Category: Obituaries

Mary Frances Sharp

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On September 25th, 1948, Mary Frances Sharp was born in Los Angeles, CA to John and Harriette Thorpe. She died November 15th, 2025, at Meadowbrook South Nursing Home in Gardner, KS.

Mary had an older sister, Elizabeth, and a younger brother, John. Elizabeth, known as Pam, resides in Arizona. John passed when he was two years old. Mary had two other half-siblings from her father’s first marriage, George “Badger” Thorpe and Harriet Thorpe-Puryear, who also preceded Mary.

Mary graduated from Montebello High School. She played drums in the marching band and marched in the Rose Bowl Parade her senior year. Mary also raced cars at a local track. While attending a USO dance she met a young sailor named Joe Sharp. On June 26th, 1970, Joe and Mary were wed in Monterey Park, CA.

After Joe’s time in the Navy, they decided to leave California and move to Joe’s hometown of Ulysses, KS. Joe took a job in the oil industry and Mary stayed home while they took in 27 foster children over the course of their life in Ulysses. They also adopted Brian Nelson and Lawrence “Larry” Sharp. In 1998 they moved to Lawrence, KS. Mary took a job at the University of Kansas working in the Ellsworth Dining Hall as an administrative assistant before KU consolidated to the new Ekdahl Dining Center in Lewis Hall. Mary worked for KU until her retirement in 2009. Mary also had been working at H&R Block as a tax preparer as a second job and really enjoyed meeting and helping many people.

Mary, like her husband, was passionate about KU Sports, especially women’s basketball and the cheerleading squads. Mary gave many special gifts made from needlepoint such as hats, scarves, bags and stuffed animals. She enjoyed keeping in touch with many of the athletes and coaches as they moved on to new teams and new opportunities.

Mary was kind, giving and did all she could to brighten someone else’s day. She was an amazing mother who gave all she could for her kids to have a good and fulfilling life. She is survived by her son Brian (Tammi) and grandson Dylan, and her son Larry (Matt). Her sister Pam, Sister-in-Law Deana (Roger) and many nieces, nephews and adopted grandchildren. Mary always had room in her heart for more. She will be missed greatly.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 pm with the family at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Foster Adopt Connect, an organization that provides support to children and foster families in Kansas and Missouri.

Doreen Angela Fowler

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Doreen Angela Fowler was a mother, wife, and scholar. She died on November 7, 2025 in Lawrence, Kansas. 

Doreen was born January 14, 1948 in Brooklyn, New York. She was the daughter of John and Mildred Ferlaino and spent her childhood and adolescence in Brooklyn. 

 Professionally, Doreen was a writer and a professor. She had true gifts for writing and teaching, and those talents—coupled with a quiet tenacity and incredible work ethic—took her far. She graduated from Manhattanville College and then from Brown University with a doctorate in English. After graduating, she became a professor at the University of Memphis and then later went on to teach at the University of Mississippi and the University of Kansas. In addition to her teaching career, she was a Faulkner Scholar and wrote several books and academic articles on the literature of the American South.  

 Alongside her impressive professional career, Doreen will be remembered most for the great love and devotion she showed her family. In 1969, Doreen met her husband, Stephen C. Fowler, at a university mixer, and they married in 1972. Doreen and Stephen were together for more than 50 years, until Steve’s death in 2020. Their marriage was one to aspire to: a beautiful give and take, filled with deep love and mutual respect.  

 Doreen and Stephen shared one daughter, Carina, as well as a son-in-law, Alex Stucky, and a granddaughter, Harriet “Hattie” Stucky. In the last year and a half of Doreen’s life, she was unable to speak due to complications from dementia, but she was still able to communicate through writing on pieces of paper or a tablet. She frequently wrote, “I love Carina, Alex, and Hattie.” 

 Doreen is survived by her daughter (Carina), son-in-law (Alex), granddaughter (Hattie), her sister-in-law (Michelle Leonard), her brother (Frank Ferlaino), her sister and brother-in-law (Frank and Jane Giannattasio), and a niece and nephew (Lorien Leonard, Matthew Giannattasio). 

A celebration of life will be held for Doreen on January 17, 2026 at 2 PM at the Cider Gallery, 810 Pennsylvania St, Lawrence, KS. The celebration is open to the public.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the University of Kansas Institute for Neurological Discoveries.

Arlois McLay

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Arlois McLay passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025 in the arms of her beloved daughter, Kristi, at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor. She was 88 years old.

Born September 19, 1937, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Arlois (Sherwood) and Edward Van Dyke, she grew up in Dearborn, Michigan as the eldest of four. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University, where she forged lifelong friendships. While she worked as an HR manager for the latter half of her life, she always felt that her first job, teaching first grade in Metro Detroit, was her true calling.

Arlois gave her love, support, and devotion to many generations of children. Her daughters fondly recall snowy days in wintery Michigan filled with laughter, silly nursery rhymes, and ice skating. She was also a boundless source of love and guidance to her grandchildren and great grandchildren, spoiling them with unwavering devotion. Known for her love of the holidays, each Christmas she transformed her house into a wonderland, surrounding the tree with a mountain of thoughtfully selected gifts.

She wed the love of her life, James Buckley, on October 1, 1988, after her then five year old grandson, Brian, demanded to know when the two of them were getting married. For the next 35 years they showed the world what true love looks like—complete with laughter, mischief, and unbreakable devotion.

She moved to Lawrence in 2001, where she quickly established a wide circle of friends at church and in her neighborhood. Wherever she went, she was deeply loved, surrounded by a close-knit circle of friends that she cherished and held tight. She delighted in pampering her dogs, watching backyard birds, traveling, boating on the Great Lakes, and savoring Mackinac Island cherry fudge by the pound. Witty, humorous, and mischievous, she carried a quiet wisdom that will be profoundly missed.

Survivors include her daughter Kristi Black, stepdaughter Janine (James) Owens, stepson Steven (Nelda) Buckley, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sister Darlene Doorlag, brother James (Anne) Van Dyke and her dear nieces and nephews

Arlois was preceded in death by her husband James Buckley, daughter Kerry McLay, brother Edward VanDyke, and brother-in-law Bob Doorlag.

A memorial service will be 10:00 am Saturday, December 6, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church, 2415 Clinton Parkway, Lawrence, Kansas.

Doris Marie Schumann

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Doris Schumann, 93, passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord on November 11, 2025.  Born on December 17, 1931, at her grandparents’ home north of Abilene, Kansas, Doris lived a life marked by faith, service, and joy.

Doris spent her childhood in Talmage, Kansas, graduating from Abilene High School in 1949.  After marrying Arthur Schumann, they made their home in several Kansas communities, including Detroit, Paola, Overland Park, and Lawrence, spending most of their years together in Manhattan, Kansas.

Doris was first and foremost a full-time mother, a calling she embraced with deep devotion. With nearly 25 years between her oldest and youngest children, she spent decades nurturing her family with love, steadiness, and grace. She created a home rooted in faith, hospitality, and gentle encouragement.

In addition to her work at home, Doris spent a brief season partnering with a close friend to run Little Apple Travel Agency. Her greatest joy, however, was always caring for her family and serving those around her.

Known for her resourcefulness and compassion, Doris served in ways that quietly touched the lives of many. She was active in the Christian Women’s Club and the Gideons Women’s Auxiliary, opened her home to international students from Kansas State University, invested in women through the Titus 2 Ministry, mentored young couples, and volunteered her time to assist families with children who have special needs. Doris faithfully led Bible studies in assisted living communities – even after becoming a resident herself.

One of her most meaningful ministries was teaching local teenagers to create quilts for children at the women’s shelter. Through this work, she became a grandmother figure to many teens while extending compassion to families in crisis. In her later years, she continued spreading joy by giving handwritten “thank-you” notes to staff. She leaves a legacy of faith, lived out loud in small, beautiful acts of kindness.

Doris is preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Schumann; her daughter, Mary Albrecht; her sister, Phyllis Rogers; and her parents. She is survived by her children Paul (Cynthia) Schumann, David (Barbara) Schumann, Tracy (Stephanie) Schumann, Ann (Corby) Goodman, and Sharon (Jeff) Struve; her son-in-law, Michael Albrecht, and wife Joni, who have continued to hold a special place in the family and were dearly loved by Doris. She is also lovingly remembered by her twenty grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 20, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence, Kansas.  A service celebrating Doris’s life will be held on Friday, November 21, at 10:00 a.m., also at Rumsey-Yost, followed by a graveside service at 3:00 p.m. at Bethel Cemetery in Abilene, Kansas.

Craig Coleman

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The service of Craig Coleman, 62, of Lawrence, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Ramsey- Yost Funeral Home.

Craig died Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

He was born May 20, 1963, in Greensburg, Kansas, the son of Ernest Jesse Coleman Jr. And Hazel Marie (Sparks) Coleman. They moved to Lawrence for his dad’s work when he was 8 years old. He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1981.

He married Amy Smith on June 7, 1996 in Lawrence, Kansas . They had two children together, Jordan Coleman and Jessica Coleman, both of Lawrence, Kansas.

After high school he worked for different construction companies in Lawrence and found that he had a special talent and skill at woodworking. He spent a few years at Custom Wood Products as a cabinet installer and salesman, while continuing to hone his natural woodworking abilities. He eventually moved to Florida and worked there for several years before moving back to Lawrence in 1994 and meeting and marrying his wife Amy. He started his own business, Woodworking Specialties Incorporated, with his wife in 1996; which he ran for 29 years, spending the last decade proudly working with both of his children.

He was a devoted husband and father who enjoyed spending time with and doing activities with his family. He especially enjoyed playing with his grandchildren and taking them on adventures. He was a good friend who maintained lifelong friendships and was always making new connections. He was a hard worker, who devoted himself to making the best work possible and took a lot of pride in what he made. He cared deeply about other people and spent a lot of time and effort on making sure the people around him were happy and taken care of.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents.

Other survivors include step-son Andre Robinson, Providence, Rhode Island; step-daughter Renee Robinson, and step-grandchildren Brielle and Roman Smith, all of Lawrence, Kansas; two sisters, Candi Wilbur (Patrick), and Chris Self (Keith), both of Lawrence; two foster brothers, Dennis Hanlon (Barb) Fairview Oklahoma, and Ed Hamilton (Kathy) Iola, Kansas; and a niece and nephew, Jesse and Melia Self, both of Lawrence.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Lawrence Humane Society, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home: P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com.

Robert (Bob) Franklin Banning

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Robert (Bob) Franklin Banning of Lawrence, KS passed away surrounded by family after a brief illness on Friday, October 31, 2025.  He was born on November 28, 1947 in Columbia, S.C. to Floyd Maurice and Thelma Banning. He grew up in a loving military family and lived in many places as a child, both stateside and overseas.

He attended the University of Georgia and graduated with a degree in Forest Management. The year before he graduated, he and a friend started a “painting business.” At the first (and only) house they painted, he met the love of his life, Martha. They were married on February 6, 1972.  At their wedding, they each used a candle to light one unity candle. Many years later, they talked about how much that unity candle came to represent the love they had for each other.

Bob knew he wanted to be in the military from an early age and had a deep love for his country.  He was an active duty service member for 25 years, retiring from the Army as a Lt. Colonel. He then worked for 15 years for the Department of Defense. Bob’s family was his greatest passion.  His love, generosity, and guidance provided the anchor for his family. He loved family dinner gatherings and playing games afterward. Bob also enjoyed fishing, playing disc golf, giving gifts, helping friends, and watching Christmas Hallmark movies. Bob was an active member of Lone Star Church of the Brethren where church friends became part of his extended family.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Martha, and four children Jennifer White (Brian), Ryan Banning, Joshua Banning, and Meg Banning (Casey).  He is also survived by three wonderful grandchildren who cherished their Papa, Ellie White, Lena White, and Silas White. Other survivors include three siblings, John Banning (Nancy), Debbie Bower (Jay), and Mike Banning (Barbara).

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM November 15, 2025 at Grace Presbyterian Church in Lawrence, KS.  The Banning family will visit with friends and family after the service in the church foyer. Burial will follow at 3:30 PM in the Oak Hill Cemetery,1605 Oak Hill Avenue, Lawrence, KS.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Operation Homefront (https://operationhomefront.org/), which provides critical financial support to military families.

Linnie West Banks

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Graveside services for Linnie West Banks, 89, of Lawrence, Kansas, will be 9:00 a.m. Friday, November 14, 2025 at Leavenworth National Cemetery.

Linnie died Saturday, October 18, 2025 peacefully at the home of her son, Joseph Banks and her daughter in law, Casandra Banks.   

Linnie was born November 10, 1935 in Starkville, MS, the only daughter of Linnie Mae West and Willie C. West.  Three of her brothers proceeded her in death—Charles West, Bobbie West, and George West. Her younger brother, Willie West resides in White Plaines, NY.   

Linnie graduated from Henderson High School in 1953, attended Mary Holmes Junior College, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Jackson State University in 1964. She was a devoted classroom teacher for many years and then transitioned to working with veterans at Hines Veterans Hospital in Hines, IL.  She later worked in Human Resources as a Personnel Manager at Hines until her retirement.   

Linnie married Robert Banks on November 3, 1953 in Starkville, MS.  They were married for 61 years when Robert passed in 2014.  Linnie and Robert’s surviving children include Joseph Yeates Banks (Casandra) of Cordova, TN and Cheryl Lynn Johnson of Oakland, CA. Their oldest daughter, Robbi Jenkins preceded Linnie in death earlier this year.   

Other survivors include her four grandchildren: Lauren Martin(Ken), Casandra Banks, Justin Johnson, and Zachary Johnson(Kierra)  Great grandchildren include: Elijah Martin, Zara Johnson, and Keno Johnson.  Other surviving family members include nieces, nephews, cousins, and one aunt (Bernice McKinney). 

Linnie was a member of the Presbyterian Church throughout her life and served in the roles of Stephen Minister, Deacon, and Session Member.  She was a devout Christian. 

 The family would like to thank you for your prayers, kind words, phone calls, sympathy cards, and condolences.  We love you and appreciate your thoughtfulness.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA  22116 or online at their website:  https://www.diabetes.org. 

Charles Walter Duver Jr.

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Charles (Charlie) Walter Duver, Jr., 84, of Lawrence, died Monday, November 3, 2025, at Homestead Assisted Living & Memory Care of Eudora.

Charlie was born June 26, 1941, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, the son of Charles Duver Sr. and Mildred (Deay) Duver. He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1959 and attended college at Emporia State University.

Charlie served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and was an electrician on the USS Rich. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. Charlie worked at the Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant, was co-owner of Clear Cube Ice and retired from the University of Kansas (KU) after 36 years. He was very proud of keeping the scoreboards running for all KU sporting events during his time with KU Facilities and Operations.

Charlie married Alicia Suzette (Watson) Fowler in Lawrence, KS on February 26, 1981. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include sons Howard (Dianne) Fowler, Lake Quivira, KS and Hayden (Lori) Fowler, Lawrence, KS, grandchildren Madison Fowler, Eudora, KS, Mason Fowler, Lawrence, KS, Maren Fowler, Lake Quivira, KS, and Gwen Fowler, Lake Quivira, KS and great-grandson Wyatt Fowler.

His brother, Robert Lee Duver, died earlier.

A private family celebration of life will be held later.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Lawrence Humane Society, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home: P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.