Day Parade. He was a volunteer for  Headquarters Crisis Center for a time.  He had a gift for hearing other peoples problems from their heart to his.  He was an intense Kansas University of Kansas fan and Alumni. Loyal no matter how things were going in the sports world.

Stuart received many awards from local civic and non profit organizations for his many contributions’ here in Lawrence. He was a longtime member of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce and served as an Envoy to the Chamber for a time. Stu rarely met a stranger. He drew energy, strength and  purpose from  those around him. Stuart will be sorely missed by his family and many, many, friends.   If you are unable to attend the visitation and  grave side service,  PLEASE stop by Empire after services to say hello and have a bite to eat and a drink in his memory..

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lawrence Humane Society, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Julia Brooks

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Julia Brooks, 98, long time Lawrence resident, died Friday, September 17, at Brookside Manor in Overbrook, KS.

Julia was born in Richland, Kansas, on December 18, 1922 to Charles and Maude Allbaugh.  She graduated from Overbrook High School and attended Emporia State Teachers College.

She was married to Byron Brooks on May 8, 1943.  They shared nearly 64 years of marriage until his death in 2007.

She is survived by 3 sons, Mark (Susie), Carl (Nancy), and Bruce (Shelley, deceased), 6 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild and many neices and nephews.

Julia was an avid bridge player, having earned the rank of life master.  She was also a gardener.  She had a large garden in North Lawrence, and on the family farm in Baldwin, for many years.  Julia was a driver of Meals on Wheels for years and was a faithful member of Plymouth Congregational Church and the Baldwin First United Methodist Church, during her time in Baldwin City.  She spend many of her retirement years following the activities of her grandchildren.  She was unfailingly loyal to her family and enjoyed all of their successes.

Memorial services are pending.

Memorial contributions should be made to Lawrence Habitat for Humanity, sent in care of the funeral home.