Category: Obituaries

Ila Jean Hanson

Posted on by RumseyYost

On Sunday, October 25th, Ila Jean (Robinson) Hanson, an admired wife, mother, grandmother and sister, passed away at the age of 77.

Born August 7th, 1943, in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, she lived a life full of creativity, passion and above all a love for caring for those around her. Upon graduating from Thief River Falls Lincoln High School in 1961, she moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota where she met her soulmate and love of her life. Their love was simple and pure and would go on to serve as a beautiful example of marriage and devotion for their three children and many grandchildren.

Throughout her life, her love of gardening and beautiful things prevailed. In 1977 she opened Hanson’s Flower Shop and even beyond her time as a business owner, continued to share her passion for flowers with others. Best known for her creativity and crafts, she will be remembered through the many quilts, clothing and various sewing projects scattered across the country that were purposefully and lovingly made with loved ones in mind.

She had a smile that was both contagious and perpetual and gave unwavering love and support to anyone who needed it. Her legacy will live on through her children and grandchildren, who embody her strong-willed, silly and thoughtful personality and her dedication to family and a life of joy.

Ila is survived by her husband Luther Hanson of Lawrence, KS; her daughter Deanna Hanson Abromeit and husband Derrick of Lawrence, KS; her sons Andrew Hanson and wife Emily of Wellsville, Kansas and Bradley Hanson of Mondovi, WI; her sister Linda Sutch and husband James of International Falls, MN; her brother James Robinson and wife Carol of Grandbury, TX and her eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. She is preceded in death by her parents Durlyn and Mildred Robinson, brother Glen Robinson and nephew Adam Sutch.

Halloween was Ila’s favorite holiday and, fittingly, her life will be celebrated with immediate family this Saturday, October 31st, 2:00 p.m. Due to current circumstances, the service will be live streamed on Zoom at https://kansas.zoom.us/j/6258758861. A recording of the service will be made available at https://youtube.com/user/hansonabromeit. In lieu of gifts, the family requests that donations be made to healthwellfoundation.org (cancer related behavioral health fund).

Carol Sue Gonce

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Carol Sue (Nightingale) Gonce of Lawrence, Kansas passed away on October 23, 2020 at the age of 72. Carol was born on December 23, 1947 to Edythe Lorraine (Keller) Nightingale & Richard Nightingale in Lawrence, Kansas. She has 3 younger siblings Richard “Rick” Nightingale (Beverly) , Sheila (Nightingale) Supancic (Dennis) and Randal “Randy” Nightingale (Angie). She attended Lawrence High School. She worked for the Mechanical Engineering Department at The University of Kansas where she retired. She enjoyed being a part of that department and won several awards during her time there. Carol was a loving Wife, Mother, Grandma, Great Grandma, Sister, Aunt, Cousin and Friend. She never ended a conversation without telling you that she loved you and her family knew she meant it with her whole heart! She loved Jesus and passed that on to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was funny, loving, kind, giving, caring and beautiful! She loved playing bingo. Her favorite shows were Big Brother, Survivor, Amazing Race and American Ninja Warriors. We can’t forget about her Soap Operas or Price is Right and Wheel of Fortune. She liked to go riding out by Clinton Lake with her husband Sid and they would just sit and watch the geese, deer or the raccoons by the marina. She attended every school program or sporting event that her grandchildren and great grandchildren had until she began not feeling well. She would try to find it on TV and watch it or have her family record it for her. She loved going on cruises and she took her two daughters Lorri and Lisa on their first cruise ever to Mexico, that was their first family vacation as well and she was so proud of being able to take them and they all enjoyed spending that special time together. She got to travel a bit when her husband Sid worked delivering trucks across the country, they were able to go to Niagara Falls which she had always wanted to see. Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Nightingale and Edythe (Keller) Nightingale, her brother Randal “Randy” Nightingale, her step son Sidney Gonce Jr, and her grandson Mikel (Mikey) Jeromy Lee Wray. She is survived by her husband Sidney Gonce Sr, her two children, Lorri Ann (Lathrom) Coleman of Lawrence, Kansas, Lisa Lynn Lathrom (Stephen L. Webb) of Lawrence, Kansas as well as her step children Timothy Gonce of Lawrence, Kansas, Billy Gonce of Lawrence, Kansas, Robert Gonce (Julie) of Lawrence, Kansas; 18 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. There will be a memorial service announced at a later date. Donations can be made towards a memorial bench or picnic table that will be placed at Clinton Lake State park or a City of Lawrence Park in Carol’s honor. Donations can be sent to Lorri Coleman 1301 W 24th St Apt E-13 Lawrence, Kansas 66046

David Maloy Breitenbach

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David Maloy Breitenbach died peacefully, surrounded by his loving wife and children at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence, KS on Wednesday, October 21st, 2020 at the age of 71.

He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Breitenbach of Lecompton; his children, James Breitenbach (Colleen) of Great Bend, Kansas; Cody Breitenbach of Lawrence, Kansas; Hayley DeGraeve (Austin) of Basehor, Kansas; Olivia Breitenbach of Chicago, Illinois; his sister, Dorinda Alcaraz, of Great Bend, Kansas; and six grandchildren, Evan, Morgan, Callum, Allie, Angelo, and Maggie. He is preceded in death by his parents, Maloy Breitenbach and Gloria Breitenbach, and two brothers, Christopher Breitenbach and William Breitenbach.

David was born on November 17, 1948 in Belpre, Kansas to Maloy and Gloria Breitenbach. He graduated from Belpre High School, where he was part of the state champion 8-man football team in 1966. He married Evelyn Pippett, in 1968, with whom he had his first son, James Breitenbach. After moving to Lawrence, Kansas, David opened and operated several businesses, starting with RMS Electronics located on Massachusetts St. in Downtown Lawrence, Kansas. David was an accomplished musician that played guitar, piano, and horns, in many of the well-known bands out of Lawrence, Kansas that toured the Midwest. David met his current wife, Cynthia in 1984 while he was attending Washburn University studying psychology. David married Cynthia at their current home in Lecompton, Kansas in 1985. Over the next 7 years, the couple welcomed 3 more children, Cody, Hayley, and Olivia, into the family. David set about teaching his children honesty, integrity, and his love for the land and all of its creatures. His children remember him as a kind and gentle father who encouraged them to love one another and to always work hard.

He was a Jack-of-all-trades and a master of many, who often had multiple ongoing projects. He was a hard-working individual who loved his family and his animals. He never missed his children’s sporting events or extracurricular activities, even if it meant being at the ball field every day of the week. Once David retired his electronic repair store, Audio Video Services, in Lawrence, Kansas, he focused more on the management of the family farm. David also enjoyed playing racquetball multiple times a week with some of his closest friends. David enjoyed traveling and watching wildlife, with Utah and Colorado being some of his favorite destinations. He will be deeply missed by his family, animals, and friends.

A visitation is scheduled for Monday, October 26th, 2020 from 6:00-7:30 pm with a funeral to follow the next day, October 27th at 11am. Both events will take place at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence, Kansas. 601 Indiana Street, Bill Bump will officiate the ceremony. Graveside services will take place at 2 pm on Friday, October 30th at the Saint Bernards Catholic Cemetery in Belpre, Kansas. Mark Slattery to officiate the graveside. All are welcome to attend and celebrate David’s life. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been set up for the Oncology Department at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

The family would like to thank Dr. Luke Huerter for treating David like a family member and giving him the special time and attention that he did, along with the rest of the staff at LMH who cared for David throughout his journey and end of life care.

Derek Jay Gillam

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Derek “Jay” Gillam died Thursday, October 22nd at 12:50 A.M. at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

He was born April 25, 1956 in Manhattan, Kansas. The son of John N. “Jack” and Betty Gillam. He graduated from Salina Central High School in 1974. Jay then went on to the University of Kansas where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration in 1978.

Jay’s work took him many places, one being Lubbock, Texas where he met the love of his life. After moving around the country, his long-term goal was to move back to the town that held so many wonderful KU memories: Lawrence, Kansas.

Jay specialized in the transportation and logistics industry and was currently working for Ancra International LLC where he was Midwest Sales Executive of the Cargo Systems Division.

Jay was a loyal member to Trinity Lutheran Church in Lawrence and an alumnus of the Sigma Chi fraternity where he met many lifelong friends and was affectionately known as “Jaws.” He was the life of every party and never met a stranger.

He married Terri Thorn Gillam on July 7, 1984 in Lubbock, Texas who survives of the home.

Other survivors include his son, Alex of Kansas City, MO; daughter, Abby and her husband Kyle of Dallas, TX; brother Jack and his wife Kim of Salina, KS; brother Jeff and his wife Lynn of Salina KS and a dearly beloved niece and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Betty Gillam.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Heart Association. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com.

Bob & Edie Needels

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Graveside inurnment services for John Robert ‘Bob’ Needels and Edith Lorene ‘Edie’ Needels will be at 11 am Friday, October 30, 2020, at Washington Creek Cemetery, rural Douglas County, Kansas.

Bob was born May 15, 1924, in Utopia, Kansas, the son of Abraham and Rose Crawford Cubbage. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard and worked as a scale maintainer with the Kansas Highway Patrol. He passed away September 9, 2017.

Edie was born July 6, 1928, in Lone Star, the daughter of Morris and Gertrude Grammar Ewing. She worked as an office clerk for the Kansas Department of Revenue. She passed away September 15, 2020.

They were married July 12, 1946. Both resided at Vintage Park in Baldwin City in their later years.

Gary L. Eubank

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Gary L. Eubank, 72, Lawrence, was one of a kind. He lived and died in a way of his choosing. He died quickly and unexpectedly of a heart attack on the evening of October 20th at his home in Lawrence. He was born July 17, 1948, in Leavenworth to Roy C. and Jo E. Overman Eubank.

Cindy, the love of his life for 40 years and 15 years as his wife, said “We had a wonderful life together.” Gary’s siblings Lary Eubank, Kathy (Troy) Doby and Sheila Eubank of Leavenworth shared that they were amazed that their older brother never ever ate at a McDonalds.

As a boy in Germany, Gary would shag balls at the tennis court until he found a partner. He continued his love of the game throughout his life. Recently playing with a group on Tuesdays and Thursdays evenings.

After graduating from Washburn University in 1974, he spent a year bumming around in Europe.

He returned and went to graduate school at KU. While in Spain he bought himself a guitar and taught himself to play. Often when he would play his two beautiful Weimaraners would throw their heads back and join in with a serenade. Gary had a tremendous love of animals and nature.

His little friend, Coco will miss their daily walks together.

With his gentle ways and kind spirit, he had many friends. He remained close with his friends from college. He was an excellent cook and loved to entertain. With a little bit of wine, he would regale with tall tales of his college days.

Gary and Cindy loved camping at the National Parks in the United States and Canada, including a road trip to Alaska. Capturing the beautiful scenery, he painted many beautiful landscapes. His many friends and family will miss the beautiful painted Christmas cards he created and sent for many years.

Cindy wishes to thank her friends Roger and Shirley Werholtz and Bob and Mary Barnett for their love and support.

His siblings and nieces are so grateful for the joy he brought to their lives. Cindy said, “I can’t express just how much I will miss him.”

Per Gary’s adamant request there will be no funeral. So, please raise your glass and wag your tail in a toast to celebrate his life of kindness. rumsey-yost.com

Ernest Lee ‘Ernie’ Bailey

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Funeral services for Ernest Lee ‘Ernie’ Bailey, 75, Tonganoxie, will be at 10 am Monday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. Mr. Bailey died unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 13, 2020, at his home.

He was born November 16, 1944, in Lawrence, the son of Everett L. and Frances Wilson Bailey. He attended Lawrence schools. He served in the United States Army Reserve. Ernie worked at Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant in DeSoto for five years, and later began working for FMC/ICL in North Lawrence as a pipefitter and mechanic, retiring in 2012 after 37 years of service. In his spare time he enjoyed family dinners, repairing clocks, collecting watches, BBQ, hunting, fishing, camping, traveling, and talking to anyone and everyone!

Survivors include his longtime companion, Sandra Wiehe, of the home; a son, Brian Bailey, Lawrence; three daughters, Sherri Wiehe, Topeka, Stacey Wiehe, Petersburg, Va., and Renea Roth and husband Kevin, Dalhart, Tex.; five grandchildren, Casey Bailey, Keera Bailey, Addisyn Wiehe, Emilee Roth and Jeremey Roth; and one great grandchild, Caydence Roth. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, ‘Bud’ Bailey and Eldon Bailey, and a son, Evan Bailey.

The family will receive friends on Sunday from 4 to 6 pm at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to The Salvation Army, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

James Carl (Jim) Nieder

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Celebration of Life for James Carl Nieder, 84, Baldwin City, will be at 12 P.M. Monday October 19, 2020 at the Baldwin City Golf Course.

Mr. Nieder passed away Saturday, October 10th, 2020 at the Baldwin City Golf Course.

He was born October 8th, 1936, in New York City, New York, the son of William and Thelma Nieder. He attended High School in Lawrence. He moved back to Baldwin City in 1999 from Mountain Ranch, California.

Mr. Nieder worked as a carpenter for a short time, worked for 20+ years at ColorPress as a Pressman, and then moved to California to work for his brother Bill Nieder at Marathon Engineering. He was a member of the Baldwin City Golf Course.

Jim married Barbara Johnson, which they later divorced. He then married Marylin Puckett. She passed away in 2016 of cancer.

Survivors include son, Jim Nieder, Salt Lake City, Utah, daughter, Stef Nieder, Salt Lake City, Utah, son, Monte Nieder, Baldwin City, daughter, Libby Nieder, Salt Lake City, Utah, son Jeff Johnson, Denver, Colorado; Three grandchildren, granddaughter, Savannah Reeves, Gardner, grandson, Cody Nieder, Baldwin City, granddaughter, Ciara Johnson, Denver, Colorado; Three great-grandchildren, greatgrandson, Dylan Reeves, Gardner, great-grandson, Austin Reeves, Gardner, great-granddaughter, Maxine Johnson, Denver, Colorado; Brother Bill Nieder, Angels Camp, California.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Clifford, Raymond, and Leo, sisters Genevieve and Mamie.

Jim enjoyed spending time with family, golfing with friends, hunting and fishing, and never turned down a delicious meal.

The family suggests memorials sent to the Baldwin City Golf Course.