Category: Obituaries

Lisa “Shanon” Marks

Posted on by RumseyYost

Lisa Shanon “Shanon” Sanders Marks died March 15, 2021, at home, surrounded by her family.

Graveside services will be held March 20th, 2:00 PM at the Clinton Cemetery for the open-air safety. 

Born March 9, 1953 in Lawrence, Kansas, she spent her early life in Lawrence, graduating from Lawrence High School in 1971.  As the daughter of AB “Blackie” Sanders and Frances Louise Fox Sanders, she gained a sense of being a part of a larger community through her father’s business, Sanders Motors.

Shanon’s first love was animals, particularly horses.  Many an hour was spent at her uncle’s farm, riding and caring for her horse. In high school she became friends with one of her classmates, Mark.  Rather than going to the movies, together they spent hours riding.  Shanon forever endeared herself to Mark’s youngest brother by insisting he be invited to tag along and ride horses, as well.

Shanon married Mark D. Marks on August 3, 1974.  It was the beginning of their circuitous journey that brought her back to Lawrence and her love of animals.

Shanon attended Kansas University, University of Oklahoma and later, while Mark was in veterinary school, Oklahoma State University.  Those experiences set the stage for becoming part of a professional veterinary team.

Shanon and Mark lived in Oklahoma until his military career took them to Europe. The couple then returned to Oklahoma with two young daughters: Amy Allison and Lindsay Marie.  Their lives then took a turn toward Shanon’s own professional fulfillment.  At first, she was the major breadwinner for the family while Mark pursued a degree in veterinary medicine.  In 1989, the family moved back to Lawrence to open Marks Veterinary Hospital in a modest house that would later be in one of the busiest business districts in Lawrence.

Shanon’s office skills helped the fledgling veterinary practice begin; her love of animals and quest for a greater understanding of them helped it grow.  For the extended family, Shanon was regarded as the world’s expert on the breed characteristics of dogs as potential pets.  She studied the journals Mark received and pointed him to articles that would be helpful to his practice, even helping him brainstorm to diagnose challenging cases.  At Marks Veterinary Hospital, Shanon was not “free labor”; she was part of a team.  Unafraid of hard work, she organized, made appointments, greeted clients, cleaned exam rooms, and even assisted Mark in surgeries.  Her professionalism was so consistent that many of the hospital’s clients did not even realize that she and Dr. Marks were a married couple.

Marks Veterinary Hospital moved away from the growing business district and expanded the building size and professional team at Wakarusa Veterinary Hospital.  Soon Shanon faced personal and professional challenges when Mark was twice deployed with his Army Reserves units.  The resilience required of her in those moments served her later in the life challenges of years of failing physical health.

A word that describes Shanon, as a part of a large, extended family, is “beloved.”  Her in-laws regarded her as another daughter.  Mark’s mother, Winona, remembers fondly the sweet, beautiful high school senior with thick brown hair that fell almost to her waist, sitting at her bedside after a medical treatment that left her very weak.  Though still simply the girl dating the oldest son, Shanon endeared herself by providing comfort and sustenance to her helpless future mother-in-law.  Later, after Mark married the beautiful girl the rest of the family was already smitten with, Shanon sealed her special place in the family when she brought the first Sanders/Marks grandchild into the world.

For many family members, their fondest memory of Shanon is the joy she found in being around the dinner table with loved ones and the laughter that infused her whole body, often bringing tears to her eyes.  She made all those around her feel profoundly witty.

The warmth of Shanon’s personality is reflected in her home – baskets she collected, quilts she made, family pictures she displayed and the many potted plants that flourished under her nurturing hand.

As her daughters married and brought grandchildren into her life, Shanon found fresh joy in three grandsons.  Always having taken delight in others’ stories of their grandchildren, Shanon had earned the right to brag on the handsome, clever, and brilliant little men that were her own.

Consistently a lover of animals, Shanon adopted dogs – even when another dog was the last challenge she needed to add to her concerns.  And most who visited her in recent years rarely saw her without a dog in her lap.

Shanon was preceded in death by her parents.  She leaves her husband, Mark, and two daughters:  Amy (David) and son, Maxwell “Max” James VandeVooren; Lindsay (Jayson) and sons Jayson D. Jr. “Jace” and Porter Duncan Schofield.  Also surviving is her brother Charles “Bryan” (Susan) Sanders and son, Tony.  A large, extended Marks family of in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews and others have also surrounded Shanon in love and prayer.

Viewing will be at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home March 19th from 9:00 AM until 8:00 PM.

With appreciation for the loving support offered over the last few years, and special thanks to the incredible nurses and staff of Unit 42 of KU Med, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society,  your church, your favorite charity, sent in care of the funeral home, or by planting a tree in Shanon’s honor.

The service will be broadcast on 93.7 FM radio with a range of 500 ft.

 

Erma “Ellen” Williams

Posted on by RumseyYost

Funeral services for Erma “Ellen” Williams, 89, Eudora, will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Eudora City Cemetery.

Mrs. Williams died Thursday, March 11, 2021, at Medicalodges Eudora.

She was born October 25, 1931, in Hackett, Arkansas, the daughter of Sherman and Leedia Mae Bearden Cannon.

Mrs. Williams worked as an assembler for King Radio and later worked part time at Casey’s General Store as a cashier.  She enjoyed crocheting and bird watching.  In her younger years she enjoyed playing the accordion.

She married Chester Junior Williams on September 5, 1949 in Ozark, Arkansas.  He preceded her in death.

Survivors include a son, Ronney Williams of Eudora; a brother, Dean Cannon and wife June of Eudora; grandchildren, Trina Goss of Topeka, Amanda Baldwin of Oskaloosa, Andrew Williams of Olathe; great grandchildren, Samuel, Lilly, Emma, and Sara.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and 5 siblings.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, where the family will receive them from 1-2 p.m. Wednesday.

Dr. Goodwin P. ‘Goody’ Garfield

Posted on by RumseyYost

Goody Garfield’s Celebration of Life
April 18, 2:00pm (Central Time)

The Garfield Family invites you to participate in a virtual celebration of life for Goody Garfield, on Sunday, April 18, from 2:00pm – 3:15pm CT.

There will be music, photos, and eulogies, and if time permits, there may be an opportunity for additional remembrances. 

“Doors will open” at 1:50pm, at which time you can log into the event, and see a photo slideshow.  The program will start at 2:00.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2924054137

Meeting ID: 292 405 4137
Passcode: 610492
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,2924054137# US (New York)
+13017158592,,2924054137# US (Washington DC)

Dial by your location
       +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
       +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
       +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
       +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
       +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
       +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 292 405 4137

 

Goodwin (Goody) Garfield

7/17/1925 – 3/11/2021

Lawrence, Kansas

Our joyous, curious, playful, eternally youthful husband, father, grandfather, uncle, son, and friend Goody Garfield died peacefully in his sleep, bathed in the love of family and his extended community, near and far. He was 95.

The youngest of Kalman and Anna Garfunkel’s five children, Goody was born at the family’s home in Toronto, Ontario, a hub of activity in the neighborhood for his relatives, family, friends, and other members of the immigrant Jewish community.

The family and community experience stayed with him throughout his life. He would describe himself above all as a “family man,” and his life revolved around his wife and kids, relatives, friends, and colleagues all over the world. He adored his beloved companion of 64 years, Shirley Garfield, as much in recent years as when they married. And he was equally devoted to his children, grandchild, nephews, nieces, and extended relations.

He dedicated his work life to helping others through the practice of social work, starting his long career in New York City’s settlement houses, the now century-old network of havens where residents of the city’s impoverished neighborhoods could seek assistance, education, or respite. He served as the executive director of the Bronx River Neighborhood Jewish Center, and later with the settlement houses’ umbrella organization for policy and social change, the United Neighborhood Houses.

He had a passion for teaching and mentoring young people, which led him to start an academic career in his mid-40s. From 1969 until his retirement in 2003, he taught in the Kansas University School of Social Welfare, and for 15 years served as the school’s Director of Field Practicum. He worked hard and was proud to earn his doctorate while working full time and raising a family, and later appreciated it when people would address him as “Professor” or “Doctor.” But far more than that, he loved teaching and helping guide the careers of young students. To the best of our knowledge, the love was mutual.

He didn’t think of himself as a very religious man, since he did not closely observe ritual, but Judaism was the most fundamental part of his identity. He celebrated the culture; he treated people with the utmost respect; he carried out acts of kindness to heal the world. He served as the faculty advisor to the KU campus Hillel chapter in the 1980s and 1990s; he was an active member of the Lawrence Jewish Community Center since the family’s arrival in the community, and he was the long-time “greeter” at the annual

LJCC Blintz Brunch. Few things gave him as much pleasure as presiding over Passover seders with family and friends, guiding us through his handcrafted services, filled with stories he’d discovered of justice struggles, progressive reinterpretations of old rituals, and “haikus for jews.”

Goody was a great fan of classical music and jazz of the 1930s and ‘40s, Broadway musicals of any era, and great performances of virtually anything. He didn’t need to know a song’s lyrics or melody to break out in verse because he’d just invent them himself. He loved the great comedians from the Borscht Belt to Trevor Noah and Stephen Colbert. He’d re-tell their jokes, but his schtick was all his own. He was an avid reader, and delighted in conversation about politics, religion, literature, and popular culture. In retirement, he volunteered for Audio-Reader, an information service for the blind and visually impaired. He loved sports, playing hockey and baseball growing up in Toronto, and then later racquetball in Kansas, winning tournaments into his 60s against college students. He was a fixture at KU basketball games for decades, bringing his kids to Allen Fieldhouse throughout their childhood.

Goody lived with wonder for the world, with an insatiable curiosity, and with a nearly infinite supply of stories and jokes. He found nothing more fascinating than learning about other people’s lives; he’d constantly approach strangers and strike up conversations. His circle of friends reached far and wide, and was still expanding even in his final months. Good friends became part of his family, and while he was an elder of that extended family for decades, he forever played the part of “youngest child.” He made each and every person feel like they were the most important person in his life, and he simply loved making them laugh.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and by his four brothers and sisters — Lillian, Bertram, Ruth, and Howard. He is survived by his wife Shirley; his children David Garfield of Lawrence, KS; Deborah Garfield of Ashland, MA; Michael Garfield (Catherine Marquardt) and their son Noah of Ann Arbor, MI; his nephews, nieces, adopted children, and an extraordinary community of friends, former colleagues, and acquaintances from around the world.

His memory will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew him. Contributions in his name can be made to the Lawrence Jewish Community Center, to Audio-Reader, or to Van Go, an art-based social services agency that employs at-risk youth.

A celebration of life will be held on April 18 at 2:00pm Central Time; information about the event will be provided through the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home site and the Lawrence Jewish Community Center.

 

Gerald “Jerry” L. Coleman

Posted on by RumseyYost

Gerald “Jerry” L. Coleman was born on February 10th, 1937 in Hutchinson, Kansas.

He died on March 6th, 2021.  His mother was Mildred Alice Downie.  His Father was Winfield Sidney Coleman.

Jerry attended Hutchinson Prosperity grade school and graduated from Buhler Rural High School in 1955.  He continued his education at Kansas State University and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Agricultural Economics in 1959.

Jerry started his career path as a property appraiser for Doane Appraisal Service in St Louis, Missouri. He later worked as an appraiser for the US Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City District in Kansas and Missouri, the Federal Highway Administration in Topeka, Kansas and later became a self employed real estate appraiser for VA and FHA home loans.  In 1980 Jerry made an investment that would occupy the next 21 years of his life.  He purchased the Jayhawk Mobile Home Court in Lawrence.  He managed 40 rental units, a house and a coin operated laundry.  In 2001 Jerry sold his business and retired to the country.

Being raised on a farm Jerry quickly learned how to fix things and had a lifelong interest in all things mechanical.  Jerry was an only child and made friends with all sorts of animals.  One of his favorite was his pet crow Caw Caw.  He would ride his bicycle all over the back roads with Caw Caw perched on his handlebars.  As he grew up he started his own plow sharpening service.  He prided himself on delivering a quick turnaround at a fair price.  After he moved off the farm repairing and remodeling homes, cars and other building projects occupied his spare time.  Jerry enjoyed water skiing, but his biggest passion was flying.  In the late 1970’s he built and flew a home-built ultralight aircraft.

Jerry was a studious individual.  He had a thirst for knowledge that led him to discovering the Truth of the Bible.  On March 13, 1977 at the age of 40, Jerry was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.  From that point on Jerry spent his life helping people come to understand the blessings of the coming Kingdom of God.

Due to the pandemic, a virtual memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.  If you are interested in attending please call (785) 843-8765 for videoconferencing information.

 

John Edward Holladay

Posted on by RumseyYost

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of John E. Holladay, III, of Lawrence, KS, at the age of 100 years.

Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Memorial Park Cemetery, 1517 E 15th St, Lawrence, Kansas.

John was born February 10, 1921, in Lawrence, to John and Fannie Godfrey Holladay.  He was born on Ash Street in North Lawrence and remained in Lawrence for the entirety of his life.  He had 5 siblings that have all passed; Walter Holladay, Leonard Holladay, Stella Beerbower, Edna Kessinger, and Anna Copp.

He attended Liberty Memorial High School before serving in the US Army.  He married the love of his life, Oleta Fox when he returned home.

They were members of the First United Methodist Church.  They were blessed with over 50 years of cherished memories of life together.  In 1963 they adopted two fortunate babies, Tony D. Holladay and Gay A. Quinn.

John was a dedicated and hard worker.  He worked for the Lawrence Paper Company on the riverfront and then as Lawrence Presbyterian Manor’s first Maintenance Supervisor.  He retired in 1990 and cared for his wife until she passed in 2000.

John loved dogs.  His LouLou and Angelica were very precious to him.  He walked his dogs daily and this helped him keep his health.  He loved the Kansas City Chiefs and KU Basketball.

John will forever live in the hearts of his children, Tony Holladay and Gay Quinn; and his granddaughter, Noel Dawn Holladay; and great grandchildren, Camdyn Webster and Ryder Webster.

Friends may call from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Bruce A. Miller

Posted on by RumseyYost

Bruce A. Miller, 69, passed away on Sept. 13, 2020, at his home in Kerrville, TX. Bruce was born ‘lucky’ in Lawrence, KS on Friday Oct. 13, 1950 to parents Harry & Vivian Miller who farmed near Lawrence. Bruce is survived by his brother, Harry of Syracuse, NY and sister, Nancy Reiling of Lawrence, KS as well as nieces and nephews. Bruce graduated from Lawrence High School and Fort Hays State University.

Bruce was an affable person who was quick to make others laugh and smile. He had a quick wit that he loved using. Having grown up on a farm, he loved animals. They all had names and a history which he could readily recount. He nursed to health a number of distressed calves by feeding them with a bottle. Bruce loved to take his nieces and nephews fishing at the pond on the farm and to pet the cows.

Over the years Bruce held a number of jobs including farm real estate agent, car salesman, field medical equipment repair, medical insurance scoring, and elder home care among them. These jobs took him around the country so he resided in Memphis, TN, South Carolina, Overland Park, Kansas and Blue Eye, MO. His favorite job was taking care of his mother until she passed at 100 years old.

Bruce’s favorite pastime was music where he played the piano and guitar and fancied himself a playwright who would someday be discovered for his talent. He had a raft of experiences to draw upon in developing a play.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 13 at 11:00 CST at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home

Ronald Joseph “Ron” Wroczynski

Posted on by RumseyYost

A funeral mass for Ronald Joseph “Ron” Wroczynski, 74, of Lawrence will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Corpus Christi Catholic Church.

Ron died Thursday, March 4, 2021, at his home after battling a rare form of cancer.

He was born February 8, 1947, in Jersey City, New Jersey to Joseph Stanley and Sarah Grace Feehan Wroczynski.

On April 20, 1968, he married Marian Della Robbins in the All Saints Church in Jersey City, New Jersey.  They remained married till his passing, enjoying over 56 years together.

Ron worked as a general manager for Red Lobster for 15 years and retired from the University of Kansas in the Student Union working the training table and satellite services where he was affectionately known as “The Hotdog Man”.

He was a parishioner of Corpus Christi Catholic Church. As a 35 year veteran of the Knights of Columbus and the 4th Degree, he elected to all positions of the Order. He was a Scoutmaster, a Mentor, and teacher to many  young men in the Joplin, MO area. Civic duty and service to the community was a fundamental part of Ron. He was always willing to volunteer his time and talents to causes, especially those of his children.  He assisted in providing special pies or food for his daughter’s Lawrence Trail Hawks trail races. His gregarious personality made him a stranger to none. He was fairly fond of fishing, gloried in the game of golf, keen on cooking; was a wonder with woodworking, a happy handyman and a strong supporter of KU football players, took pleasure in participating in glorious games with, but loved losing to, his grandchildren.  He reveled in road tripping with his  wonderful wife and fantastic family.

He is survived by his wife, Marian,  brother Joseph Wroczynski and wife Cathy of Manchester, Pennsylvania; his children, Marian Goepfert and husband Dan of Joplin, Missouri; Ron J. Wroczynski of Belle Haven, Virginia; Roxann Zohner and husband Jakob of Post Falls, Idaho; and Caroline Wroczynski of Lawrence, Kansas; and 10 grandchildren, Billy Bender, Gabrielle Goepfert, Patrick Wroczynski, Tirza Zohner, Titus Zohner, Timaeus Zohner, Talitha Zohner, Timon Zohner, Trinity Zohner, and Tryphena Zohner.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m Tuesday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, where the family will receive them from 6-7 p.m. with a Rosary beginning  at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Douglas County Relay For Life, or flowering plants to be sent in care of the funeral home.  Ron volunteered for Relay For Life and his family is grateful for the services available during his years of treatment.