Category: Obituaries

EC Pagan

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The visitation for EC Pagan, 88, will be held at Grace Evangelical Presbyterian Church at 9:45 a.m., followed by the Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 8, 2015. Burial will follow at Alpine Cemetery, Osage County, KS at 3:00 p.m.

EC was born February 15, 1927, in Sapulpa, OK, the son of Areathus and Opal Gail Facker Pagan. He worked as a railroad engineer at Santa Fe for 41 years.

He married Lauma Lou Geis on January 15, 1984, in Strong City, KS. She survives of the home.

Survivors include, his brother, Keith Pagan; his two sisters, Patsy Thandschiedt and Reeda Tyler; his sons, Barry Pagan (Kelly), Ricky Dodd (Lucinda), Robbie Dodd, (Christina), and his daughters; Lorinda Hartzler (David), LaVonna McAlister (Gary); grandchildren; Noah and Jordon Pagan, LaTanya Graff, Garrett Dodd, Jesse and Jade McAlister, Harrison, Summer and Hannah Hartzler; and, three great-grandchildren Mackailynn, Gage and Grayson Graff.

EC’s favorite way to pass time was through camping and fishing with his wife, family members and friends. He enjoyed large bon fires, fish fries and a comfortable lawn chair under a shade tree. EC took great pleasure from listening to country music, watching Christian programs on TV and reading. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather with a very gentle and kind spirit. Although he is singing with Jesus in heaven, he will truly be missed by his friends and family.

He is preceded in death by his infant daughter, Kathy Jean Pagan, and son Lowell Edward Dodd Jr. (Eddie).

Memorial contributions may be made to the EC Pagan Memorial Fund to assist with future medical needs for his grandson, Noah Pagan, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Helen Louise St. Clair Buhler

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Helen Louise St. Clair Buhler passed away at Brandon Woods at Alvamar on Friday, May 1, 2015. Memorial services will be Thursday, May 7, 2015, at 11 am at Plymouth Congregational Church, with the Rev. Dr. Peter A. Luckey officiating. Inurnment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 am until service time Thursday at the church.

Helen Louise was born March 4, 1921, in Lawrence, Kansas to John S. and Matie Belle Morgan St. Clair. She graduated from Liberty Memorial High School and later attended Kansas University, where she was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority. She married Everett Eugene Buhler on December 20, 1941, in Pensacola, Florida.

She is survived by their five children and their families, David and Beth Buhler, Lawrence, Amelia, Kristen, & Adam; Robert and Annette Buhler Jones, Garden City, Megan, Matthew, & Stephen; Mark and Elizabeth Buhler Ames, Columbia, Mo., Julia, Jessica, & Mallory; Mark and Marsha Buhler, Lawrence, Anne, Tyson & Sam; and Kathryn Buhler Bernhardt, Virginia Beach, Va., Andrew, Hanna, Mary, & Jon; and 20 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Everett, and her sister Rachael Virginia Curd.

Everett and Helen returned to Lawrence from Garden City in 1958 to raise and educate their family. Helen worked for many years at Lawrence National Bank and was involved with Delta Gamma Advisory, LaSertoma, P.E.O., and the Watkins Museum. Helen was a great granddaughter of Johnathan Flanders Morgan, a member of the New England Immigrant Aid Society, which arrived in Lawrence in 1854. The Morgan homestead was located on the south side of Mount Oread, now part of the University of Kansas. The homestead was burned during Quantrill’s Raid on August 21, 1863, though all family members survived.

Always gracious and sincere, she enjoyed the company of family and many friends. Contributions in Helen Louise’s memory may be made to Visiting Nurses or Plymouth Congregational Church, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044. Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.

Donna Jo Keyes

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A celebration of life for Donna Jo Keyes, 66, Lawrence, will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday at 1703 E. 1000 Rd. Cremation has taken place.

Mrs. Keyes died Friday, May 1, 2015 at her home.

She was born January 17, 1950, in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of Don and Darlene Olgilvie. She graduated from Westport High School and attended some college.

Mrs. Keyes was a homemaker. She enjoyed spending time with family, sewing, fishing, mushroom hunting, and being outside.

Survivors include her husband, Jimmie Bryant of Lawrence; three daughters, Dawn Keyes of Lawrence, Deborah Keyes of Lawrence, Farrah Olgilvie of Kansas City, Missouri; a son, Douglas Keyes, Jr. of Lawrence; brother, Dan Olgilvie of Kansas City, Missouri; and three grandchildren, Xavier Brown, Casey Brown, and Nicholas Anstaett.

A daughter, Danielle Joanna Keyes, died November 15, 2014.

The family suggests memorials to the Donna Keyes Memorial Fund, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory, PO Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.

For more info regarding the celebration of life, contact Deborah Keyes. Flowers may be sent to the home.

Mary Dale Fischer Traver

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On Tuesday, April 28th, 2015, Mary Traver, 79, passed away at her home in Lawrence, KS, after long battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

She was born on Dec. 3rd, 1935 in St. Louis, Mo. She was the youngest of three, born to Oscar and Elsie Fischer, who proceeded her in death.

Mary is survived by her husband, Hans, her beloved brother David O. Fischer (Patricia), her best friend and sister, Elizabeth Krachenberg and 3 daughters Lisa (Tom), Janna (Marc McCann, grand-daughter Isabelle), and Kay; her numerous nieces and nephews, Karl (Joan), David (Karen), Dan, Liane, Micheal, Doris and Sabine.

Mary graduated from KU in 1957, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Her tall stature and dazzling smile caught the eye of a young entrepreneur named Hans. She and Hans were wed in St Louis, MO on Nov. 16th, 1957.

Over two continents she raised her three girls and numerous animals, dogs, cats, horses and the occasional wounded bird or squirrel.

Her lifelong passion to create drove her daily to her workshop where she made beautiful works of art. Her works included abstract, jewelry, ceramics, wood-working, metal-smithing, sculpture and drawing. She worked on these throughout her life, until her hands no longer allowed it. Her work has been published and displayed for many to enjoy.

She loved chocolate, books, Thanksgiving gatherings with friends and family, also watching MASH and Murder She Wrote.

Spending time with her dear friend, Learlean Hooks Glover was a high point of every week. Visits from her dear friend and college roommate, Janet Wray were always special occasions.

We would like to extend a special thank-you to her nurses for the care and love they gave Mary; Nabombe, Christy, Shirley, Angelina, and Regina and to her masseuse Curtis. Each of you made her so safe and comfortable, your caring and friendships meant the world to her.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to the charity of your choice. There will be no services per Mary’s wishes.

Dale Coffman

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Dale Coffman, 86, Lawrence, passed away peacefully Monday, April 20, 2015, at Pioneer Ridge.

Funeral services will be Monday, April 27, 2015, at 10 am at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. The family will receive friends Sunday, April 26, 2015, from 3-5 pm at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Lawrence.

Dale was born November 5, 1928, in Lawrence, the son of Alfred and Ivareen Coffman. He married Peggy Cowan on December 27, 1948; she preceded him in death in 2013. Dale owned and operated Dale Coffman Trucking for many years in and around the Lawrence area.

Survivors include daughters Sandra (Tom) White, Camdenton, MO, and Joyce Cromwell (Jerry), Topeka, KS; four grandchildren, Kelly Case, Joel (Wendy) White, Brandon Cromwell, and Travis (Erin) Cromwell; and ten great grandchildren.

The family suggests memorials to Douglas County Visiting Nurses, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

Norma Joyce Runn

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Funeral services for Norma Joyce Runn, 95, Lawrence, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mrs. Runn died Tuesday, April 21, 2015, at Delmar Gardens of Overland Park.

She was born December 10, 1919, in Glen Elder, KS, the daughter of Charles and Erma (Hosler) Fox. Her family later moved to Oskaloosa, KS where she attended school. After high school, she lived and worked in Fresno, CA and Topeka before marrying and moving to Lawrence.

Mrs. Runn worked for several years in bookkeeping for KP&L. She attended cosmetology school in 1961 and was a hairdresser in Lawrence until her retirement in 2004.

She married Lawrence Edwin “Larry” Runn on November 4, 1949 in Lawrence at the First United Methodist Church. Larry died December 25, 2014.

Survivors include a daughter, Diane Kearns and husband Don of St. Augustine, FL; granddaughter, Kristen Kearns of Overland Park, KS; and grandson, Ryan Kearns of Chicago, IL.

She was preceded in death by her husband Larry of 65 years; brother, Holland Fox; and sisters, Barbara Miller and Oleta Holladay.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, where the family will receive them from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Grace Hospice, sent in care of the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.

Robert Charles ‘Bob’ Kania Jr.

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No public services are planned for Robert Charles ‘Bob’ Kania Jr., 49, Lawrence , who passed away Friday, Apr. 17, 2015, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital .

Bob was born Jan. 19, 1966, at Ft. Leavenworth , Kan. , the son of Robert C. Sr. and Jacqueline K. Fauzae Kania. He attended Leavenworth schools. Bob was permanently disabled in a motorcycle accident at age 22. He was a free spirit who enjoyed music and spending time with friends.

Survivors include two children, Melissa Kania and Brett Wernick; his mother, Jackie Kania, Leavenworth; a sister, Christy Riley, Lawrence; a half sister, Phyllis Decoursey; his caregivers, Byron McClelland, Liz Chambers-McDaniel, and Korrie Fischer; and his large extended family in Leavenworth.

‘AND NOW HE CAN RUN’

Janeva Irene Russell Steger

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A Celebration of Life for Janeva Steger, 60, Lawrence, will be at 11 am Saturday, April 25th, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, with the Rev. Wade Russell officiating. Janeva passed away Friday, Apr. 17, 2015, at her home.

She was born Dec. 16, 1954, in Manhattan, KS, the daughter of Stanley Frank and Evelyn Lorraine Linton Russell. She attended schools in Manhattan, lived in Louisiana for 16 years, and then returned to the area. Janeva was a homemaker, and enjoyed gardening, being outdoors, and spending time with her grandkids. She was someone who only saw the good in everyone she met. She fought a long, courageous battle with lung cancer, and touched many lives as a beacon of love, hope, and inspiration.

She married David Steger on July 28, 1999. He survives of the home. Other survivors include her mother Evelyn Lorraine Russell, Manhattan, children Josh Rubisoff (Danielle), Topeka, Cassidy Rubisoff (Danny Salazar), Lawrence, and Lauren Myers, Lawrence; her children from New York, Vanessa Blaisdell (Ned), Felicia Steger, and Davis Steger; four brothers, John Russell, Lawrence, Pat Russell, Terry Russell (Debbie), and Bob Russell, all of Manhattan; three sisters, Barbara Gassmann (Mike) and Virginia Zimmerman (Murl), both of Manhattan, and Larraine Blodgett (Randy), Blackhawk, CO; and seven grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, Stanley Frank Russell, and a grandson, Isael Salazar.

A gathering of her family and friends will follow the service at the Ecumenical Christian Ministries building on the KU campus, 1204 Oread Ave.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044. Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.

Debra Ann ‘Debbie’ Heath

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Graveside services for Debra A. ‘Debbie’ Heath, 60, McLouth, will be at 11 am Thursday at Oak Hill Cemetery. Debbie passed away Thursday, Apr. 16, 2015, at her home.

She was born Mar. 18, 1955, in Springfield, Mo., the daughter of Robert Lee and Margaret Ann Decker Tindall. After graduating from Lawrence High School in 1973, Debbie was employed by Hallmark Cards, TRW, Curtis 1000, Golf Course Superintendent’s Association of America, and was currently employed by Main Street Credit Union. Debbie enjoyed life. She and her husband Gary were married 25 years, and was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and enjoyed her extended family of dogs – Cody, Rex, Shasta, Keisha, and Chelsea. She enjoyed the outdoors, wildlife, flowers, landscaping, and watching the hummingbirds at the feeder outside her kitchen window. Debbie spent the last two years of her life fighting lung cancer. She was a survivor, a fighter, and a remarkably strong woman who will be missed by everyone.

Survivors include her husband, Gary, of the home; two children, Tyler Robinson and wife Victoria Wilson Robinson, Olathe, and Amy Carlsten, McLouth; a step daughter, Cara Heath, Lawrence; the father that raised her, John Banks, Topeka; five sisters, Diana Huseby Tindall and fiancé Richard Hird, Lawrence, Mary Banks, Lawrence, Sharon Watson and husband Doug, Lyndon, Tammy Altic and husband Robert, Brighton, Mo., and Robin Tindall and fiancé Phillip Benson, Springfield, Mo.; and a grandchild, Jordan Carlsten, Overland Park. She was preceded in death by her birth father, Robert Tindall and mother, Margaret Banks, a grandson, Blake McNish, a father in law, James Winn, and a nephew, Nathan Hall.

Friends may call from 10 am to 8 pm Wednesday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, where the family will receive them from 7 to 8 pm. Memorial contributions are suggested to Debra Heath Memorial Fund, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

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