Category: Obituaries

Delores Marie Ringer

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Delores Marie Ringer, 76, Associate Professor Emerita at the University of Kansas, passed away on Saturday, June 21st, 2025, in Lawrence, Kansas, after a long battle with Ataxia, a degenerative neurological disease.  

Delores was born on October 27th, 1948, at Parkview Hospital in Plymouth, Indiana, to Ralph and Rose (Wojcik) Ringer. She graduated from Plymouth High School in the class of 1967. Growing up as an active 4-H’er, she was honored to be the 1967 Marshall County 4-H fair queen. 

She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Drama from Hanover College in Hanover, Indiana, in 1971, and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Design from Penn State University in 1979. 

Delores dedicated her career to the theatre, with roles at a variety of universities including Boise State University, Lewis & Clark College, Barat College, culminating with 30 years at the University of Kansas Department of Theatre & Dance. A gifted scenographer, she lent her artistic vision to creating memorable stage and costume designs for countless productions. She was a tireless advocate and champion for women in the dramatic arts. She was honored with the KU Center for Teaching Excellence Graduate Mentor Award in 2009, and the Emily Taylor Women’s Resource Center Outstanding Woman Educator Award in 2004. In 2006 she was named the Kennedy Center Faculty Fellow in Costume Design at the Summer Design Intensive in Washington D.C. 

Throughout her career, she designed for a variety of theatre festivals and repertoire theatre programs, including the American Heartland Theatre, the Nebraska Shakespeare Festival, the Utah Shakespeare Festival, and theatres and dance companies in Chicago, Illinois, and Portland, Oregon. 

Beyond the stage, Delores was a talented artist. She often gifted artwork to friends and family, including watercolor landscapes, still lifes of flowers, and stage costume renderings that are proudly displayed to this day. She was also known for her bold fashion that reflected her creative personality. 

She had a lifelong love of animals dating back to her childhood growing up on the Ringer family farm. Her dog Moppy was particularly beloved by her colleagues and students, as she often accompanied Delores to many rehearsals, and was even cast in a role as Crab in “The Two Gentlemen of Verona.”  

Delores is survived by her three brothers and one sister, Michael (Rox Ann) Ringer, Coldwater, Michigan; Daniel (Janice) Ringer, Bremen, Indiana; Larry (Cindy) Ringer, Lee’s Summit, Missouri; and Carol (James) Renna, Wallingford, Connecticut. Additionally, she is survived by her seven nieces and nephews: Tony Ringer, Dustin Ringer, Ashley Donley, Jason Ringer, Jack Renna, Ben Renna, and Olivia Renna; as well as two great-nieces and two great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Leon Ringer. 

A celebration of life will be held at the University of Kansas, William Inge Memorial Theatre, Murphy Hall, on July 19th, from 1 to 3 PM. In honor of Delores’ vibrant style, guests are invited to wear colorful attire. 

A graveside service will be held at New Oak Hill Cemetery in Plymouth, Indiana, on July 5th at 11 AM.

If you choose to donate in her honor, consider the KU Department of Theatre & Dance, KTWU Public Television, or to your local animal rescue.

Amy Cherie Blaufelder

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On June 23, 2025, with heavy hearts yet loving hands, the family of their beloved Amy Cherie (Auchard) Blaufelder lifted and gifted her to horizons beyond. She long will be remembered for her smile, her presence, the sound of her laughter, her lively sense of humor, clear mind and fierce determination in times of necessity, bravery when dealing with her illness, patience and clarity when teaching her skills to new learners, enjoyment of friends of diverse beliefs, faiths, and heritage, and her cravings for Thai food (even though she was the only member of her family who never lived in Thailand).  She held unwavering love for her two sons, and her concerns were always for others’ well-being …including stray animals.  She loved long walks by the lakeside, travel, had an uncanny sense of direction, and memory of every phone number.  She was versatile, whether designing jewelry, or using her jewelry-smith training to build a chandelier, or driving farm equipment, laying house roofing or tile, setting in windows, or, although left-handed, bowing with her right hand as an accomplished violinist.

She was born August 5, 1969, in Ft. Belvoir, VA.  After graduation from Malabar High School in Mansfield, OH, she attended the University of Cincinnati for a year.  She completed her Fine Arts degree at the University of Kansas.  She married Erik Blaufelder on May 26, 1990, and managed the books for their construction business while taking post-graduate courses in accounting at the University of Kansas.  In more recent years, she has lived in the home with her two sons, and has been accountant for Mooberry Financial Management in Lawrence, KS, who she sometimes called her “second family,” .
Preceding Amy were her nephew Clayton Wesley Miller in 2014, and father Bruce David Auchard in 2018.  Survivors include two sons, August K. Blaufelder and Kyan A. Blaufelder of Oskaloosa, KS; her mother, Carol A. (Schowengerdt) Auchard of Oskaloosa, KS; Amy’s brother Greg A. Auchard (wife Sarah) and family (Audrey and Amelia) of Bellville, OH, Greg’s son Nick Auchard of Sanford, NC, a nephew-by-claim Jerrard Tucker of Wooster, OH, and niece-by-claim Alicia Tucker of Dacula, GA; Amy’s sister Kerry Auchard (husband Bruce Miller) and their family (Cole and Emmarie) of Kansas City, MO; and Amy’s sister Kymari Auchard-Smith (husband Grant) and their family (Cameron, Rachel and Conner) of Overland Park, KS.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation or Jefferson County Home Health and Hospice sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, KS 66044.
A casual open house to celebrate Amy C. (Auchard) Blaufelder’s life will be held Saturday, August 9 from 12 to 3 PM at Chrisman Manor, 13925 54th St., Oskaloosa, Kansas. Come at your leisure to enjoy food, music, conversation, warm memories, lively stories; and to share tears and laughter. RSVP to 816/305–8608 is appreciated, but not required. Everyone is welcome.”

 

Barbara Anne Winn

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Barbara Anne (Zimmerman) Winn, 94, of Lawrence, passed away Monday, June 23, 2025, at Cedarhurst of Lawrence. 

She was born July 6, 1930, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the daughter of Walter and Gladys Marie (Smith) Zimmerman.  She graduated from Wichita High School.  In 1953, she earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas, where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority.  Barbara was a KU Alumni Association Life Member. 

In August 1952, Barbara married Harold “Alan” Heath and together they had three sons: Thomas Alan Heath, Gary Charles Heath, and David Walter Heath. 

In July 1973, she married James Goodson “Jim” Winn. 

Barbara and Jim traveled extensively to several Asian countries.  They lived on Majuro (part of the Marshall Islands) from 1976-78 and in Saipan for the next 2 ½ years.   She and Jim returned to Lawrence in 1985.  They continued to travel throughout the US and enjoyed many cruises.   

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, and son, David.   

Barbara is survived by her sister, Helen Mercer (Rich); sons, Tom Heath (Pam) and Gary Heath (Leslie); grandchildren, Chris Heath (Ellie), Josh Heath, Kelly Westin (Andrew) and Tyler Robinson (Victoria); as well as 9 great-grandchildren, Reagan, Austin, Owen, Maren, Griffin, Raven, Benton, Mya and Natalie.    

A very special thank you and tremendous appreciation to the nursing and care team with Ascend Hospice and Cedarhurst of Lawrence. 

A private graveside service will be held for the family. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be  made to Alzheimer’s Association, Heart of America Chapter, 8001 Conser, Ste. 240, Overland Park, KS 66204.

Nelma Lee Brumley

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Graveside services for Nelma Lee Brumley, 87, will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Silent City Cemetery, De Soto.

She left this world on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence, Kansas, surrounded by her family.

She was born April 11, 1938, in Koshkonong, Missouri to Jesse Ivory and Lydia Ethel (Brazeal) Howell.

She was preceded in death by her son, Larry Brumley on February 6, 2022; her husband of 61 years, Jimmie Joe Brumley on January 28, 2022; and her first husband, James E. Hudspeth on August 13,1958.

She leaves behind four sons, Michael, Jay (wife Rae), Billy (wife Julie), and Rod (wife Charlie); nine grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Nelma was loved so much and will be missed by all.

Memorial contributions may be made to Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association, Inc., 200 Maine Street, Suite C, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Virginia Lou Postoak

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Virginia Lou (Curfman) Postoak, 85, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away on June 4, 2025, in Lawrence, Kansas, with family at her side.

She was born on April 27, 1940, in Beaver, Oklahoma, to Josiah and (Vivian) Pauline Curfman. She was active in her Church from a young age and eventually played the piano during Church services. Virginia graduated from Beaver High School in 1958. She then attended Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Oklahoma, where she met Wayne Postoak. She graduated from Northwestern in 1962 and Virginia and Wayne were married 3 months later. They had four children together and were later divorced.

Virginia is survived by her children: Darren Postoak and his wife Jennifer, Paula Postoak-Buffalomeat, Penny Postoak Ferguson and her husband Dwight, and Tony Postoak and his wife Kathy. She also leaves behind eight beloved grandchildren: Anthony Buffalomeat, Samantha Buffalomeat, Kobe Buffalomeat, Kaylee Postoak, Connor Postoak, Taylor Postoak, Kaiden Postoak, and Peyton Postoak Ferguson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Josiah and (Vivian) Pauline Curfman.

Virginia was able to stay home with her children while they were young, which they are grateful for. She then worked as an administrative assistant in the Vending/Concession Department, the Political Science department, both at the University of Kansas; and for the Haskell Foundation.

Virginia was a long time member and volunteer of the Pilot Club of Lawrence, volunteered at Lawrence Memorial Hospital and for the Red Cross Blood Drives. She enjoyed watching the Kansas Jayhawks, Kansas City Royals, and the Kansas City Chiefs. She loved to read, work in her yard and crochet but her favorite pastime was watching her grandchildren in their various activities.

Virginia was a beautiful soul and will be missed dearly.

The family would like to thank Homestead of Eudora for making her part of their family and  helping with her care for the last 1.5 years; and the wonderful nurses at Lawrence Memorial Hospital for taking such good care of Virginia and the entire family during her last few weeks.

Services will be held at 6:00 pm, Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, with a reception to follow from 7:00 – 10:00 pm at the Lawrence Fraternal Order of Eagles, 530 Wisconsin Street, Lawrence, Kansas. Burial will be held at a later date in Beaver, Oklahoma.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Lawrence Humane Society or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, 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.

 

Virgil Lee Braden

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A Celebration of Life for Virgil Lee Braden, aged 96, of Lawrence, will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 1509 N 1732 Rd, Lawrence, Kansas, 66044. Lunch will be served.

Virgil died Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

Born to Lee W. Braden and Myrtle E. (Brock) Braden on October 8,1928 in Fort Scott, Kansas.

Virgil served in the U.S. Navy from October 1948 to May 1951. He was honorably discharged and moved to Lawrence in 1951. There, he would serve as a firefighter until August of 1953. He then began his 41-year-long career at the Lawrence Paper Company.

On June 12, 1954, Virgil married and started his family.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Marian (Dicker) Braden, aged 95; his three children, Barry Braden, Brenda Braden, and Belinda (Braden) Reynolds; his 7 grandchildren, Ryan Reynolds, Robbie Reynolds, John Reynolds, Sarah Reynolds, Carmen Braden, Angela Braden, and Bethany Braden; as well as 4 great grandchildren, Hazel, Dean, Lincoln, and Russell. He is also survived by a brother, Robert G. Braden of Cheyenne WY, and preceded in death by his sister, Virginia C. (Braden) Lightwine, of Fort Scott, KS, and half-sister Dorothy L. (Braden) Thornbrugh.

Larry Lea Mathews

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Services for Larry L. Mathews, 86, of Lecompton, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Lecompton United Methodist Church.  Burial will take place immediately following in Maple Grove Cemetery.  Mr. Mathews died Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Brookdale Care Center of Topeka, Kansas.

Larry was born November 2, 1938, in Manhattan, Kansas, the son of Cornelius (C.C.) and Mary Hayes Mathews.  He graduated from Lecompton High School in 1956 and remained in Lecompton where he continued to work on the family farm.  Larry attended Emporia State University for one year prior to joining the United States Army in 1961 where he was deployed to Frankfurt, Germany.

After an honorable discharge from the Army, Larry soon secured a position as a salesman for Townley Hardware Company in Kansas City, Missouri.  Working for Townley provided him the skills to take over Mathews Hardware, Perry, Kansas which was opened by his parents in 1955. Mathews Hardware served the community from approximately 1955 until the business was closed in 1990.

Larry began his second career as an over-the-road truck driver for various companies and eventually as an independent driver.  Later he also operated a pilot car service.

He had a passion for antique steam engines and tractors, purchasing and having them refurbished where he took them to tractor and threshing events.

Larry is survived by his children Beth Mathews (Perry), Chris Nichols (Lecompton), and Jeff Mathews (Mayetta), as well as four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sister, Carolyn Stewart (Hartford, Connecticut) and former wife, Rhonda (Zieammerman) Miller (Basehor).

Larry was pre-deceased by his parents C.C. and Mary Mathews, his wife Sharon Cole, his wife Brenda Harrelson, his son John Mathews, and brother George Mathews.

Visitation will take place from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 23, 2025, at the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indianna Street, Lawrence, Kansas, 66044. Funeral services will take place the following day, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Lecompton United Methodist Church, 402 Elmore Street, Lecompton, Kansas 66050.  Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Lecompton.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Meriden Antique Engine and Threshers or the Lecompton Historical Society sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral home, PO Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

 

Howard LaVerne Shuck

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Shuck – Howard LaVerne, 84, was born September 6, 1940 to Lloyd Ellsworth and Lillian Christine (Brohammer) Shuck in Douglas Co. KS. He peacefully exchanged time for eternity at his home, surrounded by family, as the sun was setting on Father’s Day June 15, 2025, making his sojourn in this life 84 years, 9 months and 9 days.

He answered the call of his Savior and was baptized on October 23, 1956 and was a member of the Old German Baptist Church. He served his time as a Conscientious Objector in the Emergency Ward at Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton OH, drawing from his experiences there throughout his life. He was united in Holy Matrimony August 2nd 1963 to JoAnne Oyler at the home of her parents, near Modesto CA, sharing the joys and sorrows of life together for over 61 years. To this union were born 4 children, Michael, Jennifer, Miles and Carrie. Dad was anointed along with mother on September 22, 2024, receiving much comfort.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law Walter Francisco and Esther Elizabeth (Wise) Oyler, his brother Warren (Elsie) Shuck and sister Eva (Merlin) Barton, grandson Avery John Shuck and great-grandson Elliot Gideon Jamison.

He is survived by his dear companion; children: Michael (Diane) Shuck, Jennifer (Dennis) Jamison, Miles (Lynette) Shuck, Carrie Jamison and Doug Jamison, 14 Grandchildren and 16 Great-Grandchildren.

Dad grew up on a dairy farm and spent his life working with farmers and farm equipment. He valued the support and loyalty of customers and employees throughout the years. He took responsibility of setting a good example, seriously and openly sharing his cares, concerns and convictions. As dad patiently faced the affliction of cancer, he thoroughly enjoyed the many visitors and phone calls. We trust our loss is his eternal gain. Job 1:21 … the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

Arrangements:

Lord Willing, a visitation will be held at the home on Friday, June 20, 2025 from 3-5 and 6-8pm. The funeral service will be conducted by the brethren at 10am Saturday June 21, 2025 at the Willow Springs meetinghouse followed by burial service at Pleasant Hill Cemetery and a meal in the meetinghouse basement.

Rob Blank

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An Afternoon of Precious Love

Celebrate the life of Rob Blank from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 20 at Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts St. in downtown Lawrence. Open mic begins at 2 p.m.
Email photos for a slideshow to Tom Harper at tomharper@stephensre.com.

Rob Blank, a dear and known Lawrence citizen who was anything but “blank”, died on January 8, 2025.

In his 65 humble, yet exciting years (born 9/23/59), Rob must have converted thousands of tabula rasas into artwork that could have served as inspiration to Vincent Van Gough. Rob autographed many of his paintings and poems with his signature statement, “Precious Love Rob” and affectionately became known within his community as “Peace Man” and “Precious Love”.

Not unlike Van Gogh, Rob’s mental health differences produced great challenges, but he successfully lived with some support systems in the heart of the city that he so deeply loved.

Lawrence locals may have bumped into him while window shopping on Mass street, they may have coincidentally searched for watercolors or acrylics with him at the local art store, they’ve possibly exchanged conversation with him over a cup of coffee at La Prima Tazza, and chances are high that if they have been in Lawrence long enough, they have probably returned the peace sign to the local legend. Wherever it was that Rob was encountered, It was likely a memorable and lasting impression, because that was Rob; an impressionist on blank canvas’s. Lawrence’s Peace Man, will be sorely missed.

Rob’s survivors include his sister, Sheri Blank, his brother and sister-in law Randy and Betty Blank, and his nieces Kimberly Carter, Madelyn Blank, and Julia Blank.

Rob was preceded in death by his father Robert “Bob” Blank (of Hixon Studios) and his mother, Elaine Blank.

In appreciation of the community that served him and in lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to go to Meals on Wheels www.midlandcare.org and Bert Nash Center: https://www.bertnash.org/support

Debra Marie Slifer

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Graveside services for Debra Marie Slifer 61, Oskaloosa, will be 10 am, Friday, June 20, 2025, at Clinton Cemetery.

Debra passed away on June 14th, 2025 at home surrounded by family. She was born in 1964 to Helen Brown and Billie Beerbower in Lawrence, Kansas.

Debra had a beautiful smile and big heart that left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. She will be remembered for her generous spirit, and the way she made everyone feel seen and loved. She loved crocheting, gardening, repurposing, sunflowers, pigs, her 5 dogs, and the Kansas City Chiefs.

At the age of 14, Debra met the love of her life, Johnny Slifer and they had 4 boys. Debra was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her love for her family knew no bounds and she found great joy in being surrounded by her family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her father Billie Beerbower, her brothers Danny Beerbower and Larry Beerbower.

She is survived by her husband, Johnny Slifer; her mother, Helen Evans; her sons, Chauncey (Samantha Seals) Slifer, David (Amy) Slifer, Jesse (Laticia) Slifer, and Joseph (Ashley) Slifer; her grandchildren, Wesley (Lily), Emily, Casidi, Chance, Summer (Qualls), Dylan, Katelyn, Austin, Dakoda, Hannah, Samantha, and Devin; 5 great grandchildren; brothers, Billie Beerbower Jr., Chester (Lisa) Beerbower, Gary (Jennifer) Beerbower; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Debra lived her life with kindness, compassion, and love. She would do anything for family and friends. She was loved by so many and will be greatly missed.