Category: Obituaries

Timothy Jon Adams

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Timothy Jon Adams, 71, of Baldwin City, Kansas, was welcomed into his heavenly home on August 20, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.  A visitation will begin at 10 am, Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Redemption Hill Church, 802 W 22nd Terrace, Lawrence, Kansas, followed by Funeral Services at 11 am.  

Born on June 23, 1954, in Jefferson City, Missouri, Tim was one of four sons of Kyle Rex and Geraldine Adams. He graduated from Jefferson City High School in 1972, where his father served as Assistant Principal. A proud Jefferson City Jay, Tim played both offensive and defensive line under legendary Hall of Fame coach Pete Adkins, earning respect and admiration on the field. Although he enjoyed the game, his true passion lay in the world of art. 

Tim’s creativity and talent earned him a scholarship to Arkansas State University, launching a lifelong journey as an artist and illustrator. Over the years, he completed hundreds of pieces—from vibrant sports murals to deeply personal works. Some of his pieces of famous Missourians are displayed in the Harry S. Truman State Office Building.  

In May 1995, his life was transformed as he accepted Jesus Christ as his savior, with his brother Chris by his side, following his obedience with believers’ baptism. 

On November 6, 2004, Tim married his beloved wife Roberta, in Lawrence, Kansas. Their bond was rooted in faith, love, and shared devotion to Christ. Each morning, he and Roberta began their day reading the Bible together—a sacred ritual that deepened their spiritual connection. Tim was a devoted member of Redemption Hill Church in Lawrence, where he found purpose and fellowship. 

Tim’s legacy lives on through those who loved him dearly: his son, Major Scott Allen (DeLayne) of Vienna, VA; his daughter, Jessica Schlup (Jason) of California, MO; his brothers, Kyle “Rexi” Adams of Springfield, MO, and Steve Adams (Jeannie) of Lee’s Summit, MO; and his beloved grandchildren: Abbegael, Sophie, Kaitlyn, Kyle, and Kallie. He was also a loving uncle to three nephews and a cherished stepfather to Ryan Sparks, Nathan Sparks, and Natasha Short, as well as a grandfather to nine step-grandchildren. 

Tim was preceded in death by his parents, Kyle Rex and Geraldine Adams, and his younger brother, Christopher Adams. 

He had a special love for animals—especially his cat, Socks—and had a remarkable ability to tame any wild cat! 

Though his earthly journey has come to an end, Tim’s spirit endures in every brushstroke, every act of kindness, and every life he touched. He lived with passion, creativity, and a steadfast commitment to his faith in Jesus Christ. May we honor his memory by living with the same love, purpose, and grace. 

Pauline “Polly” (Schmidt) Coffey

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Pauline “Polly” Coffey, 100, of Lawrence, Kansas, died peacefully on August 11, 2025, at her home with family present.

She was born at home on June 30, 1925, on her family’s farm in Tangier, Oklahoma (Woodward County), to Henry Schmidt and Minnie (Hasemeier). Polly was one of seven children and part of two sets of twins. She and her identical twin sister, Irene, shared a lifelong bond as best friends. Their closeness shaped Polly’s life, and her love for Irene remained deep even after Irene’s passing in 1988.

Polly showed academic promise from an early age, graduating from Tangier High School in 1943 in a class of only four students, where she served as class president and Irene as class secretary. She continued her education at Northwestern State College in Alva, Oklahoma, where she joined Sigma Kappa Sorority.

During World War II, Polly and Irene traveled together to Washington, D.C., where they worked for the Navy’s Bureau of Ships in the War Department.

In 1945, Polly married Elmo “Buzz” Coffey in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Together they built a life in Wichita, Kansas, raising three sons. Once her boys were older, she joined McBride & Dehmer Construction as a Business Manager, where she handled everything from job estimates to payroll and OSHA reporting. Her talents and leadership earned her recognition as Woman of the Year in Construction.

Polly was a devoted volunteer, giving her time to Woodland United Methodist Church, Wichita Public Schools as a student mentor, Old Cowtown Museum, and the Wichita Botanical Gardens. She was a gifted quilter, winning awards for her work, and she enjoyed reading, bridge, nature, church, politics, and developed a love of sports, which she learned from her sons. She also loved to travel, with trips to Hawaii, Colorado, Maine (where she walked part of the Appalachian Trail), London, Quebec, and Jamaica.

In retirement, Polly and Buzz enjoyed traveling in their 5th wheel to Texas during the summers, where they met friends and created many fond memories together. They shared a loving bond until Buzz’s passing in 2009.

Above all, Polly was devoted to her family. She brought everyone together for home-cooked meals, holidays, and birthdays, continuing this tradition well into her nineties, connecting generations with her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering love.

She is survived by her three sons and daughters-in-law, Tom Coffey (Linda), Ted Coffey (Vickie), and Todd Coffey (Barb); five grandchildren, Alison (Mike), Jessica (Jacob), Sam (Megan), Alex, and Keenan; four great-grandchildren, Beckham, Elora, Levon, and Lola; as well as nieces and nephews from her beloved sisters and brothers Irene, “Toots,” Pearl, Earl, Bill, and Elmer.

Her family will gather in Wichita at  Noon on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at White Chapel Memorial Gardens, 1806 N Oliver St, Wichita, KS 67208, Garden of Atonement, to celebrate her remarkable life.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions made to the Woodland United Methodist Church, 1100 W 15th St N, Wichita, KS 67203.

Polly once wrote:
“I learned one thing from the death of my Twin and siblings. We are terminal. Our time is finite and to spend most of it feeling bad is more than a waste. An excess of mourning dishonors the nature of life itself and the person you’re missing. Be happy. It’s your choice.”

— Pauline Coffey

Cynthia Karene Nitcher

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Cindy Nitcher, 73, died at her home surrounded by loved ones on August 16, 2025. She passed following an extended illness.

Cindy was born on January 22, 1952, in Dodge City, Kansas, the daughter of Donald Eugene Imel and Gertrude Stella (Douglass) Imel. She graduated from Dodge City High School and completed one year of education at Garden City Community College. She moved to Lawrence, Kansas in January, 1972.

Cindy was employed the majority of her professional life at the University of Kansas where she worked for over 35 years. During the first half of her career at KU, she served in numerous capacities in the Division of Continuing Education, including Assistant to the Dean. Cindy served the last half of her career at KU Human Resources as a Senior Recruitment Coordinator.

She married Ron Nitcher on December 16, 1978, at KU’s Danforth Chapel and together they were happily married for nearly 47 years. Outside of work, the couple was nearly inseparable. Each was the other’s best friend. He survives of the home.

Other survivors include two daughters, Jennifer Elizabeth Romero (Kerry) and Madison Nicole LaDuron (Robert); six grandchildren: Mira, Mason, Austin and Anthony Romero and Veronica and Darla LaDuron; one brother, Rod Imel (Kimberly); three brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law whom Cindy considered siblings: Sandra and Charles Savell, Bob and Jan Nitcher and John and Katy Nitcher; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Both of Cindy’s parents along with her loving in-laws, Keith and Hazel Nitcher, preceded her in death.

Growing up, Cindy and her family spent every summer weekend with friends and relatives at the lake boating, camping and water skiing. Cindy dearly loved her friends and family, enjoyed cooking and hosting family celebrations. At holidays, her family always looked forward to her homemade iced sugar cookies. Cindy was full of fun and laughter and was a bright light in the lives of many people. She will continue living in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Cindy will be cremated and her remains buried alongside Ron’s at a later date in KU Pioneer Cemetery. No visitation or funeral services are planned. A small family celebration-of-life will be held in the near future.

Cindy’s family is sincerely grateful to all of the angels at Ascend Hospice who assisted in caring for and comforting Cindy during the final days of her life. Her family also thanks the many friends and neighbors who brought flowers and food and visited with or watched over Cindy. Their love and kindness will remain forever in the hearts of Cindy’s family.

The family suggests any memorial contributions to Children’s Mercy Hospital, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home: P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Megan Louise Ebke

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With great sadness, the family of Megan Louise Ebke, 47, of Lawrence, Kansas, announce her death on August 15, 2025.

Diagnosed with gallbladder cancer in January 2019, Megan beat the odds and managed to stay ahead of it for years before throwing in the towel.

With a stage three and two stage four diagnoses, Megan joked she was a stage 11 cancer patient. Even though the disease continued to metastasize, she never gave up trying to stay alive for her family.

Born June 6, 1978, in Winchester, Kansas to Robert and Maxine (Tucker) Keaton, Megan graduated from Jefferson West High School, Meriden, Kansas, in 1996 and Doane College in Crete, Nebraska in 2000. It was at Doane where Megan truly thrived and developed her love of music, others, and standing up for the underdog. Her junior year, Megan spent the year in Rennes, France, in the home of Agnes, Clementine, and Pierre-Antoine Guegan.

After earning her Bachelor of Arts in French, Megan attended Indiana University in pursuit of a master’s degree in French linguistics before going to Rockhurst University where she earned her M.Ed. in May 2005. She taught various age levels and subjects in Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas before leaving the profession in 2022. Megan loved her students and was active in the Kansas National Educators Association, advocating for public education and students in Kansas.

Aaron Ebke and Megan wed June 14, 2013, in Kansas City, Kansas, and welcomed their son Robert (Bobby) George a year and a half later. Named for her late father, Bobby was the light of Megan’s life.

Those who knew Megan loved her for her smile, quick wit, and endless optimism even in the direst circumstances. She had a magnetic personality, drawing people into her circle and making them feel like they were the most important in the world.

Along with visiting with friends, Megan loved music, good books, writing, crochet, and travel. Entertaining others through singing was one of her greatest pleasures in life.

Megan’s father and mother preceded her in death.

Her husband and son survive of the home, along with her mother-in-law, Vicki Mundinger. She is also survived by her grandmother, Emily Hough of Joplin, Missouri; her brother, Miles (Cortney) Keaton of Louisburg, Kansas and three beloved nieces, Skylar, Sydney, and Lindsay Keaton; her brother-in-law Timothy (Lindsey) Ebke of Waterville, Ohio; and her father-in-law Al (Ursula) Ebke of Lockport, Illinois and many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

Memorials may be directed to the family to support their son Bobby’s future; any remaining funds will be used to establish a scholarship in Megan’s honor at Doane University, benefiting students pursuing studies in Music, Foreign Language, and Education.

A Memorial Service will be 2 pm, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.  A Visitation will be from 6-7 pm, Friday, September 5, 2025, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.  Inurnment will be at Winchester Wise Cemetery, Winchester, Kansas.

Stephen R. Wilson

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Stephen grew up in Broken Arrow, OK and graduated from High School in 1970. Directly after graduation he joined the army and was sent to Fort Polk, Louisiana. He was awarded quite an honor by achieving the academic award of being 1 out of 10 in the whole nation to be chosen for air traffic control school. After this training he was immediately sent to Vietnam.

While in Vietnam he would meet a man who would become his lifelong best friend, Ron Ricley who prayed for him and introduced him to the Lord Jesus. Ron had bible studies there and the God opened the Word of the lord to Steve. He saw and learned things that changed his life forever! While Ron was an air traffic controller Steve was a radar controller. As an emergency came up at home for Ron and he received permission to go home to the states. So Steve learned the air traffic control system so Ron would be able to leave. After Vietnam Steve hunted Ron up and found him in Nebraska – so he and a friend, John Ezell, packed up and headed there. Spending time in prayer and in His Word, Steve flourished in his relationship with the Lord.

While in McCook Nebraska Steve became a Law Enforcement Officer and there met the lovely lady who would become his wife and mother to their 3 sons. Soon after words they moved to Harrison, Arkansas, where he began working at Claridge Extrusion Plant where he worked for 30 years and retired in September 2009.

After retiring, Steve moved to Lawrence Kansas where he met and married his loving wife Linda on September 12, 2009. Moving to Lawrence meant he was also closer to his best friend Ron Ricley who was pastoring a church in Lecompton Kansas. They traveled together and ministered in Honduras and Guatemala.

Steve loved studying his bible and gathering together with friends and family.

Steven went home to be with the lord August 9, 2025, at The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.  After a year of complications from liver cancer and kidney failure.

Steven was preceded in death by his mother, Carol Gwendolyn Wilson, age 63, who died April 5, 1996.  Steven’s father Richard Benjamin Wilson, passed away August 26, 2023, at age 95.

Also the lovely mother of his children Vivian DeEtte Wilson, passed away December 1, 2021.

He leaves his three siblings, Pamela Hilliard of Nashville, Tennessee,(Dennis), Barry Wilson, of Colorado, Kelly Wilson, of California

He leaves his three sons Joshua Lee Wilson, of Harrison, Arkansas, Johnathan Scott Wilson, also of Harrison, Arkansas, Jason Richard Wilson, of the 68th Theater Medical Command of Sambach, Germany.

Linda’s two sons David Michael Gleasure, of Newnan, Georgia, and Danial Micah Gleasure, also of Newnan, Georgia.

Two adopted sons Ricky Kennedy, Pomona, Kansas, and Ranny Boulton, California.

He also leaves 20 Grandchildren which some are adopted as well:

Joshua Lee Wilson is the oldest, of Harrison, Arkansas and has 6 children: Devan Wilson, Dekota Smith, Donovan Matthews, Melina Racley, Ava Racley, Ella Racley.

Jonathan Scott Wilson, of Harrison, has 3 girls: Rylie Avary Wilson, Hayden Leah Wilson, and Cameron Grace Wilson.

Jason Richard Wilson has 4 children: Kayleigh Wilson, Kyleigh Wilson, Krystina Anderson, and Dylan Carroll.

David Gleasure has 3 children: Sammy Gleasure, Maxxy Gleasure, and Gabby Gleasure.

Daniel Gleasure has 2 children: Jacob Gleasure, and Addie Gleasure.

Ranny Boulton has one son: Rane Boulton Jr.

Ricky Kennedy has 2 Children: Alexis Kennedy, and Hunter Kennedy.

Steve also leaves 2 nieces in Oklahoma, Nicole and Michele, one great niece Makayla, and one great great niece Lizzie who is 3 and one great nephew Darnell.

Services for Steve will be a visitation Thursday August 21 from 6-8:30. Funeral on Friday, August 22 at 2p.m. They will both be held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Graveside service will be following the funeral service at Maple Hill Cemetery, Lecompton. Following graveside service, will be a dinner at The Community Building in Lecompton.

We are asking guests to bring a side dish or dessert for those coming to the dinner. But for those who don’t have time to make a side dish – come anyway! We would love to see all of you.

 

Livestream at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc1NTU0MDkzNzM3NjU2NyZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==

Julie Ann (McLaren) Tucker

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Graveside services for Julie Ann (McLaren) Tucker, 77, Lawrence, will be August 28, 2025, 2:00 pm, at Oak Hill Cemetery, Lawrence, KS.

Julie passed away Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Lexington Park Health & Rehab in Topeka.

She was born December 3, 1947, in Buena Park, California, the daughter of Walter Gordon McLaren and Jo Ann (Roush) Scarborough.

Julie graduated from Western High School, Anaheim, CA in 1966.

She was the food service manager at Cordley Elementary School in Lawrence, retiring in 2010. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved the serenity of the beach, the escape of a good book, and the freedom of dancing. These passions reflected her vibrant spirit and her ability to find happiness in everyday moments.

On April 30, 1996, she married Charles Wilson Tucker in Lawrence. He preceded her in death on August 4, 2019. She was also preceded in death by Walter Gordon McLaren (father), JoAnn (Roush) Scarborough (mother), John William Damon Lloyd (son).

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Brandon Eller (Toni) of Lawrence and Amy Damon of Manhattan; her sister-in-law, Karen Anderson (Kent); her grandchildren, Bryce Elliott, Diane Kooser, William Schmidt, and Copper; and her great-grandchildren, Harper, Charles, and two more who brought her endless joy.

Julie also leaves behind her siblings Tammy Ratley (Gary), Jerry Scarborough (Cassandra), James Scarborough, and Terry McLaren (Jaynie); her cousins Steve McLaren and Craig McLaren; and many more extended family members and friends who were touched by her kindness and spirit.

Julie’s life was a gift to all who knew her. Her memory will continue to inspire love, laughter, and kindness in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lawrence Humane Society.

Sylvia Elizabeth Miller

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Sylvia Elizabeth Miller, 93 years old, passed away August 12, 2025 in Lawrence, KS. She died from stroke complications. She is now safe in the arms of Jesus.

Sylvia was born March 9, 1932 to Lloyd Marion Crabtree and Perle Leona (Schroeder). Sylvia lost her parents at an early age but she learned from them a deep devotion to the Bible and prayer.

When Sylvia was a youth she attended an evangelistic meeting in her home town of Ellendale, Minnesota with her teenage group. Marv Rosenthal was the evangelist and he shared how to give your life to Jesus and she did. She attended the Methodist Church, and later the Evangelical Free Church. While living in Lawrence, Sylvia attended Redemption Hill Church with her son’s family.

Sylvia enjoyed attending Sunday School, Church and Bible Studies. She and her husband, Donald, supported and hosted missionaries. She loved singing in the choir through the years and just singing out in church. She often shared the gospel wherever she was and most recently in her independent living apartment building with her friend and neighbor, David.

Many loved her sweet spirit. She grew up in simplicity, losing both parents during the Depression. She was 1 of 12 siblings. Four did not live beyond childhood. Through these humble circumstances she learned to cook, sew and serve well. Her children and others remember looking forward to her delicious breads, cookies, and meals!

One of the memories she liked to share was how her father would take his children on walks and tell them stories about God from the Bible. She said there was a tree in the field he liked to sit under.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband Donald Ray Miller on November 28th, 2017. She is survived by her four children, their spouses, grandchildren, and great grandchildren:

Debra (Miller) Sande, her husband Jack of Kalama, Washington. Their children are: Jonathan Sande; Timothy (Leah) Sande [children: Titus and Lydia]; Stephen Sande (Katie) [children: Josiah and Hannah.]

Marcia (Miller) Erickson, her husband John of Winona Lake, Indiana. Their children are: Jonathan Erickson; Daniel Erickson [children: Carter and Andrew]; Abigail Elizabeth (Erickson) Johnson, her husband Peter Johnson [children: Zion, Noah, Moriah and Naomi]; Joseph Erickson.

Marguerite Pearl (Miller) Sigafus, her husband Phil of Grandview, Missouri. Sylvia is playing with their precious children in heaven.

Craig Miller, his wife Lori (Howard) of Lawrence, Kansas. Their children are: Brek Miller, his wife Johanna [children: Remington and Theoden]; Bradi (Miller) Parkin, her husband Steven [children: Ruby, Primrose, Belle and Judah]; Bryce Miller, his wife Alli [children: Ian and Leland].

Sylvia was devoted in prayer and love to her family.

She also held a deep devotion to her siblings and their families. She was number 7 of 8 adult children. She was the last living member of her family. Her siblings were: Henry (Ellamae) Crabtree; Lucy (Bob) Siedelmann; Ruth (Renier) Elenbaas; Walter (Dorothy) Crabtree; Hazel (Joe) Soukup; Daniel (Phyllis) Crabtree; Seth (Fern) Crabtree.

Some of Sylvia’s lifelong friends were, Rosalyn “Rosie” (Ferguson) Peterson; Doris Herrmann; Allalee (Crabtree) Miller Bubeck; and Kathy (Miller) Muhlenbruch.

Sylvia’s faith and strength were always in her Savior, Jesus Christ. She daily read from her Bible and devotional and enjoyed listening to David Jeremiah. Her favorite hymns were: It Will Be Worth It All; Love Found a Way; People Need the Lord; He the Pearly Gates Will Open; Look for Me by Dale Tornell; The Little Brown Church in the Vale.

She always mentioned with great respect her Aunt Grace and Uncle Dezell Crabtree. They helped her through the years after her parents passed.

All of her children and their spouses walk with God. Sylvia taught Women’s Bible Study at 90 years of age in her Lawrence, Kansas home church until her hearing and sight made it too difficult.

Sylvia worked many jobs throughout her life: Artist; Porcelain Painting Instructor; PBX Operator; Employee in a bakery; Nanny; Wood Shutter Maker; Tailor; Piece Assembly Worker; and her favorite – Full Time Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma.

She volunteered in Pioner Girls, Brownies, Choir, Sunday School, Children’s Church and Bible Studies. She and Don hosted an American Foreign Exchange Student from Norway, Berit (Stubberud) Guttormsen. She kept in touch with her all these years.

Sylvia was an accomplished artist and teacher in Porcelain, Photo Coloring, Acrylics, Oil and Water Color. She was President of PASA, Porcelain Artist Guild of Albuquerque.

Sylvia loved Romans 8, especially verse 18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” She also cherished and shared a chapter close to her heart, Isaiah 55.

Sylvia’s Memorial in Kansas is Friday, August 15 with visitation from 3 to 3:45 pm. Service at 4 pm. At Redemption Hill Church, Lawrence, KS. Steven Parkin officiating.

Sylvia’s Memorial Service in Iowa is 10:00 am, Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Blairsburg Christian Missionary Alliance Church, 501 3rd Street, Blairsburg, Iowa.  A luncheon will follow the service at the church at 11:30 am.  Family graveside service will be at 1:30 pm, Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Morgan Cemetery in Hampton, Iowa. John Erickson will be officiating.

Donations in Sylvia Miller’s memory may be made to Insight Women’s Center, Info@Insightlawrence.org or Redemption Hill Church 802 West 22nd Street, Lawrence, KS 66046.

Ellen Marie Vagner

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Ellen Marie Vagner died August 9, from cancer. Ellen was born on July 2, 1958, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Paul and Katherine Vagner. She was the youngest of three children. Her family moved to Bonner Springs in 1963. She attended Sacred Heart Elementary School, graduating as a co-valedictorian in 1972. She graduated in 1976 from Bonner Springs High School as the salutatorian.

Hers was a family of musicians. She grew up believing that playing an instrument was a basic life skill. She played the piano well, and loved to play the doumbek drum, as well as other miscellaneous forms of percussion.  Ellen attended The University of Kansas from 1976 to 1978, and then again from 1981 to 1983, as an honors student. She worked in the dorm’s cafeteria, and most of her paid work was in the food service industry.

She never married or had children. She was raised in the Roman Catholic church, but after 20 years of being unchurched, a health crisis let her to the Episcopal Church. She found a home
Trinity Episcopal Church in Lawrence, Ks, and officially converted in 2007. “It was one of the best decisions I ever made.”

In high School, Ellen started taking belly dancing classes. These proved to be very therapeutic in many ways, including the exercise, music, creating costumes, and expanding her social circle.
Her work in belly dancing spurred a desire to work as Respiratory Therapist. She did not achieve that goal, but did continue to excel in belly dancing. She joined a group in Lawrence,
and performed in several Cairo on the Kaw programs. She made many friends through her belly dancing, and remained friends with them even after she could no longer dance.  She loved to create costumes and sew. She created many of the costumes for her belly dancing performances, and continued to create after her belly dancing days were over. She loved to fashion costumes for the church Christmas Eve pageant, and loved to create elaborate costumes for All Saints Day. She was always planning her next saint costume!

After joining the Episcopal Church, Ellen worked in the Trinity Interfaith Food Pantry. She loved her work as a greeter at the pantry, helping people sign in making sure they got what they
needed. She did this work for 16 years, getting to know many of the people who would visit the pantry, and making friends with the other volunteers.

Languages were another passion for Ellen. At one time she was fluent in French, receiving an award from KU’s French department in 1983. She would dabble in other languages, including
Italian, Spanish, Arabic, and a couple of Scandinavian languages.  Ellen leaves behind her sister-in-law, Elaine Vagner, and several nieces. She was predeceased by her parents, Paul and Katherine, her brother Joseph, her sister Clara, and an infant nephew and  niece.

Ellen loved flowers and music. Flowers can be sent to Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.  Donations can be made to Trinity Interfaith Food pantry or the Women’s Shelter in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Memorial Services will be 1:oo P.M. Friday, August 15, 2025 at the Trinity Episcopal Church at 1011 Vermont St, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Gary LeRoy Stephenson

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Gary LeRoy Stephenson born July 6, 1940 to Roy E. Stephenson and Eula Frances Burdette of Onaga, KS.

Gary was a member of the Kansas Army National Guard. He was employed as a property manager in Lawrence, KS. He enjoyed Kansas University basketball and the KC Royals.

He married Joyce Lytton in the fall of 1980, blending two families consisting of seven children.

Gary was preceded in death by his daughter Julie Stephenson. He is survived by his wife Joyce, six children, Monica McGahey (Mark Cline), Sheila Hogoboom (J. R.), Kevin Gordon, Julie Brumley (Billy), Scarlett Gordon, Tracy Gordon (Marla), seventeen grandchildren, twenty four great grandchildren, nephew James Stephenson and cousin Kathy Barr.

Gary died Thursday August 7, 2025 at Pioneer Ridge Health & Rehab Lawrence, KS of esophageal cancer.

No Services are planned at this time.

In lieu of flowers please send memorial contributions to Douglas County Visiting Nurses 200 Maine St Ste C Lawrence, KS 66044 or http://www.kansasvna.org.

Connie Jean (George) Melton

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Connie Jean (George) Melton, born November 23, 1945, in Lawrence, Kansas, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and adventure.

Connie grew up on a dairy farm where she loved riding her horse and helped raise and milk Holstein cattle, instilling in her a lifelong respect for hard work, animals, and the land. That early life on the farm shaped her deeply and became a foundation for the values she carried throughout her life.

Connie graduated from Lawrence High School in 1963. With her lifelong love of animals, Connie pursued a career as a veterinary technician, caring for and helping countless animals throughout the years. She found her greatest joy in the outdoors and was most at home on the trail with her trusted mule and loyal dog always by her side. Whether riding through the woods or simply soaking in the stillness of nature, Connie embraced the peace and freedom that came with every ride.

She was a devoted mother to her daughter, Angie Barcus Golian, and a proud grandmother to Ally Rose Golian. She also leaves behind her son-in-law, Andrew Golian, and cherished the family they built together.

Connie is preceded in death by her husband, Gorden Melton; her parents, Walter and Viola (Hendrix) George; her brother, LeRoy George; and her beloved sister, Wilma (George) Patterson — lovingly known to Connie as simply “Sis.”

Later in life Connie retired and moved to Cape Fair, MO next to the Big Piney Forest where she loved the peace and beauty that surrounded her and enjoyed riding her mule through the Big Piney. She was a devoted Christian and was baptized in Flat Creek in The Big Piney. The last 5 years she resided in Sarcoxie, MO with her daughter.

Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Connie’s family takes comfort in knowing she is now rejoicing with all of her friends and family who have gone before her — and most importantly, riding Rascal and playing fetch with Skidboot and Zip.

A visitation will be held at **Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home** Lawrence, KS on **Tuesday, August 12, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.**, followed by a graveside service at **Memorial Cemetery, Lawrence, Kansas**.

In honor of her love for the land and animals, the family encourages those who knew her to **take a ride** and remember her in the open skies and quiet trails she so dearly loved.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Area Agency On Aging 531 E 15th Joplin, MO 64804.