Category: Obituaries

Kelsey E. Kivisto

Posted on by RumseyYost

Private family memorial services for Kelsey E. Kivisto, 23, Los Angeles, Calif., will be held at a later date in Lawrence. Kelsey passed away Monday, Jan. 12, 2015, in Los Angeles.

She is the daughter of Julie (Lienhard) Kivisto and Tom Kivisto. Other survivors include her sister, Lissa Kivisto, her brother, Blake Kivisto, two aunts, Betsy Lienhard Scott and husband Bruce and their children Jessica, Ryan, and Cody, and Amy Lienhard and her husband Jack Smithback and their children Chelsea and Sebastian, an uncle, Bob Kivisto and his wife Celia and their children Michael and Ben, and her maternal grandparents, Bill and Jeanine Lienhard. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Ernie and Jane Ann Kivisto, an uncle, Eric Lienhard, and a cousin, Kyle Scott.

Contributions may be made to the Kelsey Kivisto fund at silverlakeconservatory.com/donate, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Elizabeth Peyton

Posted on by RumseyYost

Elizabeth Peyton, 101, died Monday, January 12, 2015, at Tonganoxie Nursing Center of natural causes.

She was born February 3, 1913, to John and Nellie Holmes. She studied at Lawrence Business College, and secured a job with the Lawrence law firm of Melvin and Melvin as a secretary. She later worked for Pratt and Whitney Aircraft as an accountant. She contributed to her church and several charities throughout her life, and spent several years working on the family’s genealogy.

She married Lyndle Peyton on her 22nd birthday, and they remained together until Lyndle’s death on December 9, 1979. Lyndle had served in World War II overseas in major combat zones.

Elizabeth is survived by three brothers, Howard Holmes, Los Angeles, Calif., Sherley Holmes, Edwardsville, Kan., and Quentin Holmes, rural Linwood, Kan.; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Nellie, husband Lyndle, four brothers, John, Dwight, Allen, and Charles, and two sisters, Louise and Dorothea.

A visitation will be held from 6-8 pm Wednesday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 10 am Thursday at Memorial Park Cemetery, with the Rev. Dan Norwood officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Visiting Nurses or Salvation Army, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

Georgia May (June) Ransdell

Posted on by RumseyYost

Georgia May (June) Ransdell was born June 11, 1920, to Theodore and Allie Kuester in McLouth, and passed away at Pioneer Ridge Retirement Community in Lawrence, on January 12, 2015.

June spent her early years in Lawrence and attended Liberty Memorial High School, where she would meet her future husband of 70 years, Gaylord Ransdell. June followed Gaylord on his travels with the United Stated Army and later returned to the Kansas City area where June worked for Halls (Hallmark) and Robinson Shoes. June stayed at home to raise two beautiful daughters, Pam and Debby. Later, June returned to the workforce at Electro Dynamics, and Peavey Corp. in Shawnee Mission.

June is survived by two daughters Pam Belle-Isle (Glynn) and Debby Kelso (Mike), a sister, Mary Holladay, two grandchildren, Allison Burghart (Nate) of Lawrence, and Seth Kelso (Becky) of Manhattan; four great grandchildren, Isabella, McKenzie, Hudson and Hunter; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins. June is preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Allie Kuester, her husband, Gaylord; and her siblings, Cora Anderson, Edith Wongwai, Mildred “Katie” Pence, Glen Kuester and Calvin Kuester.

June will be remembered as a classy lady who never had a negative word to say about anyone, and a wonderful wife, mother and sister who loved sewing, pie making, card games, and family weekends at Lone Star Lake.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 18, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, and the funeral will be held on Monday, January 19 at 2:00 p.m. at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. A private burial will be on Tuesday January 20 at 2:00 p.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

Marvin W. Von Bargen Sr.

Posted on by RumseyYost

Memorial Services for Marvin W. Von Bargen Sr. will be held January 22, 2015 from 6-8pm at the First United Methodist Church of Baldwin City. This will be a potluck meal with family and friends sharing memories.

Marvin passed away peacefully at his home in Baldwin City Saturday January 10th, 2015 after a long battle with cancer.

Marvin was born December 7th 1937, in Shelton Washington, the son of William and Eva Martha Von Bargen.

He graduated from Shelton High School in 1954. He joined the Navy shortly after and saw a lot of the world. He achieved the rank of Second Class Chief Petty Officer.

Marvin moved to Lawrence Kansas in 1969. He married Sue Collins on November 30, 1986, she survives in the home. Other survivors include his children Robynee Von Bargen, Jay Von Bargen, Tom Von Bargen Bonita Von Bargen, Two step children, Tim Deshazer, and Robin Von Bargen. Many grand children, and anyone else who was in need of a father figure.

He was proceeded in death by a son William, step daughter Sheila Potts, his parents and twelve step brothers and sisters.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Marvin Von Bargen Memorial Fund, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory, PO Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.

James Wheeler Bond

Posted on by RumseyYost

James Wheeler Bond was born August 21, 1921, to Ed and Bessie Bond on a farm near Farmington, Kansas, and passed away at home in Lawrence, Kansas on January 10, 2015.

Jim spent his first 19 years on various farms in northeastern Kansas working with his father, and later for the Corpstein brothers south of Nortonville while attending mechanics school at night. In 1942, he enlisted in the United States Army and served with the 622nd Ammunition Ordinance in the Pacific Theater until the end of World War II. During this time, he made several beachheads in the Philippines including New Britain Island, Luzon, and New Guinea. In 1945, Jim was honorably discharged from the military as a staff sergeant. After his military service, Jim returned to Nortonville, Kansas working on the farm.

He met and married Bonnie L. Crawford on February 28, 1948. They shared 68 years together raising two sons, Larry C. and Bradley L. Bond.

In 1948, Jim worked for Crawford Electrical where he learned to be an electrician. Later, he applied these skills for the City of Eudora. Two years after, Jim worked as a guard for Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant. In 1964, Jim began a career with USI as a truck driver and later as a diesel mechanic, retiring in 1987. He was a proficient mechanic who was frequently called upon by family and friends. While retired, he worked part-time for Pence Greenhouse at various jobs. He greatly enjoyed visiting and playing with his grandchildren and catfishing in Kansas and on the Snake River in Idaho. In addition, Jim was a fixture on his front porch swing, keeping an eye on the neighborhood. Throughout his life, Jim developed his skills as a handyman and upholsterer, which he utilized around the house and to the benefit of family and friends. It didn’t seem like there was anything Jim wasn’t capable of undertaking.

Jim is survived by his wife, Bonnie, two sons, Larry C. (Dede) of Boise, Idaho, and Bradley L. Bond of Gering, Nebraska; two grandchildren, Eric J. of Boise, and Julianna K. Bond, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; a great grandson, Jack J, Bond, Boise; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and three sisters.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 15, from 7:00-8:00 pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Graveside memorial services will be conducted on Friday, January 16 at 11 am at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association, Visiting Nurses, or WildCare, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044. Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com

Dorothea Ann Schroeder

Posted on by RumseyYost

Dorothea Ann Schroeder, 96, Lawrence, passed away January 11, 2015 at Brandon Woods at Alvamar.

No services will be held as cremation is planned.

She was born April 22, 1918 in Newton, Kansas to Gustav D. and Grete Janzen Schroeder.

Miss Schroeder is survived by a sister, Margrete L. Hartman of Lawrence, and many nieces and nephews.

Vickie M. Butler-Housworth

Posted on by RumseyYost

Vickie Marie Butler-Housworth, 72, of Lawrence, passed away to be with our Lord on Friday, January 9th, 2015, after her courageous battle with cancer, surrounded in her last week with her family and friends and in her last moments with her beloved children.

Throughout her battle with cancer Vickie stayed strong, courageous and humble. Never complaining, still smiling and laughing. She has touched many people in her life and leaves her legacy behind. She will always be loved, missed dearly, and we all have wonderful happy memories of her.

She was born to the late Gail Argyl and Alice Marie (Peacock) Stauffer on June 19th, 1942 in Nowata, Oklahoma. She graduated form Topeka High in 1960. She attended Washburn University, from 1960-1963, and again in 1990. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority.

She married John David Butter on August 10, 1964 at Most Pure Hear of Mary in Topeka, KS. They have three children; Sean, Scott and Shannon and five grandchildren; Hayley, Alexis, Meredith, Katelyn and Piper. They owned several businesses including the Chuck Wagon Restaurant, and Mothers and Fathers. She worked for Quaker Oats and the Lawrence Housing Authority until she retired in June of 2008.

She married Lloyd David Housworth on July 4th, 2014. They enjoyed camping at Clinton Lake. They fished, cooked out and loved to socialize with their friends. They also took their grandchildren, Piper and Levi every chance they had on camping trips. Her home was always full of people and one of her favorite spots was sitting on her deck with David listening to music and relaxing after work.

Vickie is survived by her ex-husband John David Butler of Burlington Junction, MO and her husband, Lloyd David, of Lawrence, her children and their families, her oldest son Sean Butler of Valrico, Florida, his wife Kristine, and his two daughters Meredith and Katelyn. Her second son Scott Butler of Stuart, Florida, his wife, Susanne, and his two daughter, Hayley and Alexis. Her daughter Shannon Butler of Kansas City, MO and her daughter Piper.

She is also survived by her sister Lindy Long her husband Keith and their daughters, Johnny Jo and Diana Dawn, all of Florida.

Her brother Randy Stauffer his wife Peggy and their children, son Randy, daughter Tara, her partner Eric Bailey, and her daughter, Alandra Bailey, all of Topeka.

She is survived by her beloved dog Brandi Alice. She is also survived by 3 step children David of Homewood, Ks, his children, Desiree, Deidre, Dillon, Dottie and great grandchildren Maria and Amber, Darren of Kansas City, MO, his daughter Mekayla and Paige and Debbie of Lawrence and her son Levi.

Memorial contributions are welcomed and can be made to St. John Parish, or Visiting Nurses/Hospice, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

Visitation services are Monday, January 19th from 6-8 pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held Tuesday, Jan. 20th at 1 pm at Oak Hill Cemetery, 1605 Oak Hill Ave., Lawrence, KS 66044.

Anne H. Thomas

Posted on by RumseyYost

Anne H. Thomas, of Eudora Kansas, formerly of Lawrence, Kansas, age 94, transitioned peacefully from life to light on Thursday, January 1st. Anne was born August 12th, 1920 in Jonesboro, Arkansas. She graduated from Jonesboro High School in 1937 and later from business school at St. Bernard’s Convent. After finishing business school, she became employed with Child’s in Jonesboro for over twenty years. Anne loved music and played the piano and organ at the Jonesboro Fisher Street Church. She was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church, Lawrence for many years. She met her husband, Alton Thomas in 1959 and they married on February 17th, 1962. In 1976 Anne discovered quilting which she loved until her last days. She was an avid gardener and loved flowers.

Anne is preceded in death by her parents, husband and eight siblings. Anne is survived by one child, Marianne Austin, her son-in-law Steve Austin, and three grand children, Jessica Austin Oxendine, Cara Austin Chatoo and Chase Austin.

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm. Tuesday, January 6, at First Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 pm. prior to the funeral at the church. The Reverend Matthew Sturtevant will officiate. Private family burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. She will lie in state Monday from noon to 8pm. at the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Medical Lodge of Eudora or Samaritan’s purse in care of the funeral home, PO Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044. on line condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.

Norma N. Basore

Posted on by RumseyYost

A visitation for Norma N. Basore, 87, Lawrence, will be 3-4:30 pm, Sunday, January 4, 2015, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Private burial will take place at a later date in Neodesha, KS.

She died Thursday, January 1, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

Norma was born September 10, 1927, in Altoona, KS, the daughter of Luther Jackson Cunningham and Helen Winnie Carver Cunningham. She graduated from Neodesha High School.

Norma married Herschel Wesley Basore on August 17, 1946 in Neodesha, Kansas. He preceded her in death on July 31, 1975.

She began her career in school food service in 1964 in Neodesha, Kansas and later in Alvin, Texas. She worked as a manager for USD 497 in the Food Service Department in Lawrence from 1977 until 2011 and served at West Junior High, Quail Run Elementary, Free State High School and the USD 497 Service Center. She treasured the friendships that she made in the school district over years.

Norma loved cooking nutritious meals for the students, and especially making homemade meals for her family. She loved her family dearly, and knew each of her family members’ favorite foods and treats, which she always tried to prepare them for family gatherings and holidays.

She was especially fond of baking, and was famous for her homemade pies. For several years in a row she baked homemade pies for family and friends in Athens, Texas during the Christmas holidays. Her friends lovingly called the annual event “Pie Night.” She always enjoyed seeing her special friends from Bingo at the Eagles weekly, and they all looked after and encouraged one another.

She served for many years as treasurer for the Women’s Auxiliary Organization of the American Legion.

Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn and Steve Wiles, Lawrence, KS; son and daughter-in-law Steve and Sheri Basore, Athens, TX; grandchildren, Tommy Wiles, Aurora, CO; Kaci Nowak, Mundelein, IL; Joseph Wiles, Lawrence, KS; Jeremy Basore, Crowley, TX; Alanna Urtiaga, San Antonio, TX and Jennifer Tompkins, Lufkin, TX; great-grandchildren, Audrye Tompkins, Dustye Tompkins, Avrye Tompkins, Ethan Bowland, Annalyn “Annie” Nowak and Styles Robert Wiles; brother Dale Cunningham, Seneca, SC, as well nieces and nephews, cousins and a host of many friends.

Memorial contributions in her honor may be sent in care of the funeral home to support the American Legion, or First Baptist Church Athens, TX for the Ethiopia Medical Mission, or to Senior Meals Program in Lawrence.

Please leave a condolence message below.

Lawrence E. “Larry” Runn

Posted on by RumseyYost

Services for Lawrence E. “Larry” Runn, 92, Lawrence, will be 2 p.m. Saturday, January 3, 2015 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mr. Runn died Thursday, December 25, 2014, at Pioneer Ridge Nursing Facility.

Larry was born January 3, 1922, near Clay Center, KS, the son of Lars and Catherine (Bergquist) Runn. He graduated from Clay County high school in 1940 and then moved to Lawrence in September.

In 1942, he left to serve in the United States Army during World War II, and returned to Lawrence in 1947. In January, 1948, he, along with his brother, owned and operated Jayhawk Dry Cleaners for nearly 10 years. He then began a career in sales, working in the beauty supply industry and then insurance sales for American Republic Insurance until he retired in 1998.

His passions included building a boat, working on the family farm, and volunteering for the American Legion. Additionally, he was an avid follower of all Kansas University and Kansas City Sports.

Mr. Runn married Norma Joyce Fox on November 4, 1949 at the First United Methodist Church in Lawrence. She survives of the home.

He is also survived by one daughter, Diane Kearns and husband Don of St. Augustine, FL; a granddaughter, Kristen Kearns of Overland Park, KS; and a grandson, Ryan Kearns of Chicago, IL.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Arnold Runn of Clay Center, KS and a sister, Linnea Mason, of Fairborn, OH.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, January 2, 2015 at the funeral home, where the family will receive them from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, January 3, 2015.

The family suggests memorials to The American Legion and Grace Hospice, sent in care of the funeral home.