Category: Obituaries

Dr. Wei Chen

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Dr. Wei Chen, 44, born in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. A brilliant scholar, he earned two PhDs from Chinese Academy of Sciences and the University of Texas at Dallas and served as an associate professor in the School of Business at the University of Kansas. He moved to Lawrence in 2015 from Dallas, Texas.

Quiet, courageous, and independent, he faced life’s challenges with grace. Deeply loved by his family, who will miss him dearly, and always willing to help others, he lived with a strong sense of responsibility, integrity, and thoughtfulness.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no formal service. He will be laid to rest at Angel Fountain in the Reflection Garden at Olathe Memorial Cemetery. Friends, colleagues, and all who wish to honor his memory are welcome to visit the memorial site.

He will be remembered for his brilliance, quiet strength, the love he shared with his family, and his generosity toward others.

Wanda Jean Vanderpool Tobin

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Wanda Jean Vanderpool-Tobin died of peritonitis following surgery in Lawrence, KS, on Dec 1, 2025, at the age of 80 years, five months, and 28 days.

The youngest of five children, Wanda was born in Meade, KS on Mar 3, 1945 to Iona Olivia and Walt Vanderpool.  She was the last survivor of five children from her mother: Yvonne, Iona “Pee-Wee”, Myrtle, Walt “Sonny”.  From her father Walt is surviving siblings Kay Mora (KS) and Todd Schanze (OR) and from her step-father Joseph LaOrange is step-sister Darlena LaOrange (KS).

She spent most of her early years on a farm with her father’s parents, before finally being allowed as a teenager to move to California to live with her mother and step-father. She was a good student, very intelligent and graduated from Franklin High School in Highland Park, CA. If she had had more opportunities in life to excel by the patriarchy, she would have been unstoppable.

She married a Navy enlisted man and together they had three daughters in San Diego CA. They divorced, and Wanda made it a priority to provide for her girls the best she could. Working as a Tiny Naylors Restaurant manager and then at Carter Hawley Hale corporate office downtown Los Angeles. When her mother moved back to Kansas – Salina this time –  Wanda and her girls followed. She worked at First Bank And Trust on Santa Fe Ave for several years, then found a better opportunity working for the State of Kansas, first in SRS (family services), then at KDOT in Human Relations (Department of Transportation). But alas Men and their Patriarchy she retired in 2011 after a long bout of asshat fatigue.

An indomitable spirit and inspiration to her family, Wanda was a creative soul, avid reader, cherished mother of her girls, mother-in-law of two, steadfast aunt, doting grandmother  to eight grandchildren and loving great-grandmother of seven. She was always in service to her family, taking care of various nieces and nephews who needed a place to stay, as well as assisting with  hospice care for sisters Iona and  Myrtle and finally for their mother.

Through her eight decades on earth, Wanda lived through 14 presidents, three British monarchs, the end of World War II, the Atomic Age, Viet Nam, Korean War, the Cold War, a presidential assassination and resignation, Desert Storm, 9/11, War on Terrorism, three impeachments and a global pandemic.

Wanda  appreciated the music of her era, enjoying the Beatles, The Monkeys, Elvis and John Denver. Housekeeping  was done with music at full volume and dancing with her girls. She also enjoyed family singalongs to Bette Midler’s The Rose.

Being a single mother of three daughters  was not easy, but Wanda made it work. She was a feminist, with a strong belief that her daughters could do anything, be anything. It is no surprise, then, that two of them joined the Air Force in 1990, leaving two weeks apart for basic training in Texas. This did present Wanda with an opportunity to travel, as she visited her daughter Michell in Germany. She wanted to travel more, but settled with living vicariously through her children and grandchildren for more adventures.

Wanda is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law Yvonne “Lynae” (John) Martin of Kansas City, MO, Michell “Missy” Egger of Raymore, MO, Billi “Jo” (Michael) Riese of Warrensburg, MO.; eight grandchildren: Desi (Rodney), Dominic (Kelsey), Kyle (Hali), Dieja (Seth), Megan, Corey (Kristen), Ian (Caroline) and Madi; and seven great-grandchildren: Kohen, Jordan, Micah, Lorelei, Beck, Avery and Oliana or just Oli as we all call her.

A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Wanda’s memory, with details to be shared at a later date.

The family requests donation: Lawrence Presbyterian Manor Good Sam https://www.presbyterianmanors.org/give-now/ or The DAV Charitable Service Trust https://cst.dav.org/contributions/.

Clyde Charles (Chuck) Rogers Jr

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Clyde Charles Rogers, Jr. passed away on Dec 2nd, 2025 at age 81.  Clyde, also called “Chuck” by many family and friends, was born in Tacoma Washington and was undoubtedly one of the first “Baby Boomers”, a generation started at the end of World War II.  Chuck was a father, grandfather, great-grandfather and the eldest son of Clyde (Sr.) and Helen Rogers who both preceded Chuck in death.

In his early years Chuck did extremely well in school as well as being an accomplished athlete and great asset to his high school track and field team.  Chuck earned a varsity letter “M” in track and field as a member of the Mills High Harriers, Varsity Cross County, while also winning competitions in the high hurdles and pole vault.  After graduating high school, Chuck studied Psychology at San Francisco State University for 3 ½ years, during which time he met and married Nancy VanLaanen.  Chuck and Nancy joined the Bahai’i Faith and had their daughters Heather and Jennifer before moving to the East Coast state of Vermont. Chuck and Nancy had two more daughters, Melissa, and Leah. All four daughters are strong independent women. Chuck was Poppy to his grandchildren, Zach, Callan, Max, MaryLu and Anissa and great grandchildren Elliot and Josiah. Chuck was devoted to his family and to his faith.

Chuck had many jobs throughout his career.  While attending University, Chuck was in charge of training penguins in an exhibit at San Francisco’s Fisherman Wharf.  Tourists literally flocked to the shows and afterwards Chuck would often take several penguins for a walk along Fisherman’s Wharf.  Chuck’s main forte though, was maintaining and supervising maintenance of power plants producing electricity.  It did not seem to matter whether the power plant was fueled by wood chips, hydroelectric, or even a small nuclear source, Chuck was at ease making sure his plants could operate at capacity.

Chuck moved to Lawrence Kansas in 2019, where he lived until he recently moved to Lee Summit MO. Chuck was preceded in death by his wife, parents and younger brother Tom.  He is survived by his four daughters, sister Nancy and brother Eric and many close friends across the country.

The family suggests memorial gifts sent to the hello in there foundation: https://www.thehellointherefoundation.org/

Stuart Lee Shafer

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Born Stuart Lee Shafer on 2/23/54 to Norma Lea Curry and Lloyd Theodore Shafer in Hays, KS, Stu left this world peacefully from Lawrence on 11/23/25 after living resiliently with brain
cancer for over 4 years.  Stu grew up in Great Bend, Kansas City, Houston, and St Louis, and graduated from Western Michigan University, KU, and UC San Diego with degrees in English, Environmental Studies, and Sociology. WMU’s School of Homesteading program inspired his life’s work. He was professor of sociology and sustainable agriculture at Johnson County Community College, developing the successful campus Open Petal Farm. He was an organic grower for Rolling Prairie Farmers Alliance.
Stu wanted to change his world, and he did. He was active in social justice, anti-war, and antiimperialist movements, was a forty year Merc co-op member, and spent many years in the
leadership of the Kansas Rural Center.  Stu married Patti Dickinson in 1978 after sitting behind her on an Amtrak train and making her laugh with a silly comment. In the 80’s they moved 10 times and had 2 wonderful children who were raised on their rural Oskaloosa farm, where Stu grew vegetables and fruit for Rolling Prairie.
Survivors include wife Patti of Lawrence, daughter Miriam (Lee) Numata and wife Ako of Joplin; son Michael Heron Lee of Oskaloosa and his daughter October, the light of Stu’s life; sister
Melinda Huston and husband John of Lawrence; brother Kevin Shafer and wife Dori of Pleasant Hill, CA; sister Karen Johnson and husband Don of Iowa City; many nieces and
nephews; and many dear friends and colleagues with whom he loved to study and ponder and dream of a better world.
The family thanks Drs. Soule and Klish and the nurses of LMH Oncology for helping Stu live much longer than expected, and VNA Hospice for their care when Stu was ready to move on.
Stu supported many charities and dear to his heart was the Sustainable Agriculture Scholarship at Johnson County Community College, to help grow more independent farmers.
Please tell us your memories on Stu’s page at Rumsey-yost.com.

Christine Louise Taber

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Christine Louise Taber passed away peacefully early Friday morning, November 21, 2025, on the dawn of her 83rd birthday. Her family was with her for her last birthday celebration, sharing her favorite dessert, pineapple upside down cake, baked by her granddaughter. She was in hospice care at Pioneer Ridge in Lawrence, KS.

Christine was born in Culver City, CA, in 1942, with sunny beaches and donut making in her blood.

Chris loved road trips and enjoyed taking off to the Grand Canyon and Mexico with her sister Barby soon after getting her driver’s license. Her enjoyment of spontaneous adventures lasted throughout her life. She loved driving cross-country with her husband, Don. She often loaded up the kids and the dog for long weekend drives  along the coastal highway 101.

Chris and Don raised their three daughters in Woodland, California, nestled in an agricultural valley. They had many wonderful family pets, including Muffin and Fluffy.

Chris wielded a mean meat mallet, hammering enormous Pacific Geoduck clams into delectable community-renowned fritters. She honed her skill on regular summer camping trips to her beloved Dillon’s  Beach on the Northern California coast.  Making pomegranate jelly for holidays and gifts from freshly picked pomegranates was a lifelong hobby.

Donut maker, dental assistant, and pharmacy technician were three of Christine’s career paths. She loved staying productive and meeting new people. She was also an avid volunteer for her church, St. John’s United Church of Christ in Woodland, CA where she made lifelong friends.

In 2003, Chris and Don moved to Lawrence, finding a warm community that welcomed them with cheerful Kansas charm.

Chris cherished her baptism at her chosen Kansas church, Grace Baptist Church of Tonganoxie. Her faith sustained and comforted her through the remainder of her lifetime.

Chris was preceded in death by her parents, Bryce and Gene Anderson, and beloved husband of 42 years, Donald Albert Taber. She leaves behind three daughters and their families: Lora Taber (Michelle Tucker) and son Riley; Lana Grove (Jason) and children Quincy and Stella; and Jane Spurlock (Eric) and children Madelyn and Steven. Christine also leaves her two siblings, Paul Anderson and Barbara Koskelin.

Private services will be held with family in California where her ashes, commingled with those of her dear husband Don, will be scattered in the Pacific Ocean. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to 100 Good Women of Lawrence, Kansas, a charity that she supported through the Lawrence Welcome Club, or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Margaret Jean (Smith) Arnold

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Margaret Arnold Obituary

Services for Margaret Jean (Smith) Arnold will be at 10 AM on Saturday, November 29 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Dr. Arnold died Saturday. November 22.

Margaret was born April 17, 1934, in Jacksonville IL, the daughter of Dean L. and Marguerite (Spilker) Smith. After three years in the Rockford Illinois schools, the family moved to Topeka Kansas where she attended Topeka public schools, graduating from Topeka High School in 1952 with highest honors. She then attended the University of Kansas, living in Sellards Scholarship Hall, participating in Mortar Board, and excelling as a member of the KU Debate squad, where she also met her future husband. She received her B.S. in English Education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, completing all undergraduate classes with a 4.0 GPA.

After a brief career teaching High School English and a few years as a stay-at-home mom, she began work on her doctorate at the University of Texas. Awarded fellowships in both English and Classics, she earned a Ph.D. in 1971 and began a long career at the University of Kansas, spanning the years from 1968 to 2004. She received two teaching awards and was a recognized scholar for work regarding Milton, Shakespeare, Classics, and Women Writers. Even after retirement, she was an active scholar, participating in small group studies and book discussion groups and sharing her love for literature and learning.

Outside the classroom, she was active in the First Baptist Church of Lawrence, the League of Women Voters of Lawrence-Douglas County, and the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America.

In 1955, she married William Arnold, with whom she shared academic life and post-retirement travels. She is survived by their three children: Janice Arnold of Loveland, Colorado, Bruce Arnold and his wife Cheryl, of Redding California, and Mark Arnold and his wife Robin, of Fort Worth, Texas, as well as ten grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, her brother Dean L. Smith Jr., of Westfield, New Jersey, sister Norma Pettijohn of Topeka, Kansas and 4 nephews and nieces.

She was predeceased by her parents and husband.

The family suggests memorials to the First Baptist Church of Lawrence.

Wilma Stratton Rife

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Wilma Stratton Rife, born September 15, 1928, in Newton, Kansas, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, November 16, 2025.  Service and reception will be held at 2pm, Saturday, November 29th at Plymouth Congregational Church in Lawrence Kansas.

Wilma grew up in Hesston, Kansas, the daughter of Wallace Wilson Stratton and Mary Wenger.  She attended elementary school before graduating from Newton High School in 1946. A gifted student, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree summa cum laude from Southwestern College in Winfield in 1949. In 1948, she married Max Lee Rife, with whom she shared many years of partnership and family life.

Teaching was Wilma’s first calling. Over the course of more than 20 years, she taught in Cowley County—including a one-room schoolhouse—Geneseo, Inman, and Central Junior High School in Lawrence. Her dedication to education led her to pursue further academic achievement, earning a Master’s degree in English from the University of Kansas in 1970 and a Master’s in Library Science from Emporia State University in 1976.

Wilma joined the staff of Mabee Library at Washburn University in 1977. Her leadership and commitment to academic service led to her appointment as Director of Mabee Library in 1984, a role she held until her retirement in 1994. She was honored as Librarian Emeritus in 1995.

Wilma is survived by her children: Kurt Rife, Joel Rife and his wife Nancy  Coleman, Trish Rife and her husband  Pat Robinson and Libby Rife and her husband  Ed Holub.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Shannon Rife-Brown and her husband, Brad Brown, Wilson Rife and partner Jessa Karst, Jacob Robinson and partner Abby Charles, Sam Robinson, Amanda Robinson, Chad Robinson Jessica Robinson and Zach Holub; and great-grandchildren: Emery, Bethany and Lucian.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Max Rife, and by her daughters-in-law, Patti Rife and Gail Massie.

In retirement, she enjoyed reading, family gatherings with food, travel, many UK trips with family and friends, and all PBS programming. Wilma loved her country home, its surrounding walks and wild creatures, and an occasional Manhattan on the deck at sunset. She shared her life with many dogs and cats, especially Queen Emily  who stole her heart.

Wilma will be remembered for her sharp mind, her socialist tendencies, and her dedication to a good read. We will miss you, Mom.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made toward the Renovation of the Plymouth Sanctuary or the Lawrence Humane Society.

Angeline (Angie) Mae Fishburn

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Angeline (Angie) Mae Fishburn, 94, of Lawrence died on November 18, 2025. She was born April 30, 1931 in Quinter, Kansas to Norman and Lizzie Delp Flora. Angie was a life long member of the Church of the Brethren. Her family and faith defined her life.

Angie grew up on a farm northeast of Quinter and attended Quinter schools, graduating from Quinter High School in 1949. She attended McPherson College graduating in 1953 with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Education. She met Alvin Fishburn on a blind date while at McPherson, and they married on September 6, 1953 in Quinter. They moved to Lincoln, Nebraska where they worked in the hospital for two years. This was alternative military service for Alvin, as he was a conscientious objector to the Korean War due to religious beliefs. They then moved back to Alvin’s family dairy farm near Lone Star, Kansas where Angie taught 28 students, for one year, at Apple Pie one room school house. They raised their family of five children on the family farm. They retired in March 1998 after 43 years of farming. During these years Angie served as music director and council secretary at Lone Star Church of the Brethren. She loved her church community, and they loved her. She also served as District Executive for the Western Plains District of the Church of the Brethren. In Lawrence she volunteered at The American Red Cross blood bank, Lawrence Memorial Hospital auxiliary, was a Douglas County election volunteer, was active in the Douglas County Extension Homemakers Unit, and taught cooking skills to 4-H members, and served on the Douglas County Fair Board. She sang with the Lawrence Civic Choir for many years, and traveled with them to Austria and Romania, and sang at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC and at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

After her last child graduated from high school, she attended classes at the University of Kansas to recertify her teacher credentials. She then worked at East Heights School as a Special Education Paraprofessional for six years helping students learn to read.

Angie loved to travel, and reading about travel. She especially enjoyed visiting her brothers and sisters from coast to coast. A trip to Alaska with Alvin and their daughter Amy was a life long dream fulfilled. For several years she helped drive her father-in-law Aubrey as he traveled to Texas for the winter. The family camped in Colorado many summers with friends and extended family. She and Alvin also took three bus tours to the northeast, southeast, and the west.

Angie’s favorite past-times included reading and walking over the land she and Alvin farmed together. She enjoyed making candy at Christmas, especially cinnamon hard candy, and sharing it with others. Cheering for her beloved KU Jayhawks was also a favorite pastime. Spending time with her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren was the joy of her life.

Angie was preceded in death by her parents and nine siblings. She is survived by her spouse Alvin, and her children Allen (SanDe), Arlon (Barbara), Anne (Roy) Dare, Adrian (Debra), and Amy Fishburn. Other survivors are 19 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Monday, November 24 from 5 to 7pm at Lone Star Church of the Brethren. Memorial Services will be held Tuesday, November 25 at 10:30am also at Lone Star Church of the Brethren. A private internment will take place at a later time.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in Angie’s name to the University of Kansas Audio-Reader Program or Lawrence Public Library Early Literacy Program.

John Joseph Monaghan Jr.

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John (Sean) Joseph Monaghan Jr. 77, of Lawrence passed away peacefully on November 18, 2025. Service and reception will be held at 10:30 am November 29th at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lawrence, KS.

Sean was born on January 12, 1948 in Buffalo, New York, the son of John Joseph Monaghan and Virginia (Harrington) Monaghan.

After graduating from Canisius High School in 1965, Sean attended the University of Buffalo and Canisius College, earning a Bachelor degree in communications. He went on to obtain a Masters Degree in Linguistics from SUNY of Buffalo. While at Canisius HS, his rowing team won a national championship which was a highlight of his life.

Sean spent many years as Director Stores Human Resources Northeastern US and International for Payless Shoe Source. He managed human resource functions for operations in 10 countries. He enjoyed working with and meeting people in foreign countries and learning French and Spanish.

Sean and Janine met on St. Patrick’s Day in an Italian pizzeria. He was dressed head to toe in green and telling her his newest jokes. They were married on Nov. 17, 1972.

Sean is survived by his wife Janine, their 2 sons John (Erin) and Michael, and five grandchildren, Freya, Eleanor, Cecilia, Elsa, and AJ.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Kevin Monaghan, sisters Carol Fagnan and Virginia Hermes.

Other survivors include his brothers Tim (Sally) and Paul (Claudia), sisters Teresa (Jim) Minton and Mary Lou (Martin) Monaghan, and many nieces and nephews.

Sean had a lifelong love for music and was a wonderful singer. A trip to Ireland had him singing “Danny Boy” in an Irish pub, where he received a standing ovation.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to DCCCA of Lawrence, KS or The American Heart Association – sent in care of Rumsey Yost Funeral Home: P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Shirley Ann Tarpy

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Shirley Ann Tarpy, 87, of Lawrence, passed away at home on November 16, 2025. Born in Baldwin City, Kansas on April 10, 1938, Shirley was the daughter of Olive Athey (Felt) and David Athey. She grew up in Baldwin City, forming lifelong memories with her older sister, Norma Walburn, and her younger brother, James Athey, both of whom preceded her in death.

On April 30, 1958, Shirley married Arthur Leo Tarpy Jr. The two shared nearly 52 years of marriage before Arthur’s passing in 2010. Together they raised five children.

Shirley is survived by three of her children: Allan Tarpy, Rebecca Dilts, and Cheryl Apel (Randall Splinter). She is preceded in death by her eldest son, David “Scott” Tarpy (Coleen), and her eldest daughter, Cathy Munoz (Jim). She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: David Tarpy Jr. (Kristen), Jennifer Woods (Severeno), Meghan Sexon (Clay), Hannah Jones (Matt), as well as 13 great-grandchildren: James Wyatt, Henry, Harry, Lucy, Jane, George, Elijah, Xzavier, Myah, Kyrie, Rilynn, Maverick, and Cassidy, with one more on the way.

She worked for Orthopedic Casting in Eudora and Lawrence from 1977 to 1984. She then provided in-home daycare for many years, offering warmth and care to many children and families who came to cherish her, many of whom she remained close with for years afterward. She was incredibly talented and loved sewing and quilting, pouring love into every piece she created. She was a member of the Church of Christ, and was baptized on April 13, 1959, and found great joy in singing, especially gospel music.

Above all, Shirley loved her family deeply and unconditionally. The friendships she formed throughout her life were too numerous to count, each one a testament to her kindness and unwavering spirit. Her legacy of faith, love, and gentle strength will continue in the hearts of all who knew her.

Graveside Services for Shirley Ann Tarpy, 87, Lawrence, will be 11 am, Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Oak Hill Cemetery.