Category: Obituaries

Dorothy Ann Lawrence

Posted on by RumseyYost

Dorothy A. Lawrence, 86 of Tecumseh, Ks passed away peacefully at Monterey Village in Lawrence Ks on April 11th 2020. She was born December 20th, 1933 in Waterville, Kansas, daughter of Beryl Ann (Staples) and Melvin Marshal Zeller. She graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in 1953. She was a Traveling Military housewife and married the love of her life, John M. Lawrence who served in the United States Airforce. They married on November 6th, 1955. He proceeded her in death on February 18th, 2010. Her brother is proceeded in death by her brother Francis M. Zeller.

Dorothy enjoyed bird watching with her husband, sewing, crafting, and collecting during their military moves in California, Colorado, South Carolina, and the island of Guam.
They resided in the community of Tecumseh, Ks for 42 years. She was a member of the Whiting Christian Church. She is proceeded in death by her brother Francis M. Zeller and survived by her sister Doris & Husband Billy Detherage of Lawrence Kansas.

Survivors include, her children Johnny (Mary Kay) of Topeka, KS. Cherryl Boyett of Holton, KS and Martin (Tina) of Wetmore, Kansas with 9 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Whiting Church.

Services for Dorothy A. Lawrence, 86, of Tecumseh, will take place at a later date.

Ramona Lee Arnold

Posted on by RumseyYost

Ramona Lee Arnold, age 86, died Wednesday morning April 8, 2020, at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor. She was born November 26, 1933, in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma to L.B. and Eloise Norwood.

Ramona grew up in Pauls Valley, OK graduating from Pauls Valley High School in 1952. She attended Oklahoma State University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Child Care and Development degree also earning her teaching Certificate in Elementary School Education. Ramona met and married Phil Arnold at Oklahoma State University. They were married on January 26, 1956.

Ramona was devoted to raising her children, Larry and Janice. She taught pre-kindergarten in Lawrence, KS; Topeka, KS; and Edmond, OK. She made an impact on many children’s lives throughout her 29-year career. Ramona took her vocational focus from Eph. 4:11 that teaching young children was a special gift from God. She taught young children kindness, sharing, gentleness and loving. After she retired, Ramona’s caregiving took on new meaning as she became a Stephen Minister. Ramona provided loving care to both parents and was devoted to her sister’s care for 22 years.

Her Christian faith was important to Ramona. She believed in Jesus Christ and the salvation found in Him.

Ramona was preceded in death by her parents, L. B. and Eloise Norwood; her sister, Linda Lou Norwood; two uncles, Howard and William Norwood; three aunts, Patsy (Vaught) Flowers and husband Hershel, Pauline (Norwood) Richardson and husband Frank, Ailene (Norwood) Cooke and husband T. M. Cooke.

Surviving family include her husband Phil Arnold of Lawrence, KS; son Larry Arnold and wife Jane (Volmer) Arnold of Lawrence, KS; daughter Janice Arnold of Wichita; KS; grandson Matt (Katie) Stratton of Chicago, IL and three great granddaughters; as well as a number of cousins and nephews.

The family would like to thank Visiting Nurses Association of Lawrence and Lawrence Presbyterian Manor for their loving care of Ramona and her family.

A private family service is planned for another date. Celebration of Life ceremonies will also take place at another date.

Memorials are suggested to Visiting Nurses Association of Lawrence, KS, and Christ Community Church of Edmond, OK, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS 66044.

Audrey Corrine (Sill) Halmrast

Posted on by RumseyYost

Audrey Corrine Halmrast, 84 years, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Palm Sunday, April 5, 2020.

She was born on December 2nd, 1935, in Joplin, Missouri to Herman and Mattie Sill. She was the eighth of nine children. She attended Carl Junction schools excelling in her studies and was a Bulldog cheerleader and drum majorette for the H.S band.

Audrey married Lester Dale Halmrast on August 6, 1952. Les and Aud fell in love when she was visiting her brother, Gerald Sill, in the Air Force boot camp. She brought home-made fudge and Les got a taste of that fudge and it was all over. Before Les left for his first Air Traffic Controller assignment in England, he headed straight to Missouri to marry that beautiful Audrey.

Mattie Sill, Audrey’s mother, drove them over the Missouri border to Arkansas with little brother Carroll Arthur in tow. They found a preacher to marry them in the middle of the night. The ceremony took place on the front porch, the preacher in his bathrobe and bare feet.

Within six months Audrey joined Les in England where they started their family, two standard poodles, a parakeet, and a few years later their first born, Rhonda Sue. What a whirlwind!
Leaving England behind, Audrey and Les moved on to Biloxi, MS, where Brenda was born as well as a litter of poodles, Mitzi and Jaja.

Julie was born while the family was living in Knobnoster, MO. This was a short stay before on to a vacation home on a canal in Michigan. Audrey fried lots of fish caught from our own little pier. Audrey was known for her desserts, home-made cinnamon rolls, wonderful pies, cream puffs, cakes, cookies, and don’t forget the fudge. Life was grand when Les was home, lots of good food and family fun.

Clark AFB Philippines was a beautiful base at the next stop and Audrey and Les enjoyed the swimming pool, horseback rides, playing golf and entertainment at the NCO club. Living off base with the Filipino people was an exciting unique experience.

Upstate NY was gorgeous with a full four seasons. Audrey loved the drives through the countryside on Sunday afternoons. Kevin was born on May 5, 1965, during this assignment in Plattsburgh. He was the first Halmrast boy and the apple of Audrey’s eye.

Audrey was a Girl Scout leader when Les was stationed at Itazuke AFB, Japan, and they took the girls, along with family, camping at Hakata Beach and visited many beautiful sites in Japan.
There were numerous other moves after Les retired from the USAF until they settled in Centralia Missouri.

Audrey is survived by her son, Kevin Dale Halmrast, daughters; Rhonda Sue (Halmrast) Lebron, Brenda Lea (Halmrast) Lee, Julie Dawn (Halmrast) Frane, five grandchildren, Tristan Keith Platner, Amanda Grae Platner, Erik Shane Platner, Benjamin Barrett Lebron, Robert Karsten Lee and one great grandchild, Gabriel Christopher Platner. She is also survived by one brother, Carroll Arthur Sill of Carl Junction, Mo.

Audrey loved her husband Les and her family and devoted her life to them. She especially loved her grandchildren and great grandchild and cherished their visits. They called her grandma. The life of a military wife with four children took strength, courage, and much family support. There were always family dogs, her last was her favorite, Heather, an English Cream Retriever. She enjoyed baking, sewing, knitting, reading, crossword puzzles, and stained glass and found ways to give to others through her hobbies. Her special gift of decorating was evident in how she was able to make any place warm and inviting….home.

In an uncertain and sometimes scary world, she was a safe space for her grandchildren. Always for them a smile on her face. Even through her truths and sass there was always a twinkle in her eye and a hug in her arms. To be loved in life is life’s greatest gift, she gave us all that gift.

The family extends a special thank you to the staff at The Windsor House in Lawrence, Kansas, for spoiling her and taking the best care we could ever imagine during her stay.

There will be a Celebration of Life for the family with date to be determined in the future. Should you wish to send cards and condolences to the family please send to: Ms. Brenda Lee
1400 River Ridge Rd. Lawrence, KS 66044.

Nova Lee Cottrell

Posted on by RumseyYost

Nova Lee Cottrell, 86, Perry, passed away Sunday, April 5, 2020, at home. She was born November 19, 1933, at Williamstown, the daughter of Willard M. and Genevieve Robohn Viles. She attended grade school at Oak Grove, a small one-room country school in Williamstown, and later attended schools in Desoto and Leavenworth. She was a longtime resident of the Perry area.

Nova was an accomplished seamstress, wonderful cook, and enjoyed collecting antiques and refinishing furniture. She worked at Jostens in Topeka and retired as a group leader after twenty-one years of service. She loved getting her family together for holiday dinners and especially loved spending time with all of her grandchildren.

She was a member of the Perry United Methodist Church. While her children were growing up she served on church committees and helped with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

Nova married the love of her life, Donald Gene Cottrell, on December 24, 1949, in Topeka. He passed away on December 1, 2019. They would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this past Christmas Eve.

After retirement they took on the project of saving the historical Charles Curtis House at 11th Street and Topeka Boulevard in Topeka in 1993. Curtis was the first Native American to ever reach the high office of vice president of the United States. Now known as the Charles Curtis House Museum, it is one of the historical attractions of Topeka. Nova enjoyed giving tours and telling the history of Charles Curtis. Nova and Don became friends to all who toured the house.

The Topeka Cemetery has offered honorary grave space for the Cottrell’s near the grave of Vice President Charles Curtis where the family plans to place a memorial stone.

Mrs. Cottrell is survived by one daughter, Patricia J. “Patty” (Rob) Dannenberg, Perry; two sons, Donald E. “Gene” Cottrell, and James E. Cottrell, both Perry; six grandchildren, Holly Colbert, Lecompton, Dustin Cottrell, Perry, Wade Cottrell, Baldwin City, Wes Cottrell, Perry, Donnie Cottrell, Topeka, Jacob Cottrell, Norfolk, Virginia; thirteen great-grandchildren; one sister, Annette Rhoades, Tyler, Texas; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Geneva Miller and Rosalie McQueen, and one grandson, infant Donald E. Cottrell.

A private family service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Jefferson County Friends of Hospice or Perry United Methodist Church in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Alan ‘Kelly’ Wheeler

Posted on by RumseyYost

Alan “Kelly” Wheeler, Lawrence, Kansas died from cancer April 3, 2020 at the age of 62.

Kelly was born on February 28, 1958 in Lawrence, Kansas to James Donald Wheeler and Robbie Lee (Carlyle) Wheeler. He was one of six siblings and grew up in Eudora, Kansas.

He married Judith “Judy” Kay Culver on September 30, 1978 and was married for 40 years.

Kelly worked at Kmart Distribution Center in Lawrence for 15 years and Lawrence Memorial Hospital (LMH) for 28 years before retiring from LMH in July of 2018.

He was preceded in death by both parents and his wife Judy.

He leaves behind his daughter Amanda (Justin) Wright Olathe, Kansas, one granddaughter, Mila Wright, and two grandsons, William and Spencer Wright, Olathe. Kelly also leaves behind two sisters, Cheri Klindt, Lawrence, Kansas, and Donna Henderson, Lawrence, Kansas, three brothers, Jerry Wheeler Lawrence, Kansas, Kerry Wheeler, Lawrence, Kansas, and Buddy Criss, Eudora, Kansas, and many nieces and nephews.

Ronald Eugene “Ron” Coleman

Posted on by RumseyYost

Graveside services for Ronald Eugene “Ron” Coleman, 62, Lawrence, will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, at Highland Cemetery in Ottawa, Kansas.

As a husband, father, friend, son, brother, and colleague, Ron Coleman brought richness into many people’s lives. He sought to serve well in family, friendships, church, and work. At age 62, Ron passed away April 2, 2020 at his home in Lawrence, Kansas. Ron is mourned and missed by wife Carolina, daughter Skyler, mother Jaunita Ford, stepfather Warren Ford, sister Janet, brother Jeff, nephews Chris Jimenez, Craig Jimenez, Spencer Jacobs, niece Sarah Jacobs, and many friends and extended family members. His father David Coleman preceded Ron in passing.

Born March 6, 1958, Ron spent his childhood and early adult years in Pratt, Kansas, where he graduated from Pratt Senior High School and attended Pratt Community College. He later graduated from Washburn University and earned a master’s degree from the University of Kansas, studying political science and pre-law. He dedicated more than 35 years to his work as a construction superintendent.

Ron was passionate about Kansas University and Pratt High sports, Kansas City Chiefs football, holiday traditions, classic rock music, a well-kept lawn, laughter, family, friendships, and faith. He’s remembered as a standout football player, an intellectual, a life enthusiast, a hard worker, and kind and loving man.

Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Vintage Church, sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Joan Handley

Posted on by RumseyYost

No public services are planned for Joan Handley, 89, Lawrence, who died Saturday, March 28, 2020, at Brandon Woods at Alvamar.

She earned her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas – Austin and her Master’s degree at the University of Oklahoma.

Ms. Handley was a longtime instructor of Microbiology at the University of Kansas.

Clinton J. Leon

Posted on by RumseyYost

Clinton (Clint) Leon, age 87, died at his home in Lawrence, Kansas, on April 1, 2020. He was born March 10, 1933, in McPherson, Kansas, the son of Arthur Leon and Ruth Lundberg Leon.

Mr. Leon graduated from McPherson High School in 1951. He attended Kansas State Teachers College of Emporia and Bethany College before serving in the U.S. Army, 16 months of that time in Korea. He returned to K.S.T.C., where he met Jo Berends. They were married on December 27, 1956, in Friend, Kansas. They both taught art in Arkansas City, Kansas. He also attended Wichita State University, Western State College of Gunnison, Colorado, Fort Hays Kansas State College, where he earned an M.S. in Art, and the University of Kansas. He taught art in the Arkansas City, Kansas public school system, at Chilocco Indian School in Oklahoma, and Haskell Indian Junior College in Lawrence.

He was a member of local, state and national art and education associations. Clint and Jo exhibited their artwork in local and regional exhibits. He was a 4-H photography project leader on the Eudora and Kanza 4-H clubs and coached his sons’ Little League teams. He was a member of the American Legion Dorsey-Liberty Post 14 where he volunteered for a number of duties including the rifle squad for many years.

Clint’s devoted wife Jo preceded him in death on February 7, 2001 and brother, Eugene, Concordia, Kansas, on May 30, 2017. Survivors include a daughter, Sienna of Lawrence, Kansas; two sons, Sven (Christine), Portland, Oregon, and Lars (Devonne) of Lawrence; four granddaughters Jordyn Leon, Kyra Leon, Ryleigh Leon, Marina Profeti, and a grandson Trystan Leon; and sister-in-law, Jean Leon , Concordia.

A memorial service will be planned at a later date. Burial will be at Gate (Oklahoma) Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the American Legion Dorsey-Liberty Post 14, or a charity of the donor’s choice, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, Kansas, 66044.

John Wolfe Dardess

Posted on by RumseyYost

Private Family Services for John W. Dardess, 83, of Lawrence were held through Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Interment was at Pioneer Cemetery.

Mr. Dardess died Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at St. Luke’s Hospice House.

He was born January 17, 1937, in Chatham, NY, the son of John Dardess and Edna Wolfe Dardess. He graduated from Chatham High School in NY in 1954 and Georgetown University in 1958. He earned a Ph.D. from Columbia University in 1968. He moved to Lawrence in 1966 from New York.

Mr. Dardess served in the U.S. Army in the 1960s and was a Professor of History at the University of Kansas from 1966 to 2002 where he taught Chinese and Inner Asian History. He also served as Director of the Center for East Asian Studies from 1995-1997. He was fluent in many languages and was the author of ten books.

Survivors include a son, Tad and his wife, Pam, Durham, NC; a brother, George and his wife Peg, Rochester, NY; and two grandchildren, Lea and Maya.

Mr. Dardess was an avid bicyclist and also enjoyed gardening, writing and baseball.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lawrence Unchained Bicycle Co-op, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.