Category: Obituaries

Larry Eugene Williams

Posted on by RumseyYost

Memorial services for Larry Eugene Williams, 69, Lawrence, will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Eudora Assembly of God Church. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Mr. Williams died Saturday, March 26, 2016, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

He was born August 7, 1946, in Lawrence, the son of Eugene Harold and Betty Jewel Bearden Williams. He graduated from Eudora High School in 1965.

Mr. Williams worked for Farmland Chemical.

He was a member of Eudora Assembly of God Church and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, playing cards, bowling, and watching KU Basketball, the Royals, and the Chiefs.

He married Margaret Jean Arkeketa in Eudora in 1965. She preceded him in death.

Survivors include a daughter, Julia Ann Williams of Tulsa, OK; sons, Larry Russell Williams and wife Erica of Rio Rancho, NM, Jeffrey Wade Williams of Lawrence, KS; mother, Betty Jewel Williams; sisters, Hope Cundiff and husband Lonnie Noel of Eudora, Frances Dunavin and husband Gary of Eudora; sister-in-laws, Judy Williams of Lawrence, Carol Long Mceldowney and husband Tim of Overland Park, Anita James and husband Jesse of Lawrence; grandchildren, Kane Arkeketa Wolf, Aquarius Simmons, Winter Williams, Margaret Williams, Conner Williams, Danica Williams, Danielle Williams, Desire Williams, and Serenity Williams; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

His father, Eugene Williams; brother, Rex Allen Williams; and grandson, Jordan Solomon, preceded him in death.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Family Church of Lawrence, sent in care of the funeral home.

Carol LaDean Thiry

Posted on by RumseyYost

Funeral services for Carol LaDean Thiry, 73, Lawrence, will be 10 am, Monday March 28, 2016, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Hubble Hill Cemetery, Tonganoxie, KS.

She died Thursday March 24, 2016, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

Carol was born August 31, 1942, in Lawrence, the daughter of Winford and Viola Thiry. She grew up on a farm in rural Oskaloosa. Carol attended Chester Grade School. She worked at Cottonwood.

Survivors include a brother, Arlo E. Thiry, McLouth; a nephew Duane Thiry, McLouth; a niece Denise Rivera and grand niece Ashley Rivera both of Keene Texas.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cottonwood, Inc., sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

the family will receive friends from 9am to 10am Monday before the funeral at the funeral home.

Donald R. Caillouet

Posted on by RumseyYost

Don was a man who loved God, people and living life. He seldom met a stranger without learning their name, hometown and something that was important to them. Don was born in Texarkana, TX, on November 1, 1941 to Louis and Helen Houteling Caillouet. His brother Joe and sisters Peggy and Ellen Ann completed the family. The family moved around a lot, following their father’s jobs in construction. Don went to school in Texico, New Mexico, and graduated high school there. He moved to Los Angeles, CA, to attend college at Long Beach City College where he learned the electrical trade. He had just graduated when he received a letter from President Johnson inviting him to become a member of the U.S. Army. He was drafted on his 24th birthday. Don enjoyed the Army and remained in the guard for 10 years, being discharged with the rank of Staff Sgt. After working in the electrical trade for a while, Don discovered that he was good at selling, so he began a successful career selling water wells and pumps for industrial, municipal, irrigation and some domestic wells. He began working for Henkle Drilling in Garden City, KS, in 1989, and worked there until moving to Lawrence in 2001 to work for Layne-Christenson in Kansas City. During these working years, Don was a member of the Kansas Ground Water Association, holding several positions and eventually being named President of the Board. During that time, he was instrumental in establishing the current licensing and CEU legislation enacted in Kansas. He also held a Texas Drilling License and master drilling and master installer licenses. In 2013, Don was awarded special recognition from the Missouri Water Conference for outstanding work and support.

Midway through his life, Don accepted Jesus Christ and began a life of helping others. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Lawrence and also volunteered with Crown Ministries as a financial counselor, receiving the Crowning Achievement Award in 2008. Don cared about each person he worked with and felt excitement for the successes or gave encouragement if the going got tough.

Don was a devoted family man. In 1997 he was organizing a trip with some singles in Southwest Kansas. He needed more transportation so when he met a blonde widow with a Suburban, he persuaded her to come along and bring her car. That was his wife, Coralee Ann Marshall Caillouet, better known as Corky. There are many stories about their courtship and marriage, but suffice it to say that they have been married for almost 19 years and it has been glorious. He enjoyed his children and grandchildren: Dawn Smith, husband Randy and girls Whitney and Erica; Brian Brown and girls, Samantha and Balee; Donnie Caillouet; JaQué Singleton and husband, Stu; Marylee Ramsay; Keri Griffin and children, Devon, wife Rhyan (parents of Don’s first great grandson, Raylan, born March 4, 2016), Alycia, Marshall and Cora. He is also survived by his sister Peggy; brothers-in-law George Judah and John Marshall and his wife, Ronda, and several nephews and nieces.

Don liked to dance, fish, build and fly RC Airplanes, and watch “his” squirrels. He also enjoyed singing, and directed a church choir at one time. Don was an avid reader who knew the Bible forward and backward. It was spending time with others that he enjoyed the most. Memorials made in his name to the First United Methodist Church will be given to local missions, as Don believed that service was an essential part of Christ’s plan, and there is much need. Memorials may also be made in Don’s name to a charity of the donor’s choice. Funeral services will be held on April 2, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 946 Vermont St, Lawrence. Don had a special affinity with Marisco’s Restaurant and their staff. Please join the family there at 4821 W 6th Street from 1:30 to 3:30 for a dessert buffet and fellowship to celebrate Don’s life one more time, shouting “Amen” all the way.

A Ellen Spalding

Posted on by RumseyYost

Adelaide Ellen Spalding, 78, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away on March 16, 2016. Ellen was born on May 21, 1937, to Adelaide (Corydon) Spalding and Dr. Maurice Acobert Spalding, in Chicago, Illinois. From her earliest years Ellen was exceptional. Nicknamed “Cookie”, she modeled for advertisers professionally through the prestigious Jack Powers agency before the age of one and was known as the most-photographed young lady in America by 1940. Ellen graduated from Grinnell College in 1958 as a member of Phi Beta Kappa with a double major in French and Political Science. She earned her Masters of Arts in Library Science from the University of Chicago in 1963 and her Juris Doctor at the University of Kansas in 1976, where she was a member of Order of the Coif.

Prior to attending law school Ellen worked as a librarian at high schools and as an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas. Ellen began her legal career in the tax department at the Stinson Mag & Fizzell law firm in Kansas City, worked as a municipal bond attorney at the firm of Gaar & Bell and played a key role in the Corporate Finance Department at George K. Baum & Company for many years. Her sharp, inquisitive mind led to her pioneering career in these different and difficult fields. Ellen generously mentored younger women during her career and continued to offer personal and professional guidance to them following her retirement.

Ellen’s time living in France added to her sophistication and elegance. Her experiences there helped to develop her culinary skills and her distinctive cooking style. She enjoyed preparing special meals for friends.

Her love of cars connected Ellen to Donald Weaver, her partner, companion and friend during some of the best years of her life. With Don, Ellen traveled the West, became a dog lover and laughed freely.

Ellen’s character, clarity of thought and integrity inspired others to achievement. Ellen’s friends from many walks of life reflect her varied interests, from her love of reading and watching professional basketball to her concern for those around her. She is survived by those friends and her life continues in their memories.

No services are scheduled at this time.

Wilma L. Edmonds

Posted on by RumseyYost

Wilma L. Edmonds, 83, Lawrence passed away Thursday, March 17, 2016.

She was born in Waverly, MO on September 21, 1932, the daughter of William and Arline Stoneking. She graduated from Waverly High School and attended a business vocation school where she learned to be a bookkeeper.

Wilma married her husband, Orval, on December 27, 1963. She was a co-owner of O&W Construction Company with her husband for over 40 years, in addition, she was an outstanding homemaker. Wilma was a member of the First Christian Church and the Christian Women’s Club. Her favorite activities were caring for her children and grandchildren and socializing with family and friends. She loved watching and dancing to the Grand Ole Opry with her granddaughters, playing cards with family, traveling, cheering for the KU basketball team, watching Wheel of Fortune and playing Bingo.

Wilma was the heart of her family. Because of her, love will see us through, memories will make us rich and family will always be the greatest gift. Wilma always made everyone smile a little wider, hug a little longer and laugh a little louder. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

She is survived by her three children, Karen, Keenan and Kelli; two granddaughters, Lydia and Jamie and one great granddaughter, Mackenzie. She is also survived by her sister LaVerne S. Baldwin (Greydon), brothers Herman Stoneking and Charles Stoneking (Rose); sisters in law Lois Edmonds Hamlet (Don), Edna Mae Edmonds Benschoter Lolley and Melva Edmonds; and her many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of more than 50 years.

At her request, there will be a graveside service at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 21, 2016, at Memorial Park Cemetery. A reception to receive family and friends will follow at the First Christian Church of Lawrence from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Susan G. Komen Foundation or the Disabled American Veterans.

Viola Hamilton

Posted on by RumseyYost

Services for Viola Hamilton, 75, Lawrence, will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will take place in Mahaska, KS at a later date.

Mrs. Hamilton died Tuesday, March 15, 2016, peacefully in her home.

She was born March 7, 1941 in Jefferson County, Nebraska, the daughter of Frank and Lola van Waning. She graduated from Mahaska High School in 1958. She was a life-long learner.

Mrs. Hamilton was a member of Unity Church of Lawrence. She was a licensed beautician for over 30 years. For many years, Vi studied A Course In Miracles, Biofeedback with Elmer Green and several other metaphysical practices. She led groups in meditation and spirituality, as well as advising and counseling many in our community. She was a bright light to many and a friend to all.

Viola (Van Waning) married Dewayne E. Hamilton on September 28, 1958, in Mahaska, KS. Dewayne preceded her in death September 2, 1991.

She is survived by a son, Greg Hamilton (Loraine), Georgetown, IN; a daughter, Debra Hamilton, Seattle, WA.; a sister Ruth Greenwood (Danford); 4 grandchildren; and 3 great grandchildren.

The Reverend Susanna Coxe will lead a service at 1 p.m. at the funeral home and the family will receive friends afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Unity Church of Lawrence 900 Madeline Lawrence, KS 66049.

James Vardiman “Jim” Owens

Posted on by RumseyYost

Memorial services for James V. ‘Jim’ Owens, 100, Lawrence, will be announced in April by Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory.

Jim Owens, founder of Owens Flower Shop in downtown Lawrence, is said to be the only person who ever served in all of three key positions: Lawrence’s mayor, president of the Lawrence school board and the chairman of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce.

“Not only did he love this city, but he dedicated his life to serving it,” said Joe Flannery, president of Weaver’s department store, who grew up knowing the Owens family. “He was a generous, loving soul who always wanted whatever was best for Lawrence. He contributed whatever he could to make it a better place.”

Owens died Monday at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living. He was 100.

Owens, whom Flannery called one of the “true gentlemen” of Lawrence, was born in 1915 in Richland, a town in southeastern Shawnee County. He was in Salina during the Great Depression and landed in Lawrence for good in 1946, after returning from military service.

That year, he and his wife, Laura, purchased the flower shop, then named Ward’s Flowers. He bought it on somewhat of a whim for $50,000, with the previous owner predicting he wouldn’t last in the business two months.

Owens and his wife operated the shop for 35 years. They sold it in 1974, and it remains in business today, still bearing the “Owens Flower Shop” name.

The 2011 Lawrence Business Hall of Fame inducted Owens, along with Bob Billings, Shirley Martin-Smith and Gene Meyer.

In a speech Owens gave upon receiving an induction into the Lawrence Business Hall of Fame in 2011, he told one of his favorite stories from being a florist: traveling to Washington, D.C. during the Gerald Ford administration to help decorate the White House with flowers.

Years after purchasing the flower shop, Owens decided he could contribute something else to the city.

Owens ran for the City Commission and served as the mayor of Lawrence in 1964 and 1965. Around that time, he also took up the post of chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, and he was elected as school board president. In a 2011 interview with the Journal-World, Owens said he “just enjoyed it all.”

Kathy and Steven Bruner were Owens’ neighbors on Raintree Place for more than 30 years. The neighborhood was tight-knit, Kathy Bruner said, and Owens was “the best conversationalist.”

“He was, without a doubt, one of the neatest men I’ve ever known,” she said.

Owens was commonly known in Lawrence as a florist and a dedicated public servant, but he described himself, above all else, as an optimist.

“I’m an optimist,” he said in a 2013 interview. “And that has served me pretty well in life.”

Laura Owens died in 2004 at age 89. The couple had three children, Laura, Martin and Justine.

Melvin David Landsberg

Posted on by RumseyYost

Melvin Landsberg, Professor Emeritus, long time faculty member of KU’s English Department, passed away on Saturday morning, March 5th, at the Lawrence Memorial Hospital. Born in Bronx, New York to Frank and Anna Landsberg, Melvin attended the New York City Public Schools, and went on to the City College of New York, majoring in History. He then earned his Master’s degree in History and a Ph.D. in English Literature from Columbia University.
Before taking up his first full time teaching post, Melvin embarked in 1959 on a seminal year of travel in Europe. After a brief teaching stint at the University of Washington, Melvin arrived in Lawrence, Kansas in 1961 as a faculty member in the Department of English where he taught until his retirement in 2009.
Melvin was a scholar of the 20th century author John Dos Passos. His political biography, John Dos Passos’ Path to USA, was critically acclaimed, and remains a standard in the study of Dos Passos and American literature. Melvin’s deep knowledge and understanding of literature and history informed his teaching, fueled his life-long interests in a wide range of topics, and made him an often fascinating conversationalist.
Melvin is survived by many friends, colleagues, and acquaintances who, over the years, enjoyed Melvin for his insights, his wit, and his unique perspective on the world.
Funeral services will take place at the Rumsey Yost Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 9th, at 11:00 a.m. with burial following at the Lawrence Jewish Community Congregation’s Cemetery B’nai Israel in Eudora.
Donations in Melvin Landsberg’s memory may be made to the Lawrence Jewish Community Congregation, 917 Highland Drive, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Paula Fulkerson

Posted on by RumseyYost

Funeral services for Paula Marie Fulkerson, 62, St. Marys, will be 10 am, Thursday March 10, 2016, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Vinland Cemetery.

She died Saturday, March 5, 2016, at Stormont Vail Hospital, Topeka, KS.

Paula was born October 18, 1953, in Lawrence, KS, the daughter of Kenneth LeRoy and Margie Jean Terrel Schutz. She graduated from Baldwin High School in 1971. In 1978 she and her family moved to St. Marys.

She worked for Graybar at Jeffrey Energy Center as a tool room manager. She enjoyed doing crafts, shopping with her grandchildren, working in her flower beds at home, and taking care of her dog Molly.

Paula married Roger Carlson in 1973, they later divorced. She married David L. Fulkerson on September 1, 2001, in Vinland, KS, he preceded her in death in 2013.

Survivors include her daughter Heather and husband Chris Jackson, Baldwin; son Marc and wife Sarah Carlson, St. Marys; sister Glenda Jo and husband Daryl Rockers, Baldwin; grandchildren Ashley and Jordan Jackson, Baldwin, Lizzie, Trent, Trevor and Lexie Carlson, St. Marys; niece Rhonda and husband Bob Carlisle; great nephew Alex Carlisle.

She is preceded in death by her dad Kenneth Schutz and husband David Lee Fulkerson.

A visitation will be 5:30-7pm, Wednesday, March 9, 2016, at Piper Funeral Home, St. Marys, KS.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Paula Fulkerson Grandchildren Education Fund or Vinland Cemetery, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street Lawrence, KS 66044.