Category: Obituaries

Jo Ann Church

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Jo Ann (Todd) Church was born December 16, 1938, in Leavenworth, Kansas. She passed away January 24, 2020, at age 81 after a long illness.

Jo Ann grew up in Lawrence, Kansas. Jo Ann worked most of her adult life, in the school cafeteria when her children were growing up and later at Southwestern Bell in Topeka. She also worked in her daughter Kelly’s diner.

Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Violet Todd, two sisters Betty Long and Joy Bohl, and one brother, Jerry (Butch) Todd. Jo Ann is survived by three sisters, Carol Brewster and her husband Phil, Linda Lee and her husband Tom, Judy Coffman and her husband Gary, and three brothers Roy Todd and his wife Judy, Jack Todd and his wife Delores, and John Todd and his wife Nancy. Her eldest son, Mike, also preceded her in death. Jo Ann is also survived by five children, Connie Boring, Athena Devers, and Kelly Church of Lawrence and Kathy Minerd, Ottawa, and one son, Tony Church of Lawrence plus numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Vernon A. ‘Vern’ Chamberlin

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Vernon Chamberlin, 95, Lawrence, passed away on January 25, 2020, at his home. He was born July 18, 1924, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Fred L. Chamberlin and Verna (Woodside) Chamberlin.

He attended public schools in Topeka, and received an A.B. Degree from Washburn University and a M.A. Degree from K.U. He taught high school in Fredonia, Kansas, and at Pembroke Country Day School in Kansas City, Missouri, and completed his Ph.D. at K.U. in 1957.

Vernon taught Spanish at U.C.L.A. two years and at Oklahoma State University four years before returning to teach at K.U. in 1963. He was promoted to Professor of Spanish in 1968 and taught at K.U. until his retirement in 1996., specializing in nineteenth Century Spanish literature. He published books as well as numerous articles, notes, and book reviews in scholarly journals. He also served on editorial boards, belonged to several professional organizations, and frequently presented papers at national and international conferences.

He married Marilyn Groom on June 4, 1955, in Lawrence, Kansas. She survives of the home. Other survivors include a daughter, Marlene Chamberlin, Ft, Collins, Colorado; a son, Mark Chamberlin, Fruita, Colorado; and an honorary granddaughter, Julia Silverstein, Farmington, CT. Vernon was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Bill Chamberlin.

At his request, there will be no funeral service. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Douglas County Visiting Nurses & Hospice, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044. Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com

Timothy James ‘Tim’ Birdsill

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Timothy James ‘Tim’ Birdsill passed away in the early morning hours of Jan. 21, 2020, surrounded both physically and spiritually by family at the home of his sister, Chris, in Lawrence, KS.

Tim was born Sept. 18, 1955, in Inglewood, CA. He was 64 years old.

Tim, who was the fourth child of twelve born to Robert & Edith Birdsill, grew up in Southern California, spending the summers surfing and riding motorcycles. He moved to Lawrence, KS in 1980, relocating for business. Tim could have relocated anywhere, but chose Lawrence so that his younger sister would have a place to live while attending KU. Tim traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe as a senior field trainer in the printing industry for over 30 years. When Tim came home on the weekends, he enjoyed playing golf with friends and cooking a good meal, which he often shared with family and friends. Tim was a kind and generous son, brother, uncle, and friend. He helped many people along his journey of life in many ways. He will be dearly missed.

Tim was preceded in death by his father Robert E. Birdsill, brothers Steve Birdsill and Robby Birdsill, nephew Donald Masse, and brother-in-laws Philip Smith and Kenny Huckins. He is survived by his mother Edith Birdsill, Guymon, OK, sister Judy (Don) Masse, Guymon, OK, sister Vicki (Kenny) Steltzer, Guymon, OK, brother Mike Birdsill, Chico, CA, brother Ken Birdsill, Windsor, NY, sister Chris Poterbin, Lawrence, KS, sister Karen Smith, Hutchinson, KS, sister Carla Huckins, Guymon, OK., brother Larry Birdsill, Oklahoma City, OK, and sister Laurie Morris, Omaha, NE, and several nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place. The family will have a private Celebration of Life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to be made in honor of Tim to Douglas County VNA/Hospice, and/or do an act of kindness daily, even if it is just making someone smile.

Henry Manfred Rylko

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Services for Henry Manfred Rylko, 73, of Lawrence, will be at 11 am, Saturday January 25, 2020 at St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church. Henry passed away peacefully Sunday evening, surrounded by loved ones.

Henry was born November 27, 1946 in Trostberg, Germany to Louise and Felix Rylko. He moved to the United States when he was just three years old. He grew up in Hutchinson, KS, moving to Lawrence to attend the University of Kansas. Henry earned his Master’s degree in History from KU in 1977.

He married Beverly June Rylko December 28, 1968. Henry and Beverly spent over 46 years together. Beverly preceded Henry in death on March 10, 2014.

Henry worked as an IT Specialist at the Environmental Protection Agency until he retired in 2014. Henry had many hobbies including gardening on his acre of property, cooking, and reading. He had many lifelong friends whom he met with regularly for book club, opera club, and other social events.

He is survived by his mother, Louise Rylko of Owasso, OK, two sisters: Bonita, of Fresno, CA, and Rita, of Owasso, a brother, John (Margret), of Owasso, three daughters: Sophia (Liam), Amelia, and Rose of Lawrence, and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Felix, sister, Angela, and his wife, Beverly. Henry will be remembered for his kind and thoughtful personality, his love of life, and his sense of humor. He will be missed by many.

Memorial contributions may be made to Justice Matters or Van Go Inc., sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Elaine Marie Wainscott

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Elaine Marie Wainscott passed away in her sleep on January 18, 2020, in Lawrence, Kansas. Elaine was 72 years old, though she loved to tell people that she was only 29 (which did make for some awkward moments when her oldest son turned 50).

She was born in McPherson, Kansas, on December 5, 1947, the daughter of Walter Wainscott Jr., and Armella Stramel. Her early life was a very difficult one, but in spite of (or perhaps because of) that, Elaine had a generous spirt, and a compassionate heart. She was always looking for ways to be a better person.

It would also be remiss to not add that she had an amazing smile, and gave great hugs.

Her great passion in life was genealogy, and Elaine compiled volume after volume of genealogical information on the various branches of her family tree. She had proudly tracked her family’s roots back to the early 1600’s (and did so largely in the days before the internet).

Elaine was married twice (though the less said about that, the better), and had two sons from her first marriage, Rick and Todd West.

Rick and his husband, Jeff Blochlinger, live in Lawrence, Kansas, where Elaine joined them in the early 2000’s.

Todd West lives in Houston, Texas, and has three amazing children: Cameron, Tabitha, and Brandon West.

Elaine was very proud of both of her sons, her son-in-law, and her grandkids, and loved them all very much.

Elaine was preceded in death by her beloved canine companion, Boo Boo. Their reunion at this time is certainly very joyous, with much barking, cuddling, and laughter.

Elaine was a very private person, and, as her per wishes, no public service will be held. She also requested that the only memorials in her name be expressed as acts of kindness, and hugs for those who need them.

Condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.

Lavoy Eugene “Gene” Bailey

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Funeral services for Lavoy Eugene “Gene” Bailey, 78, Eudora, will be at 2 pm Thursday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mr. Bailey died January 10, 2020, at LMH Health in Lawrence.

He was born August 25, 1941, in Ozark, Arkansas, the son of Garner R. Bailey and Geneva Ann Wisdom Bailey Gary.

Mr. Bailey had several jobs over the years and his last was at a carwash, before his retirement. He enjoyed working on cars, listening to country music, and camping.

He is survived by two sons, Ronald E. Bailey of Lawrence, and Mitchell Bailey of Lawrence; sisters, Wilma Ray and husband Paul of Lawrence, and Carol Mason of Eudora.

Friends may call from 9 am to 2 pm Thursday at the funeral home.

Nancy Jane Winn

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No services are planned for Nancy Jane Winn, Ph.D., 90, Lawrence, who passed away Monday, January 6, 2020, at Brandon Woods at Alvamar, where she had resided for many years.

She was born November 27, 1929, in Chanute, the daughter of Earl Stanton Birt and Rachel Brewer Birt.

Dr. Winn taught for nine years at UMKC as an Educational Psychologist. She later worked at Peruvian Connection as a statistical sales analyst. She was very active at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church.

She was preceded in death by two children, David Winn in 2004, and Cynthia Winn in 2007. She leaves no immediate family, but a host of friends survive.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church.

Robert J. ‘Bob’ Anderson

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Robert J. ‘Bob’ Anderson, age 76 of Lawrence, died Saturday, January 4th at Olathe Hospice House. He was born December 31, 1943 in Springfield, Ohio the son of Joseph and Mary (Little) Anderson. Bob, who spent his childhood in Medway, Ohio, grew up to serve as a firefighter for the Crystal Lakes, Medway-Bethel Township Fire Department. In 1967 he was drafted into the Army and served overseas in Vietnam. He returned from service in 1969 and moved to Lawrence, Kansas where he lived the remainder of his adult life.

Bob was a jack of all trades and held numerous jobs as a Lawrence firefighter, as a school bus driver, a high school sports referee or umpire and also worked at Stanion Electric, and most recently with Advance Homecare. He is survived by his former wife and mother of his children Patsy (Yeager) Anderson, daughter Teresa and son Troy (Andrea). He is also survived by five grandchildren, Tyson, Amber, Jessica, Mason and Taylor. No additional services are planned at this time.

Gary D. Hale

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Gary Hale passed away on January 3, 2020, at LMH Health in Lawrence Kansas. He was 83 years old.

Gary was born April 14, 1936, in Concordia, KS, to Fred Hale and June (Shively) Hale. He grew up in western Kansas and graduated from Atwood Rural High School, where he played football and was an honor student. In 1958, he earned a baccalaureate degree in Journalism from the University of Kansas. He followed his family’s passion for publishing weekly newspapers and became the editor and publisher of the Hugoton Hermes in Hugoton, KS.

However, Gary decided to break the family mold in order to become an attorney. He earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Kansas in 1970, and he pursued a career as a trust officer in three different banks located in Kansas. The final chapter in Gary’s career was to practice as a financial planner.

Gary married Kay Roberts in 1959 and they had two children, David and Gregory. Gary was a family man and he supported the development of his sons both as scholars and athletes. He also shared his passion for golf with anyone who was interested.

Gary always supported his community through involvement in service organizations and his church. He served on the Advisory Committee as well as the Board of Directors of the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging for more than 10 years.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents and his son, David.

Gary is survived by his wife, Kay; his son, Greg and wife Alex; and their daughters, Grace and Mackenzie; and Madeleine Hale, a daughter of David; as well as a sister, Valerie Bearley and husband Craig. In addition Gary is survived by a special family friend, Michelle Meyer and husband, Tim, and their two children, Noah and Melanie.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to either the First United Methodist Church, the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging, or the Parkinson’s Disease Support Group of Lawrence. Contributions should be sent to Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS, 66044.

A Celebration of Life for Gary will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, January 10th in the Smith Center at Brandon Woods, 4730 Brandon Woods Terr., Lawrence, KS 66047