Category: Obituaries

Sara Sue Harris (McCall)

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Services for Sara Sue Harris (McCall), 72, Lawrence, will be 11 am Monday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Ms. Harris died Wednesday June 4, 2014, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

She was born April 25, 1942, in Lawrence, the daughter of Ernest and Nora Harris. She graduated from Lawrence High School.

Sara was a homemaker and worked many other jobs, but her main job was supporting her four boys.

Survivors include three sons, Tim Gonce, William (Billy) Gonce and Robert Gonce. She has eight grand children and three great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by a son, Sidney Gonce Jr. he passed in 2013.

Friends may call from noon to 8 pm Sunday at the funeral home, where the family will greet them from 6-7 pm.

The family suggests memorials made to the Sara Sue Harris memorial fund, sent in care of the funeral home.

Dr. H. Alden Flanders

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H. Alden Flanders, M.D., 93, passed away Thursday, May 29, 2014, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Lawrence, KS, after a short illness.

He was born in Ellsworth, KS, September 23, 1920, to Earl and Pearl Flanders. He was a graduate of Ellsworth High School, the University of Kansas, and the University of Kansas Medical School in 1943. He was a retired internist and medical director of the Rehabilitation Unit at Hadley Memorial Hospital in Hays, KS.

He later resided in McAllen, TX, Salina, KS, and most recently, Lawrence, KS.

He served as a LTJG in the U.S. Navy during World War II, continued his service in the Naval Reserves, and was recalled to active duty from 1953-54, stationed in San Diego, CA. He was honorably discharged in 1954.

Dr. Flanders was a member of the Hays Presbyterian Church, a Mason, and a member of Nu Sigma Nu Medical Fraternity. He was involved in many humanitarian activities all of his life. In retirement, he was a continuing supporter of education. He established the Mary and Pearl Flanders School in rural Cambodia and remained a benefactor throughout his life. He also developed computer classes and a computer lab at the Senior Center in Salina, KS. He and his wife, Mary, sponsored the Le family from Viet Nam, with whom he remained close. Alden and Mary were supporters of Women for Women International, as well.

He pursued many interests during his life, including photography, sailing, music, painting, technology, tennis, and always a good book to read.

He will be sadly missed by: one daughter, Lynn Broman, Littleton, CO and her husband, Gary; four sons, Bill, Paradise, TX and his wife, Peggy; John, Rochester, MN and his wife, Gail; Richard, Grayslake, IL and his wife Cyndi; and Philip, Lawrence, KS and his wife, Jane; nine grandchildren, Lisa Dick, Aron Flanders, Karl Broman, Kirsten Broman, Nick Flanders, Sean Flanders, Eric Flanders, Zach Flanders, and Corey Flanders-Foster; five great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Horace, Virgil, and Donald, and his beloved wife of 67 years, Mary Munson Flanders.

Following cremation, Dr. Flanders ashes will join those of his wife in the Rocky Mountains. A family memorial will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Palliative Care Unit of the Lawrence Memorial Hospital, 325 Maine St., Lawrence, KS 66044.

Eddie Dan Nellis

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Eddie Dan Nellis, age 83, of Lawrence, died Saturday, May 31, 2014 at the Lawrence Memorial Hospital. Eddie was born February13, 1931 in Dexter, KS the son of W. T. “Ted” Nellis and Sylvia Glass Nellis. He worked for over 15 years as a foreman for Hamm Construction and then Herrman Excavating Inc. for over 15 years, retiring in 1997. He built White Oak Ranch in 1982 in Lawrence where he bred, trained and showed quarter horses. He was a member of the Teamsters Union #101 IUOE of Kansas City and the Fraternal Order of Eagle’s of Lawrence. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Paul Nellis and Melvin Nellis. He is survived by a companion, Maureen A’Hearn of Lawrence; three daughters, Aleta Spreer of Grantville, Vicki (Dennis) Sandifer of Shreveport, LA and Marsha (David) Melchiori of Coffeyville; a sister, Doris F. Davidson of Topeka; 6 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren and one great great grandson.Funeral services will be Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at the Rumsey Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence. He will lie in state Tuesday from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. with visitation from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. also at the Rumsey Yost Funeral Home. Interment will be at the Stull Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Lawrence Memorial Hospital and sent in care of the Davidson Funeral Home 1035 N. Kansas Ave. Topeka 66608. Online condolences may be made at davidsonfuneral.com. Davidson Funeral Home in Topeka is in charge of arrangements.

James “Jim” W. Hatton

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James (Jim) W. Hatton, 73, Kansas City, MO died Sunday, May 25, 2014. There will be a family graveside service on Thursday, June 5th, at North Lawn Cemetery, Ft Dodge, IA.

Jim was born on February 25, 1941, to Thomas Douglas and Virgie Irene Hatton in Ft. Dodge, IA. After service in the U.S. Army, he received his Bachelors in English and Masters in journalism from Southern Illinois University.

He started his career in journalism with the Southern Illinoisan newspaper before moving to the Cincinnati Inquirer. From there he joined the Associated Press and became a foreign correspondent in India and the Philippines, with a short assignment in New York   After leaving the AP he joined Stars and Stripes in Japan for two years and ended his career with Reuters in Singapore before retiring in 2000.

After retiring, he lived in Hawaii before moving to Kansas City, MO to be closer to family. He spent his retirement years by traveling throughout the world.

He is survived by his sister-in-law, Lois Hatton of De Soto, KS, nephew, Doug Hatton of Baldwin City, KS nieces Heather Hunley of Littleton, CO and Ginger Hatton of Dillon, CO and 1 grandnephew and 2 grandnieces.

Mary Davidson

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Mary Davidson died on May 26. She was 88. A memorial service is planned for early July in Lawrence.

She was born February 11, 1926 in St. Louis, the daughter of Sylvester Charles Rieser and Blanche Caroline Adams Rieser. She graduated from University City High School, attended Drury College, and graduated from Washington University in 1947. She earned a Master’s Degree from Washington University in 1949, and in 1981, a Ph.D from the University of Kansas.

In 1949, she married Jack Davidson who died in 2010. They met as graduate students at Washington University, working in the Student Committee for the Admission of Negroes (SCAN). They also worked with the Congress for Racial Equality, a non-violent group which opened many downtown lunch counters and the public swimming pools in St. Louis.

The couple lived and worked in Rio de Janeiro and Lillestrom, Norway from 1953 to 1957. Their first child, John, was born in Norway. Three more sons, Ken, Tom, and Jim were born in upstate New York. In 1966 the family moved to Lawrence, where she finished her graduate work in English Literature. She has published articles on Henry Green, Tom
Stoppard, and Caryl Churchill and reviews of plays and books.

Mary was also very active in politics. She was a supporter and activist on equal rights for women; simple equality on racial, gender, sexual orientation and religious preference; public transportation in Lawrence; public education in Lawrence; open and accessible government; separation of church and state; and individual liberty. She served as president of the Douglas County chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, on the board of the League of Women Voters, and was honored for her activism by the state legislature of Kansas. In 2000, she was a delegate to the Democratic Party Convention.

Her opposition to invasive spying by government and frequent violations of civil liberties earned her the Helen Fluker Open and Accessible Government Award in 2005. At the award ceremony her work at the ACLU and her involvement with the League of Women Voters, the National Organization for Women, and the Lawrence Coalition for Peace and Justice were highlighted. She continued to work on social justice and against war during all of her years.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband and her younger brother. She is survived by her cousin Kevin O’Morrison, 98, of Edmond, WA; her niece Anne Rieser of St. Louis; her nephew David Rieser of St. Louis; her brother’s wife Jerene Rieser of Frontenac, MO; by four sons, John Pirnie Davidson III and his wife, Shirley Schaeffer, Scarsdale, New York; Ken
Davidson and his wife, Monica Davidson, Ottawa, KS; Tom Davidson and his wife, Diane Davidson, Lexington, MA; and Jim Davidson and his wife Mylisa Millerd, Lawrence, KS; by six grandchildren, Jessica, Julia, Anna, Nathan, Owen, Alice.

The family and her friends know better than to send flowers. Donations to charities may be made in her name in place of flowers. A suggested charity is Lawrence Visiting Nurses Hospice.

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

Opal Fern Marshall

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Services for Opal Fern Marshall, 90, will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.  Inurnment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mrs. Marshall died May 22, 2014, at her home.

She was born June 4, 1923, in Tonganoxie, the daughter of William James and Mary Elizabeth Canderia Beers.

Mrs. Marshall was a homemaker, a cook at Duckwalls, worked at Kansas Color Press, a custodian at KU in Wescoe Hall, and a daycare provider.  She was a member of the Eagles club, PTA, and Women’s Bowling Association.  She enjoyed fishing, camping, crafts, gardening, sewing, and cooking.

She married Herbert Carl Marshall on September 26, 1959 in Miami, Oklahoma.  He died in 1992.

Survivors include a son, Guy Dennis Walton, Jr. of Lawrence; daughters, Patty Jo Moorhead of Peculiar, MO, Teresa A. Marshall of Lawrence, Vickie Sue Scott and husband Windell A. of Lawrence; brothers, Glen Morse Beers and wife Rosella of Lawrence, Jack Neal Beers and wife Linda of Lawrence; nephew, Rodney Marshall and wife Kim of Mabank, TX; 15 grandchildren; and 20 great grandchildren; many loving nieces and nephews; and great nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Marshall was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Clyde Beers; and sisters, Betty Burchett, and Hazel Beers.

Friends may call from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, where the family will receive them from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

The family suggests memorials to Visiting Nurses or the Opal Marshall Memorial Fund.

Owen Tracy Spitz

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Owen Tracy Spitz

Owen died at his home in Lawrence, Kansas on Wednesday, May 21, 2014. He was born April 24, 1933 to Marion and Clarence Spitz in St Joseph Missouri.

He is survived by his wife, Connie, his son, William and wife Julie Spitz, Indianapolis; daughter, Ann, Lawrence; son, John and wife Erin, Wichita; brother, Gene and wife Jean Marie, New Jersey; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Owen received a master’s degree from the University of Kansas and retired from the Kansas Geological Survey where he worked for 33 years.

A private family service is planned.

Memorial contributions in memory of Owen may be made to the Lawrence Humane Society sent in care of the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044

Please sign the guestbook at rumsey-yost.com

 

 

Clifford L. ‘Cliff’ Shaw

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Clifford L. Shaw, 93, died Thursday May 22, 2014. He was born Dec. 8 1920 to Edward E. Shaw and Emma Jane (Baber) Shaw. He graduated from Liberty Memorial High School and later served as Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Force during WW II. Cliff owned and operated Shaw Auto Service for 34 years retiring in 1985. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and was a licensed single-engine pilot for 20 years.

On Dec. 20, 1941 He married Theo M. Chapman to whom he was married 55 years. Theo preceded him in death on Sept. 10, 1997.

Survivors include a son Steve L. Shaw, Wiesbaden, Germany; two daughters, Beverly McDaniel, Leawood Ks, Connie Shaw, Jefferson City Mo; two grandchildren, Brian McDaniel and Shelly Searles and four great-grandchildren.

Cliff is preceded in death by his 7 siblings; Willard Shaw Topeka Ks, Everett Shaw Emporia Ks, Opal Godlove Ada Ks., Loretta Sutton Lawrence, Helen Stanley Kansas City, Mabel McNees Lawrence and Luella Strong Bakersfield, Calif.

A graveside memorial will be held Thursday May 29th, 10:00 am at Lawrence Memorial Park Cemetery. Family suggests contributions to Grace Hospice, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Duane A. ‘Cotton’ Elston

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A Celebration of Life visitation for Duane A. ‘Cotton’ Elston, 83, Lawrence, will be from 6:30-8:00 pm Wednesday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory.  Private family inurnment will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery. Mr. Elston died Saturday, May 17, 2014, at Emeritus Senior Living, Overland Park, Kan.

He was born Nov. 15, 1930, in Lawrence, the son of Harvey and Emma Brooks Elston, and attended schools in Lawrence.

Cotton worked for B.A. Green Construction in Lawrence, retiring as a construction superintendent after 50 years of service, constructing many building in Lawrence, on the Kansas University campus, and the steeple on the depot in North Lawrence.  He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 852, the Eagles Lodge Aerie #409, and the Carpenters and Joiners Union.  He enjoyed woodworking, tube fishing, hunting, and walking his dog.

He married Mary Jo Brittain on Jan. 17, 1950, in Lawrence.  She preceded him in death on Jan. 8, 2012.  Also preceding him were a son, Rick, three brothers, Donald, Otis, and Gerald, and a sister, Evelyn Gentry.  Survivors include two sons, Larry, Carthage, Mo., and Scott, Lawrence; two daughters, Jo Lee Erskin, Eudora, and Michelle Elston, Tonganoxie; ten grandchildren, Stefan, Shaun, Nathan, and Christopher Elston, Tiffany Medina, Jeremy, Misty, and Justin Nichols, and Jasen and Kayla Hadl; 19 great grandchildren, Courtney, Kyler, Cameron, Jackson, Maya, Ethan, Aiden, Seth, Brooklynne, Cody, Caden, Devon, Shauna, Gracelynne, Braden, Chasity, Jaden, Zarius, and Justin Jr.; three step great grandchildren, Mason, Riley, and Bella; and adopted granddaughter, Shelley Armstrong.

The family suggests memorials to the VFW, or the Lawrence Humane Society, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

Courtney Johanna Davidson

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Courtney Johanna Davidson, 24, died May 14th, 2014, in Lawrence, KS.

She was born October 6, 1989, in Lawrence, the daughter of Bill & LeaAnn (Millikan) Davidson. In 2008 she graduated from Lawrence High School and was very active on the Cross Country Team.

Courtney had a magnetic personality, full of life and a vibrancy that people were drawn to. She was a bright star, full of sparkle and light, and she will be dearly missed by all those who loved and cherished her.

Courtney enjoyed running, and was blessed with the talent of writing.

She is survived by her parents, Bill & LeaAnn, sister, Jessie, brother, Sam, and two daughters, Jaclyn & Jasmine.

Her family suggests memorials to the Lawrence Humane Society, or the Courtney Davidson Memorial Fund, sent in care of the funeral home.

No services are planned.

Courtney was an organ donor.