Category: Obituaries

Jeanne Pauline Haider

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Jeanne Pauline (Messenhimer) Haider passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026, in her hometown, Lawrence, Kansas.

Jeanne was born on May 18, 1949, in Ottawa, Kansas, the daughter of Kenneth and Claudine Messenhimer.  She grew up in Lawrence and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1967. She went skydiving in 1968.

Jeanne graduated from Emporia State University in 1971, with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She moved to Kansas City, Kansas and started her teaching career in the K.C.K. School District. She taught at the elementary level from 1972 through 1978. She married Larry Haider in 1976.

In 1978, Jeanne and Larry moved to Denver, Colorado. Jeanne continued her teaching career in the Denver School District. Jeanne and Larry divorced in 1982. In 1990, Jeanne received her Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Lesley College. In 1993, Jeanne received her Administration Certification from the University of Denver.

Jeanne’s teaching career spanned over 32 years. She also served on many committees and boards in her field of expertise. She volunteered her time to worthy causes.

Jeanne had many other interests. She liked to travel within the U.S. and to other countries. In 1991, she accompanied her parents on a trip to Germany and Norway, with a visit to her brother who was stationed in Norway. She worked in customer service for Frontier Airlines for a while after she retired from teaching.  She was a huge fan of the Denver Broncos. She was an avid skier. She liked concerts at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre. She ran in the BOULDERBoulder 10k Run six times. In 2015, Jeanne decided to move back home to Lawrence, Kansas. She enjoyed being back in Lawrence and being with family and friends.

Jeanne is preceded in death by her parents.

Jeanne is survived by:  Sister, Janice (Messenhimer) Tusten and Bill, Olathe, KS; Brother, Kenneth Messenhimer and Nora, San Antonio, TX;  Sister, Terry Messenhimer and Dr. Marc Hardin, Lawrence, KS; Sister, Debbie Messenhimer, Lawrence, KS; Sister, Cindy (Messenhimer) Nickerson and Gary, Arvada, CO; Aunt, Pauline Davis, Olathe, KS.  Also, three nephews: Ryne Tusten, Kenny Messenhimer & Kevin Messenhimer; three nieces: Christianne Del Vecchio, Katie Bavender & Cassie Nickerson, and all their respective families.  J.P., you will be missed!

Many thanks of appreciation go out to:  Dear family friend Charlene Hodge, Dr. Jodie Barr and the staff of the Lawrence Cancer Center, St. Croix Hospice and the entire staff at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to:  Lawrence Presbyterian Manor, St. Croix Hospice or Lawrence Humane Society.

Judy Ann Smith Neslage

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Judy Ann Smith Neslage passed January 27, 2026 in Baldwin City, Kansas surrounded by her three children and grandson.

Judy was born January 18,1942 in Pampa, Texas, the daughter of Floyd N. and Maurine I. (Williamson) Smith. Her parents were educators and taught in several Panhandle towns including Webb Ranch, Borger, Spearman, Stinnett, and Pampa.  This sparked an interest in education for Judy. Both parents retired in El Paso, Texas where Judy began her career.  She graduated from Pampa High School in 1959. She attended West Texas State University where she met and married Frederick J. Neslage Jr. in 1962.  She is remembered for having a great sense of humor and being a lot of fun, always bringing joy.  She participated in plays and was very creative.  She earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1965 while she raised her first daughter and her then husband was serving in Vietnam.

Judy taught for over 35 years in El Paso and Ennis Texas.  In the evenings, Judy taught English as a second language and citizenship classes.  The presiding Immigration Judge praised her efforts based on the knowledge demonstrated by her pupils upon obtaining their American Citizenship.  In Ennis, she was noted for helping low-achieving students make significant advancements in both reading and math thus allowing them to reach grade level goals much more quickly and catch up with their peers.  While in El Paso, Judy loved spending time with family swimming, camping, and fishing in the National Forests in New Mexico and Arizona. Following retirement, Judy made several trips with her beloved cousins and friends to various places. She held Bible studies in her home and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.  Although her last couple of years were in a nursing home, residents reached out to share that she was always trying to help others and befriending new arrivals.

She is survived by her children; Christina (Darren) Lawrenz, Lori (Shannon Paul) Roberts, Joe (Catherine) Neslage. grandchildren; Shannon Roberts, Kaitlyn Lawrenz, Sidney Roberts, Megann Lawrenz, Laura Neslage and Connor Neslage. Greatgrandson; Christian Whiteley. Sister, Rose M. Hall and Nephews, Philip Nelson and Peter (Dedra) Nelson.

We are so grateful to the staff of Baldwin Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.  They were so caring and supportive as we navigated the last part of mom’s journey home. A Celebration of Life Service will be planned at the First Presbyterian Church, Pampa, Texas on April 10th at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your local early education programs in her memory or send donations to Wellsville High School, Attn Ashli Votaw, 602 Walnut, Wellsville, KS “for early education needs”.

Khamkahane Anonthysene

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Services for Khamkhane Anonthysene, 88, Lawrence, will be at 12:00 p.m. (noon), Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. The cremation procession will follow the services.

Mr. Anonthysene died Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

He was born August 4, 1937, in Khanthaburi District Province of Savanakhet, Laos. He was the son of Mr. Xienghack and Mrs. Sichanh Anonthysene. He graduated from the police academy with honors and was promoted to captain in 1975. The fall of Laos in 1975, he escaped to a refugee camp in Thailand, where he and the family waited for resettlement in the USA. The Church of the Brethren in Ottawa sponsored the family and settled in the USA in 1979, where he and the family became naturalized US citizens in 1986. He moved to Lawrence in 2005.

He married Bounnane in 1957. She survives of the home. They had six girls and one boy. They also had 12 grandkids and one great-grandchild.

Friends are welcome to join the Visitation on Friday, February 6th, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Bill Joe Bump

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Bill Bump died on January 27, 2026, at home, surrounded by family. He was born in Dighton, Kansas on September 23, 1945, the youngest son of Stephen and Alice Bump. Growing up, he lived in small towns across western Kansas and graduated from Morland High School. He got his Bachelors degree from Wichita State University and his Masters in Divinity from Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, CA.

Bill met his life partner, Linda Marcy McNeilly, and married her on January 16, 1971 in Wichita, Kansas. He dedicated his life to ministry, becoming a pastor and serving the communities he lived in. He and Marcy moved to Pasadena shortly after being married for Bill to attend Fuller Seminary, where he also worked for Teens for Christ. After he graduated, they moved to Seattle, WA where he became the associate pastor at First Free Methodist Church. This is where their first two children, Ryan and Andrea, were born. His first head pastor position was at Wheaton Free Methodist in Wheaton, IL from 1979 to 1987, where his youngest child Brendon was born, and then Our Redeemer Free Methodist in Elgin, Illinois from 1987 to 1990. The family then moved across the country to Bellevue, Washington where he pastored Eastside Free Methodist, which then merged and became Timberlake Christian Fellowship, from 1990 to 2002. He spent the remainder of his years in Lawrence, Kansas to be closer to his and Marcy’s aging parents, pastoring Lawrence Free Methodist from 2002 until he retired in 2018. After retiring, he decided that retired life was not as fun as it sounded, and he became a chaplain with the First Responder Chaplain Association, serving Douglas County from 2018 until he passed.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marcy; his son Ryan (and wife Silke) Bump; his daughter Andrea (and husband Shawn) Ridings; and son Brendon (and wife Laurie) Bump; as well as his grandchildren and biggest blessings Aiden, Devyn, Islyn, Greyson, Acein, Amaia, Jonah, Zakai, and Evelin. Also surviving is his last remaining sibling, his brother Jerry (and wife Nola) Bump; a sister in law Jeanette; and many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.

It would not seem right to talk about Bill’s life and not mention his love of sports. He found many ways to intertwine his ministry with his love for sports. Countless families have seen him show up for their kids at sporting events. Bill loved all sports, but baseball most of all. He loved watching his son Brendon play all the way through college and made sure he visited during baseball season when he transitioned to coaching; he attended countless baseball practices, games, and tournaments for his grandsons. He loved to watch his granddaughters play soccer and sat through miserable weather many times without complaint. He absolutely loved watching his grandkids play the sports they loved and he was their biggest fan.

When he was diagnosed with ALS in September of 2024, he faced it with dignity and grace. He did not complain or feel sorry for himself; he was grateful for the life he had lived. This was partly because it was not the first time he had been given a fatal diagnosis. He had been sent home with his parents at 9 years old by doctors who told them he should die at home surrounded by family. This was after being diagnosed with a muscular disease so rare, he was documented with photos and written about in medical journals. He was prayed for by people around the world and God heard those prayers and knew he was meant to do great things with his life. He spared him then and Bill lived the remainder of his life as someone who knew he had been given a miracle; he was the miracle.

His life was devoted to serving others. He didn’t do it by preaching sermons or impressing people with his knowledge of the Bible. He did it by showing genuine care. He truly lived as the hands and feet of Jesus. He treated people the way Jesus did without judging them based on their education, income, past, or whether they were Christian. He saw people for who they were. He knew everyone’s name, their children’s names, what school they went to, and what sports they played. He showed up to school plays, games, graduations and important milestones.

This is his legacy: the love he poured into others from a heart full of real kindness. He was always smiling and never had a negative word to say about anyone. He made people feel seen, heard and important. That can’t be taught. It was simply who he was. We will miss him endlessly. His presence never went unnoticed, and his absence is felt every single day in so many ways.

A visitation will take place from 10-11 a.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026 at River City Church. Bill’s celebration of life service will be held immediately following the visitation at 11 a.m, 3001 Lawrence Avenue in Lawrence, Kansas.

The family suggests memorial contributions to First Responder Chaplain Association, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Melvin Wayne Goin

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It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Melvin Wayne Goin on January 23, 2026, following a thirteen-year battle with Frontal Temporal Lobe Dementia (FTD) and Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA). Melvin was a devoted husband, father, grandpa, brother, and friend.  He was known for his generous spirit, sharp mind, innovative nature and love of history and storytelling.

Born on August 8, 1946, in St Joseph, Missouri, Melvin was the first-born child of Melvin Milford and Stella Marie Goin. He grew up on the family’s row-crop farm in Wathena, Kansas, where he learned to drive a tractor at nine years old.  He attended a one-room schoolhouse in Burr Oak Bottom, often as the only student in his grade, surrounded by siblings, cousins and close-knit community.

Active in 4-H, he once demonstrated electrical wiring on local television.  Melvin graduated from Wathena High School in 1964, participating in football, basketball, track, school plays and choir.  He captained the basketball team his senior year.

He went on to earn an associate degree from Missouri Western Junior College (1966), followed by a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Administration from the University of Kansas.  He became a Certified Public Accountant and completed his MBA at Northwest Missouri State University.

Melvin began his professional career at Arthur Andersen and Company in Kansas City before joining Missouri Methodist Hospital in St Joseph, where he served for eighteen years advancing from Chief Accountant to Corporate Treasurer through the merger that formed Heartland Health Center (now Mosaic Life Care).

He later became Chief Financial Officer/Vice President of Finance at Mt. Carmel Medical Center in Pittsburg, Kansas, serving two terms totaling sixteen years. During his tenure, the hospital received the Turnaround Hospital of the Year for medium sized hospitals from the American Hospital Association.  Mel was honored for his spirit, dedication and expertise.

Mel also served two terms as Vice President of Finance/Chief Financial Officer of Mercy Medical Center, Sioux City Iowa, retiring in 2008.

Melvin met his future wife, Cathy Ann Evans, on the first day of college in chemistry class. They married on September 6, 1968, and share 57 years of love, partnership, and family life. Melvin was a proud and devoted father to his daughters: Carrie Raney (Patrick) Lawrence KS, Julie Rea (Jarret), Lawrence, KS and Sarah Kliewer, Shawnee, KS.  He was blessed with six grandchildren: Zachary Kliewer (Olivia) Pittsburg, KS, Abigail Raney, Drew Raney, Jackson Rea, Jake Rea and James Rea all of Lawrence KS.  He is also survived by his siblings: Carol Hartman and Gerald Goin of Wathena, KS.  Brother-in-law, Marc Evans (Christine) Kansas City, MO and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceded in death by his parents, brother, Dennis Goin, brother-in-law Richard Hartman and nephew, Garrett Hartman.

Melvin was an avid reader with a passion for history and science fiction. He and Cathy traveled to all fifty states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and made three tours to Europe and multiple cruises before travel became difficult.

A skilled craftsman, Melvin enjoyed coin collecting, model trains and home projects – finishing the lower level of four family homes and tackling any DIY challenge with determination and the “right tools.”   Though raised believing animals belong outdoors, he grew to adore the family’s indoor pets, especially his cats Bella and Beau.  Above all, he loved supporting his grandchildren and rarely missed an event.

Melvin served his communities in various roles to mention a few.  Lions’ Club where he was President, twice Lion of the Year, Missouri State Lion’s Club Chair for the Convention in St Joseph, MO.  Member of St. Joseph’s Library board and president. YMCA Fundraising Chair.  Rotary Paul Harris Fellow.  Humane Society Board of Lawrence, KS Treasurer.

Melvin leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, and unwavering dedication to family and community. His kindness, wisdom, and steady presence will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held on at 3:00 pm on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Rumsey-Yost, 601 Indiana, Lawrence Kansas. All who knew and loved Melvin are invited to celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Lawrence Humane Society, lawrencehumane.org, St. Joseph Public Library, sjpl.lib.mo.us. Camp Kesem @ University of Kansas, donate.kesem.org or charity of the donor’s choice in honor of Melvin W. Goin.

Mona Hargadine

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Services for Mona Hargadine, 76 of Overland Park, KS will be at 10:00am Thursday, January 29, 2026 at Rumsey –Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS. Private burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Ms. Hargadine died Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Menorah Medical Center.

She was born August 5, 1949, in Montezuma Kansas , the daughter of DeLoss and Emma Hargadine. She graduated from Lawrence High School in 1967. She graduated from the University of Kansas in 1971 with a BA in German. She graduated from the University of Kansas in 1980 with a MA in Applied English/Education.

From 1980-1983 she lived and taught English in Barcelona and Zaragoza, Spain. In 1986 she trained teachers in Bolivia (Fulbright Scholar). She taught German and Spanish in the Blue Valley School district beginning in 1990 until her retirement in 2011.

She was preceded in death by her parents DeLoss and Emma Hargadine, her sister Sharral Andrews, her brother Doug Hargadine, her nephew Charles Hargadine. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Mark Gentry, Lori Riat, Allen Gentry, Shelly Smith, and many great nieces and nephews.

Leslie Eugene Christenson

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Leslie Eugene Christenson was born July 8, 1934, the eldest son of Everett and Clara (Seele) Christenson. He counted it his good fortune to have been born and raised in Lawrence, Kansas. He graduated from Lawrence’s Liberty Memorial High School in 1953, and attended Kansas University for two years before moving on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York.

After completing six months active duty as a six-year Army Reservist in 1960, he moved to Brooklyn Heights, and was employed as an assistant designer in the interior design firm of Michael Greer, Inc., in New York City. In 1962, he purchased an 1840 vintage brownstone row house in Brooklyn Heights and made it his home for the rest of his 47 years in New York. In November, 1965, he established his own interior design firm, Leslie E. Christenson, Ltd., and practiced residential design in the New York City area until he retired at age 72 in 2007.

His years in New York were made golden by many, many people, but especially two men whose friendship and love were special gifts. He met Gilles Perrier in the spring of 1964, and over the years they became brothers. Gilles was called home by God in November, 2003. Joe Tramontano, whom Leslie met in January, 1979, shared his zest for life, and the two became buddies.

After selling his home in Brooklyn in March, 2007, Leslie returned to his hometown of Lawrence, Kansas, to assist his aging mother. He was preceded in death by his only sibling, Edward Wayne Christenson, who died in an auto accident in March, 1969, and his father in 1983 and his mother in 2012. He is survived by a close knit extended family of many cousins.

It was his parting wish to thank all who made his long life such a wonderful adventure. No services are planned at this time. He died January 19, 2026, at Presbyterian Manor.

Betty Darlene Nichols

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Betty Darlene Nichols (Carr) 78, of Lawrence, KS passed away peacefully on January 19th, 2026 at Azria Health in Olathe, KS.

Betty was born October 14, 1947 to Harry and Marion Carr, who proceeded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her son, Christofer Lee Carr who passed away unexpectedly on February 6th, 2022.

Betty married Johnny Oliver Nichols September 28, 1982 in Lawrence, KS. He proceeded her in death on December 2nd, 2015

She is survived by her daughter Tammy Lynn Strong (Carr) her husband Scott, of Olathe, KS. Granddaughter, Kayla Schmitz (Strong) husband Michael of Olathe, KS. Grandson, Andrew Strong of Overland Park, KS. Granddaughter, Aspen Carr, and fiancé Logan West of Lawrence, KS and Grandson, Tyler Carr of Lawrence, KS.

Grandma is finally at peace and without pain.

Graveside Services for Betty Darlene Nichols will be 11 am, Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Hubbel Hill Cemetery, Tonganoxie.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to a local animal rescue of your choice.