Category: Obituaries

Jeanine E. Lienhard

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Jeanine E. Lienhard passed away on Saturday, June 27, at home surrounded by her family. She was 85 years old. She is preceded in death by her son Eric Lienhard and grandchildren Kelsey Kivisto and Kyle Scott. She is survived by her husband Bill of the home and daughters Julie Kivisto, KC MO; Betsy Scott (Bruce), Hurricane, UT; Amy Lienhard (Jack Smithback) Niedermohr, Germany. She is also survived by her grandchildren Blake & Lissa Kivisto, Jessica (Tim) Joyce, Ryan & Cody Scott, Sebastian & Chelsea Smithback and great-grandchildren Landon and Piper Joyce.

She was born in Kansas City, MO on August 29, 1934. She was adopted by Paul & Esther Joseph who gave her the name Jeanine Elizabeth Joseph. Jeanine grew up in Wichita, KS attending Cathedral high school graduating in 1952. She then attended Wichita State University majoring in English. She graduated Magna cum Laude and was a member of many other Honor Societies. She was also Homecoming Queen in 1954 the same year she graduated.

She Married Bill Lienhard on August 27, 1955 at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Wichita. Bill and Jeanine would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in August of 2020. They lived in Wichita for 10 years before moving to Lawrence, KS in 1965 where Bill went to work for US Bank. They raised 4 children in Lawrence, Julie Kivisto, Betsy Scott, Eric Lienhard and Amy Lienhard.

Jeanine and Bill enjoyed traveling, spending much of the time in Europe visiting her daughter Amy and her family.

Jeanine was involved with the community as well as helping with the start of Corpus Christi Parish. She spent many hours volunteering her time in the office and various duties. She was also involved in various committees at Lawrence Country Club, PEO and loved to play bridge. She also played tennis and golf, even winning the Women’s 9-hole championship at LCC.

All 4 children were active in a variety of sports which required Jeanine to chauffeur her children all over the state. Her day would often start at 5:00 am transporting kids to swim practice, or another group of kids to tennis tournaments. As the children got older, she spent many hours on bleachers watching them all play sports at Lawrence High. Jeanine also had an entrepreneur side, as she and a couple of friends had a needle point shop on 23rd street for 5 years. Jeanine loved her grandchildren and spent many years attending their activities and traveling to Germany to spend time with her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren there.

Jeanine was a loving and devoted advocate for her son Eric after a car accident resulted in a severe brain injury requiring 24 hour full service care. She was frequently seen at the nursing homes where he lived decorating his room or taking him out for walks. She also took good care of his caregivers with wonderful handwritten notes, baked goods and small thoughtful gifts of thanks.

Jeanine and Bill lived in Lawrence for over 55 years and enjoyed being a consummate hostess, she provided many gourmet meals for her loving friends and family. Many of their wonderful friendships have lasted over 50 years.

We also want to give a special thank you to Lana Neir with Visiting Nurses for her early care giving and Beth Robbins who was Jeanine’s devoted caregiver allowing her to remain in the home until her passing.

A mass and funeral will be held at 10 am, at Corpus Christi Parish on Thursday, July 2nd, Please arrive before 9:40, Covid related documentation will need to be completed. After the service she will then be laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery where her son Eric and grandchildren Kyle and Kelsey are buried.

In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage donations to the Visiting Nurses Association and Corpus Christi Parish, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street Lawrence, KS 66044.

Keith Allen White

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A memorial visitation for Dr. Keith Allen White, 64, Lawrence, will be from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Sunday, June 28, 2020 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory. At a date to be determined, there will be a graveside memorial at Belleville, Kansas.

Dr. White died Monday, June 22, 2020, in Lawrence.

He was born March 19, 1956, in Wichita, Kansas, the son of Bobby Lee White and Edith Louise McConnaughey White. He graduated from Belleville High School in 1974, graduated from Hutchinson Community College in 1976, and graduated Cum Laude from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1979.

Dr. White worked as a chiropractor in Lawrence since 1980. He enjoyed racquetball, playing board and card games with his family, working on projects around the house, and was an avid fan of the Kansas Jayhawks and Kansas City Chiefs. He especially loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He married Kay Marie Canfield on May 22, 1976 in Belleville, Kansas. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include his children, Chase White of Shawnee, Kansas, Mitchell White and wife Katie of Waxahachie, Texas, Sommer Barker and husband Chad of Wichita, Kansas, Kim Frank and husband Jacob of Terlton, Oklahoma, Julie White of Lawrence, Kansas; brothers, Kevin L. White and wife Terrie of New Braunfels, Texas, and Steve White; grandchildren, Zoë, Landon, Sadie, Charles, Aiden, Evelyn, Sydney, and Rachel.

During these last years of health complications Dr. White accepted Jesus Christ as his savior. We have peace and confidence knowing he is no longer in pain and is with Jesus until we meet again.

Ruby May Puckett

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Graveside services for Ruby May Puckett, 93, Lawrence, will be 10:00 a.m. Monday at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Ms. Puckett died Monday, June 22, 2020, at The Windsor of Lawrence.

She was born February 27, 1927, in Lawrence, Kansas, the daughter of William McKinley and Lillie Marie Bond Puckett. She graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in 1945.

Ms. Puckett worked at Maupintour Inc. and Lawrence Memorial Hospital as a switchboard operator. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, butterflies, little dogs, and traveling.

Survivors include a daughter, Cheryl Mooney and husband Ken of Lawrence; grandchildren, Michelle Lown, Dana Mooney, Shane Whitaker; great grandchildren, Peyton Whitaker, Billy Lown, Cody Lown, Mackenzie Lown; great great grandchildren; Hunter Lown, Landry Lown, and Harper Lown.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Teresa Whitaker; and brothers, William McKinley Puckett Jr., and Richard Keith Puckett.

The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to The Kansas Society for children with challenges, sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Nickolus Ray Barnhill

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Graveside services for Nickolus Ray Barnhill, 25, McLouth, will be 2pm Wednesday, June 24, 2020, at Oak Hill Cemetery. His celebration of life will begin shortly after.

Nickolus passed away on Sunday June 21st, 2020 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

He was born on July 8, 1994, in Topeka, the son of Laura Jensen and John Barnhill. He graduated from Fremont Mills in 2012 in Tabor, IA. From there he shifted around a bit until landing in Bellevue, NE where he worked at Google as a security guard and he loved his job(and their food). From this job he was able to purchase his first new vehicle, which he was very proud of. In 2018 he decided to move to Lawrence, Ks to better his health.

Nickolus touched so many lives wherever he went. Simply because he was such a sweet, caring, understanding, amazing individual. He was an astounding listener, advice giver, brother, friend, cousin, nephew, grandson, and uncle. All he ever wanted was for his friends and family to be happy and content with whatever they chose to do with their life. His support touched all.

He is survived by his mother; Laura Jensen and father; John Barnhill; three sisters, Mariah Barnhill-Goben, Aleaha Barnhill, Alayna Barnhill; three brothers, John Trieu, Jacob Glaspie, Jesse Jensen; aunt and uncles, Diana Brauer, Kevin Brauer, Duke Barnhill, Lixel Barnhill, Mark Livengood, Yoriko Livengood, Jesse Jensen, Cheryl Viergever, Bill Viergever three grandparents; Ed Lannan, Nora Lannan, Helen Mattock; Cousins, Brandon Neill, Mitchel Jensen, Lacey Steinbach, Travis Brauer, Trevor Brauer, Donna Brauer, Vincent Brauer, Destiny Barnhill, Danny Barnhill, Matthew Barnhill, Myra Carrillo, Mariah Carrillo, Michael Villarruel, Anthony Livengood, Kenny Livengood; two nieces, Mia Barnhill, Sophia Trieu one nephew; Alex Trieu; Bonus brothers; Zach Keene, Benjamin Keene, Trent Johnson, Cody Johnson;Bonus sisters, Taylor Hummel

The Family suggests memorial contributions may be made to Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street Lawrence, KS 66044.

Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com or directly to Mariah Barnhill-Goben and Diana Brauer.

F. DuWayne (Pat) Patterson

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F. DuWayne (Pat) Patterson, 84, died Sunday, June 21, 2020, at Baldwin Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, Baldwin City, KS after a short illness. He was born December 20, 1935, at Copeland, KS to Frank D. and Maurietta J. Patterson. He graduated from Copeland High School in 1953 and then attended Oklahoma Panhandle State College in Goodwill, OK.

He married Janice Feese on January 1, 1956 in Liberal, KS. Pat farmed with his father in Copeland, KS, and was also a butcher in Montezuma, KS. They moved to Hutchinson, KS in 1970 where he worked at Kingsley-Wagner Supply Company as a tool repairman for many years. Pat retired from Walmart Corporation in 2001, where he was a department manager. He and Janice moved to Baldwin City, KS in 2017.

He is survived by his wife, Janice, four children – Dennis (Kala), Lawrence, KS; David (Carol), Centennial, CO; Darren, El Dorado, KS; and DeAnn, Hutchinson, KS — his brother, Fred (Trini), Hutchinson, KS, and sister, Carol (Vernon) Hedrick, Derby, KS. Pat is also survived by six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson.

Cremation has taken place and there will be a private family Celebration of Life at a later date. The family suggests memorials to the American Cancer Society, sent in care of the funeral home.

Leroy E. “Gene” Shaughnessy

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Gene Shaughnessy passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2020 at his home. He was born November 14, 1943 at his parent’s home in Seneca, Kansas to Thomas Edward and Alice Theresa (McGreevy) Shaughnessy. He was the youngest of ten children. After his parents passed away, Gene and two siblings moved to Lawrence, Kansas in 1954 to live with an older sister, Pat Smith and her husband Quay. Gene attended Lawrence public schools until 1960 when he moved to New Buffalo, Michigan to live with sister Audrey and her husband Jim.

Gene graduated from New Buffalo High School in 1961.

Gene enlisted in the United States Navy in 1961 and was honorably discharged in 1964. While serving he was stationed aboard the USS Aircraft Carrier Coral Sea and later the Guided Missile Destroyer USS King. Gene enjoyed his tour of duty in the Navy, including two extensive “land and sea” Western Pacific Cruises.

In 1966 Gene married Nancy Kay Colburn and they were happily married until she passed away in 1981. During their marriage Gene attended and graduated from Washburn University in 1972. Gene worked various construction jobs and was in the building trades until 1976 when he began employment with the City of Lawrence as a Housing Rehabilitation Specialist. He was well liked by both his fellow workers and the higher-ups and was eventually promoted all the way to Chief Building Inspector in 1978. He served faithfully in that position for 23 years until he retired in 2001.

Gene was a dedicated and committed professional who served in various professional organizations including a stint as President of the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) – Heart of America Chapter. In recognition of a lifetime commitment to professional practices Gene was selected in 2019 for induction into the ICBO Hall of Fame.

Gene was one of four people who founded the Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. After 32 years the Committee has raised over One-Million Dollars for youth and young adult charities and organizations in the Lawrence and Douglas County area.

As a long-time member of the Lawrence Sertoma Club, Gene served in various official positions including a year as President.

For fun Gene rode his Harley-Davidson with numerous friends covering geographic areas throughout the Central and Southwest United States. Additionally, there were visits to Sturgis, South Dakota.

Gene was an avid golfer – playing many, many rounds with lots and lots of friends and buddies at the former Alvamar Golf Course and at Eagle Bend – both in Lawrence, Kansas.

Gene was preceded in death by both his parents, brothers Edward, Gerald, Bill, Paul and Robert, and sisters Mary Frances Putnam and Audrey Rogers.

Surviving family members include sisters Pat Smith (husband Quay) of Lecompton, Kansas and Rosie Aldrich (husband Ernie) of Lawrence – along with several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Committee, Visiting Nurses, or other organizations of your choice in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, PO Box 1260, Lawrence KS 66044.

Graveside services will be 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, June 25, 2020 at Oak Hill Cemetery, Lawrence, Kansas. Friends may call on Wednesday, June, 24, 2020 from 10:00 A.M. through 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.

Thomas James (Tom) Crumet

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Thomas James (Tom) Crumet, 73, of Lawrence, KS, died June 17, 2020. Graveside service will be 10 a.m., Monday, June 22, 2020, at Underwood Cemetery in Jefferson County. Tom was born January 9, 1947 in Lawrence, the son of Leroy Jonathan Crumet and Eileen Crumet.

Tom graduated from Lawrence High School in 1965. He worked for Dr. Pepper for 5- years, among other jobs, and retired in 2009 after 26-years as a Master Mechanic at Cutler Repaving.
After retiring, Tom enjoyed woodworking, his extensive model train layouts, fishing, chair-sharing with his much-loved Chihuahuas, and regular neighborhood gatherings with good friends.
He married Gloria McKnight in 1973 in South Dakota. They had two sons, Jonathan and James. They later divorced. Tom and Judy Simpson were married in 1993 in Lawrence, KS. They enjoyed home remodeling projects, gardening, travelling and their shared love of their many dogs. Judy survives of the home.

Other survivors include sons Jonathan L. Crumet and wife Lennette, Lecompton, KS, and James (Jim) T. Crumet, Lawrence, KS; “favorite” stepdaughter Cheryl Tyler-Whitworth and husband Steve of Brunswick, Maine; stepsons Jack Tyler and wife Lisa of Lawrence, Jeff Simpson and wife Staci of Baldwin, KS; sister-in-law-Barbara Crumet of Tonganoxie, KS; eleven grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, a brother Leroy (Butch) Crumet, and an infant sister, Anna Crumet.

Many thanks to the Douglas County Visiting Nurses, especially Chris for being our rock over the past months. Memorials may be made to the Visiting Nurses in Tom’s name, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Stephen C. Fowler

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Stephen C. Fowler was a father, a husband, and a scientist. He died on June 15, 2020 at his home.

Steve was born August 28, 1944 in Peoria, Illinois. He was the son of Larry Fowler and Dorothy Fowler (née Glass). He spent his childhood in Somerville, Tennessee and Huntsville, Alabama.

By nature and profession, Steve was a scientist. After graduating Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Alabama with degrees in Math and Physics, he obtained a PhD in Experimental Psychology from Princeton and became a professor at the University of Mississippi in 1973. At Mississippi, he served as the chair of his department and was named the Barnard Distinguished Professor—a professorship awarded to faculty who show particular excellence in teaching and research. In 1994, Steve accepted a position at the University of Kansas, where he served as a Professor of Human Development until 2000 and then a Professor in Pharmacology/Toxicology until his retirement in 2016. He was a Senior Scientist with the Life Span Institute and anchored their behavioral neuroscience research program during the 1990s and 2000s. He was an integral member of the Kansas Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center. While at KU, Steve also served as the president of Division 28 (Psychopharmacology and Substance Abuse) of the American Psychological Association.

Steve was internationally known for his work in behavioral pharmacology. His inventions in quantitative methods permanently transformed the field. Using his extensive knowledge in mathematics and physics, he developed instrumentation to quantify behavior in preclinical research. The measurement devices he created allowed for detection and quantification of previously undetectable or unquantifiable phenomena, such as low-amplitude tremor and rapid muscle movements. He invented the Force Plate Actimeter that is marketed by Bioanalytical Systems. His laboratory and collaborating laboratories have used this instrument for research on rodent models of Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, ALS, ADHD, essential tremor, schizophrenia, Krabbe’s disease, autism, and fragile X syndrome. Steve was an authority on the motor side effects of antipsychotic drugs, but collaborators enlisted him to help with a wide range of research topics. Steve’s research resulted in over 160 publications in high impact journals like Science, Cell, and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Steve dedicated his life to research and to educating the next generation of scientists. He mentored more than 40 successful doctoral students and a number of junior faculty. He was a firm believer and a strong practitioner of promoting diversity and inclusion. His students came from all over the world, and he treated all of them like members of his own family.

Steve had a brilliant scientific mind and an encyclopedic knowledge of his own field and many others, but what people will likely remember most about Steve is his personality. He was understated in manner, soft-spoken, generous and gracious with his time and energy, honest and open, and immensely kind.

Beyond science, Steve had many interests. In particular, Steve was an avid hiker, kayaker, and outdoorsman. Before his daughter was born, he regularly camped in the Arctic wilderness. He and a close friend used to take a plane that could only hold 3 people to be dropped off in the wilderness above the Arctic Circle where they camped for weeks.

In his personal life, Steve was married to Doreen Fowler. They loved each other deeply and were together for over 40 years. Steve and Doreen have one child, a daughter, named Carina. Doreen and Carina survive Steve. He is also survived by a younger sister, Michelle.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be directed to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Please make donations in loving memory of Dr. Stephen C. Fowler.

Due to COVID-19, the family will have a private memorial service. Community members may pay their respects to Dr. Fowler at 4:30 PM Saturday, June 27, 2020 in the outdoor space at the Cider Gallery, 810 Pennsylvania St, Lawrence, KS. Please wear a mask and keep 6 feet distance.

Nancy Pistorius

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A creative, kind, courageous and beautiful woman was called home to her Father in Heaven on Saturday, June 13, 2020. Nancy Pistorius, 67, died Saturday morning, June 13, in her home in Lawrence, KS. She was born August 18, 1952 in Springfield, Illinois to William (Bill Miller) and Stella (Stapleton) Pistorius. She was a loving wife to her husband of 37 years, Brad Buecker, and an adoring mother to her beloved daughter, Alyssa Buecker, who currently resides in Austin, TX. Other survivors include three siblings: Cindy Wieties-Ogren and husband Bob Ogren of The Woodlands, TX, and their children Allison Wieties and Caley Mahar and her husband Matt; Mary Zerfas of Suwanee, GA, and her children, McKenna and Miller Zerfas; and Bill Pistorius and his wife Susan of Chicago, IL, and their children Brian, Jaimie and Lindsay Pistorius. She is also survived by sister-in-law Nancy Buecker of Springfield, IL; an aunt, numerous cousins, as well as hundreds of loving friends from around the world who have been expressing how much they will miss the light of her bright smile, her laughter, and her beautiful soul. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, William Edward.

Nancy was a freelance writer from the time she could hold a pen, winning national awards for her poetry, fiction, and essays since grade school. She earned a Master’s Degree in English/Literature from the University of Illinois and also attended schools in Florida and London, England. A 26-year resident of Lawrence, KS and an avid Jayhawks fan, she didn’t agree with fellow Kansan Dorothy that “there’s no place like home,” because she would have rather been out exploring the whole wide world, and writing about it.

Nancy published fiction, poetry, essays and feature articles in more than seventy-five different national and international literary publications including Woman’s Day, Cosmopolitan and the Chicago Tribune. She was also a highly sought-after travel writer with a particular passion for Disneyland and Walt Disney World and received awards from the North America Travel Journalist Association (NATJA). A Disney Lifer, she was well known at many of the Walt Disney World resort hotels and a number of the attractions within the parks. She fully embraced a credo of the late Walt Disney: “All of our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” Nancy was a tremendously outgoing and enthusiastic person, remaining incredibly optimistic and demonstrating a keen sense of humor even during numerous health struggles.

She also passionately loved the little terriers she had through most of her life. One of her favorite quotes was by author Robert B. Parker: “I heard somebody define heaven once,” she said, looking at Pearl, “as a place where, when you get there, all the dogs you ever loved run to greet you.” We are quite certain that Nancy was greeted on Saturday by all of the little fur babies she took such wonderful care of throughout her life.

In lieu of services at this time, her family is planning to hold Celebrations of Life for her in Lawrence and Springfield at a time when the COVID-19 virus has been brought under control. Nancy would have never wanted her family members and friends to be placed in any jeopardy on her account. Donations can be made to the Lawrence Humane Society.

Please share stories and pictures to the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, at: www.rumsey-yost.com

Christy Lynn Miller Joyce

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Christy Miller Joyce, 52, died peacefully at her home in Lawrence, Kansas, on May 27, 2020. She was raised in Kansas City, Kansas, the daughter of Harry Miller and Deanna Miller Drake, nee Williford, and she was a longtime resident of Johnson County, Kansas.

She is survived by her father and her step mother, Pat Miller, of Lawrence, by her two siblings, David Miller and Lydia Miller, and by many, many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

She studied literature at the University of Kansas and received a degree from Johnson County Community College School of Hospitality & Culinary Arts. Christy raised and loved three sweet Yorkies, Rudy, Jack and Nikki, she was a passionate Chiefs, Jayhawks and Royals fan, and above all, she loved to cook and host, surrounded by friends, family, snorts of laughter and fun.

During their marriage, she and ex-husband Gareth Joyce traveled widely and enjoyed life in the company of many friends.

Because of current public health concerns, no services are planned at this time. A joyful celebration of life is planned for a time next year close to her birthday, May 22. An announcement will be posted on her legacy Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers or other memorials, the family recommends donations to DCCC First Step at Lake View, Lawrence, Kansas (https://dccca.org/recovery-today-fund/), or Heartland Community Health Center, Lawrence, Kansas (https://heartlandhealth.org/online-donation/).