Category: Obituaries

Ruth Becker Pelsor

Posted on by RumseyYost

Funeral services for Ruth Becker Pelsor, 92, Lawrence, will be 10 a.m. Saturday, March 16, 2019, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will be in Johnson County Memorial Gardens.

Mrs. Pelsor died March 3, 2019, at LMH Health, in Lawrence, Kansas.

She was born January 20, 1927, in Lavoy, Wyoming, the daughter of Fred and Ethel Gates Becker. She graduated from Neodesha High School, in Neodesha, Kansas.

Mrs. Pelsor worked at Deluxe Check Printers in Lenexa, Kansas, Intercollegiate Press in Iola, Kansas, Anderson County Hospital in Garnett, Kansas, and was a real estate broker for Century 21 in Ottawa, Kansas. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, making wine, refurbishing old furniture, and knitting.

She married John Chester Pelsor, May 26, 1946, in Kansas City, Kansas. He survives of the home.

Other survivors include four children, Gary Pelsor and wife Linda of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Ronald Pelsor and wife Kimberly of Ottawa, Kansas, Patricia Haid and husband Vernon of Eudora, Kansas, Debra Rossman of Lawrence, Kansas; a brother, Fred Becker and wife Dinah of Jenks, Oklahoma; 12 grandchildren; 30+ great grandchildren; and several great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a son, Bruce Pelsor; sisters, Carma Elam, and Norma Norris.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, PO Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Richard “Dick” Joseph Morrissey

Posted on by RumseyYost

Richard “Dick” J. Morrissey, 73, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, on Saturday March 9, 2019.

Dick was born in Davenport, IA to John and Margaret Morrissey on April 6, 1945. His hard-working family owned a popular restaurant where he often helped his mom in the kitchen. The youngest of four children, Dick was doted on by his older siblings. The family lived above the restaurant, which on nights and weekends became the Sky Lark Night Club. He attended local public schools in Iowa until they moved to San Diego where he attended Mission Bay HS his Sophomore and Junior years. Dick was involved in Debate, National Forensics League, Key Club and Theatre until he graduated from High School, after returning to Davenport, in 1963. He began his undergraduate studies at the University of Iowa in 1964.

After 2 years as an Iowa Hawkeye, Dick was drafted into active duty by the United States Army in 1966 and began training at the United States Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, GA. After USAIS, Dick completed Officer Candidate School and upon graduation was commissioned as Second Lieutenant. As an officer on the precipice of a combat tour in Vietnam, LT Morrissey was assigned to the Jungle Operations Course at the US Army School of the Americas in Panama where he earned the Jungle Expert Patch. On August 23, 1967 LT Morrissey arrived in Lai Khe, Vietnam, home of the First Infantry Division (The Big Red One). Promptly he was given a field promotion to 1st Lieutenant as platoon leader of the 3rd Platoon/Company B, 2nd Battalion (Mechanized), 2nd Infantry, First Infantry Division. The company area of operations was the infamous Iron Triangle area north of Saigon up Hwy 13 “Thunder Road”.

1LT Morrissey was awarded the Silver Star, The Soldiers Medal for Valor, the Bronze Star w/”V” device, The Air Medal w/4olc, the Army Commendation Medal w/olc, The National Defense Service Medal and The Vietnam Service Medal w/2 stars. The Republic of Vietnam awarded him The Vietnamese Campaign Medal w/60 device and the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross. In August 1968, 1LT Morrissey received his honorable discharge from the Army, laid aside his weapons forever, and set out to find his calling.

Dick returned to the University of Iowa and graduated with a BA in Political Science in 1971. He was concerned about child welfare which led him to jobs mentoring marginalized youth at the start of his professional career. These jobs included supervising a youth group home and developing programs at Wheatlands Youth Services where he met Marsha. They married December 21, 1975 in Garden City, KS.

The couple moved to Lawrence where they made their home and raised their children Ryan and Jane. Dick began his 36-year career with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment in 1974, the year the department was established. During his tenure with the state he held several positions from Director, Bureau of Adult and Child Care to Deputy Director and Interim Director, Division of Health. During his time at KDHE, Dick was involved with a vast and varied scope of initiatives and projects. For more than a decade, he led the Office of Local and Rural Health helping to expand/maintain hospital and critical access care across the state. In addition, he assisted with the new emphasis on hospital bioterrorism readiness. In every role, Dick’s core

belief that public service is the highest calling made him a faithful steward of public health for all Kansans.

Dick was an avid reader who enjoyed sailing, hiking, cycling, frequenting the dog park, listening to NPR, crafting the perfect martini, giving back to his community, and most importantly, spending time with family and close friends. In his retirement, Dick continued his outreach in the local community. He served on the board of the Lawrence Community Shelter, served his faith community at Plymouth Congregational Church and shared laughter and stories at Cosmos breakfasts with friends. He was loved dearly by his family and friends and his calm demeanor, progressive nature, and contagious smile will be missed.

Survivors include wife Marsha; son, Ryan; daughter, Jane; sisters, MaryAnn Wichmann and Meghan La Rocque. Dick was preceded in death by his parents Margaret and John; brother, Tom; stepfather, Charlie Dunn; and brother-in-law, Richard Wichmann.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 3rd at Plymouth Congregational Church. Following the service, all are welcome to join the reception in Plymouth’s Mayflower room.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in Dick’s memory to: Plymouth Congregational Church, 925 Vermont St, Lawrence, KS 66044; the Lawrence Community Shelter, 3655 E 25th St, Lawrence, KS 66046; or Visiting Nurses Association, 200 Maine St Lawrence, KS 66044.

Barbara K. Hodgson

Posted on by RumseyYost

Please join us at Barbara Hodgson’s farewell “Open House” on Saturday, April 27th, from 10:00am-noon. The Celebration of her life will be held at the Smith Center at Brandon Woods, 4730 Brandon Woods Terrace, Lawrence, KS. There will be a short program at 10:30am followed by time to share favorite memories about Barbara.

Barbara Kay Hodgson passed away March 9, 2019 at Bridge Haven in Lawrence, KS.

She was born February 3, 1938 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, MO. Her parents were Paul E. Hodgson and Carrie Elizabeth Cassidy Hodgson.

Barbara’s family moved to Lawrence, KS in 1943. She attended Pinckney, McAlister, West Jr. High, and Lawrence High School. Barbara graduated from the University of Kansas in 1960 where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. Barbara worked at the Jay Shoppe in downtown Lawrence.

In 1960, she married Don Pfutzenreuter and they lived in Lawrence where she taught at New York School. Barbara and Don lived in Colorado from 1963-1971 and then moved back to Lawrence where she taught at Sunset Hill Elementary School from 1971-73. In 1973 Barbara and Don moved to Roswell, New Mexico where she sold real estate, started selling jewelry, and raising horses. Don and Barbara divorced. Barbara married James Martin but later divorced. She moved to Boulder, Colorado in 1984. In 1988 she moved back to Lawrence to help care for her parents. Barbara started selling real estate in 1991 with McGrew Real Estate. She was a million dollar salesperson and Realtor of the year in 1996. She retired in 2016.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Cindy Hodgson.

Survivors include niece Stacy Woodward Natalie and her children, Haylee, Hannah, and Tyler Woodward. She is also survived by her many good friends, especially John McGrew and family, the Kay and Monte Johnson family, her Lawrence High and Pi Phi friends, Cathy Tarr, and the McGrew Real Estate Family. Barbara’s “extended family” included the many friends she made over the years while she was selling real estate and being involved in the Lawrence community. Even though she never had children of her own, Barbara was often seen at numerous youth sporting events, choir concerts, and dance recitals cheering on the children of friends as if they were her own. She will be remembered for her sense of adventure, love of the outdoors, and soft spoken story-telling. Barbara said “I had a Great life…Love to all of you for all you were to and for me!!!” A special thank you to Barbara’s caregivers at Brandon Woods and especially Bridge Haven, for their compassion and care.

Per Barbara’s wishes, she will be cremated. A celebration will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Barbara’s honor to New York Elementary School, Lawrence, KS, the Lawrence Schools Foundation, or the Pi Beta Phi Foundation/ Kansas Alpha Chapter, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Ed Hackett

Posted on by RumseyYost

Funeral services for Ed Hackett, 75, Lawrence, will be at 1 pm Wednesday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, with Fr. Jeff Ernst officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Ed died Thursday, March 7, 2019, at LMH Health.

He was born June 25, 1943, in Pomona, the son of Milton E. and Kathryn M. Plaschka Hackett. He graduated from Pomona High School in 1961. Ed worked for Hallmark Cards for 34 years, retiring in 1998. He also worked as a driver for Laird Noller Ford. In his free time, he enjoyed motorcycles and spending time with his grandkids.

He married Margie L. White on Dec. 21, 1979, in Lawrence. She survives of the home. Other survivors include a son, Steve Mock and wife Maureen, Metairie, La.; three sisters, Kay Wittman and husband Merle, Lawrence, Beth Marsh and husband David, Waverly, and Mary Whipple and husband Larry, Eureka; a sister-in-law Connie Lindell-Hackett, Lawrence; a brother-in-law Richard Craig and wife Betty, Tonganoxie; eight grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Antone ‘Tony’ Hackett.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Mission, Tex., in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

George Edmond Goff Sr.

Posted on by RumseyYost

Funeral services with military honors for George Edmond Goff Sr., 87, Lawrence, KS, will be 11 am, Thursday, March 7, 2019, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

He died March 2, 2019, at Baldwin Healthcare and Rehab, Baldwin City, KS.

George was born March 10, 1931, in Lawrence, KS, the son of Roy L. and Faye Orlena Petefish Goff. He helped farm while in grade school, he worked part time at A&P Grocery Store during high school. After graduating in 1948 from Liberty Memorial High School he worked for Bigsy-Banning Ford Tract- or and Implement Co. Then he received a football scholarship at Iola Jr. College in Iola, KS. Later he received a football scholarship from McPherson College in McPherson, KS.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force in October 10, 1951 and was honorably discharged in September 1955.

George married Frances Elizabeth Lynn on December 11, 1956. They were married for 53 years until she preceded him in death in September 2008. While they were married he got a job at Lawrence Sanitary Milk and Cream Co for seven years. Later he worked for FMC Corp in North Lawrence, as a relief operator then became a supervisor until he retired after 33 years. He was a life long member of the Dorsey-Liberty Post 14 of the American Legion, Lawrence.

Survivors include his children, George Edmond Goff Jr. (Barb),Baldwin City, Vicki Goff-Miller (John), Lawrence; grand children Melissa Eaden, J.J. Miller, April Miller, Jaimie Walters, Jennifer Goff.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, sisters Bernice Kennedy, Lois Goff and Bertha Sulzen, two brothers Roy Goff and John Goff,a grandson Douglas Eaden.

A visitation will take place from 6-7:30 pm on Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Douglas County Special Olympics, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Mary Louise Mickel

Posted on by RumseyYost

Mary Louise Mickel, age 85, passed away on March 1, 2019. She was born on January 11, 1934 in Emporia, KS. Mary was one of eight children.

Mary was from Emporia, KS and graduated from Emporia High School. After high school Mary traveled but later moved back to Kansas to be close to her family. Mary worked for the Topeka School District, Ray Christian Jewelers and then took a job at Payless Shoe Corporation for over 20 years, until she retired. After retirement, Mary cared for her grandson Nicholas three days a week and volunteered at Midland Care and the Topeka Rescue Mission on her days off. She was a longtime member of the First Southern Baptist Church in Topeka.

Mary was busy raising two daughters and working full time, but she always made time to lead a Scout troop, run a 4-H class, teach Sunday school or help a friend. It wasn’t an easy job but Mary embraced the challenge, and always put her job as a mother first. Mary was a living example of perseverance. Her strong work ethic, her gentle spirit, the kindness she showed others and her unwavering Christian faith provided a wonderful foundation for her daughters Kim and Jackie.

Mary treasured time with her family. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and helping others. Her bible study group was especially dear to her. Mary’s life was a living example of Ephesians 4:32-“And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God forgave you in Christ.”

Mary will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Jacquelyn (Brad) Mickel, Kim (Larry) Liotta, grandchildren Lindsey (Cody), Joshua (Courtney), Jacob, Matthew, Nicholas and Alexandra, great-grandsons Henry, Emmett and Caleb, her sisters Betty Blex, Catherine (William) Spriegle, Margaret (Mike) Martini and Emily Vander Velde, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents William and Irene Roberts, brothers William Roberts and Richard Roberts and one sister Patricia Duncan.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 23 at 10:00 a.m. at the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS 66044.

Those who so desire may make memorial donations in memory of Mary to The Topeka Rescue Mission 600 N Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS 66608.

Wilma R. Reetz

Posted on by RumseyYost

Visitation for Wilma R. Reetz, 90, Lawrence will be from 4 pm to 6 pm Thursday March 7, 2019, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. A private burial will take place at a later date.
She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on March 1, 2019, at her home.

Wilma was born August 6, 1928, in Leavenworth, the daughter of Ernest and Luda Jeffries. She graduated from Leavenworth High School and later taught school in Fall Leaf. After raising her children, Wilma worked for TNT Seed Company, Phelps Financial and Robinson Insurance in Lawrence.

Mrs. Reetz was a member of the Plymouth Congregational Church of Lawrence. She also participated in social clubs including the Newman Bowling League, Happy Hour Club and Mackey Merry Makers. She enjoyed flowers, plants, and her Kansas Jayhawks. She was always happy to cook enormous meals and treat anyone with her delicious pies and cakes.

She married Alvin William Reetz on Aug. 18, 1946 in Leavenworth, KS spending nearly 67 wonderful years together. Alvin preceded Wilma in death July 2, 2013.

Survivors include three daughters, Cheryl Klug (late husband Bob), Charla Tunget (late husband Sam), Debbie Wedel and husband Dennis, son Alvin William “Bill” Reetz Jr. and wife Judi, all of Lawrence; ten grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Irene De Frees and one brother, Col. Jack De Frees, two half-sisters, Millie Manson and Dorothy Graves and one half-brother, Aubrey Ray.

The family suggests memorials to the Visiting Nurses of Lawrence, or the Reno Township Fire Department, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.