Lois Ann Davis, 95, of Lawrence, formerly of Media, Illinois, passed away at her home on Monday, May 4, 2026.
Services will be held at a later date in Illinois and information will be updated as soon as it is available.
Category: Obituaries
CPL USMC (Ret.) John David Musgrave
CPL USMC (Ret.) John David Musgrave, 77, of Baldwin City, Kansas, passed away peacefully at home on May 3, 2026, surrounded by the love and presence of his family.
A celebration honoring John’s life and military service is currently being planned. Service details will be announced as soon as they become available.
William Dale Miley
William Dale Miley, 81, of Kansas City, KS, passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Dale was born on October 25, 1944, in Terre Haute, Indiana, the son of Holly Dale Miley and Viola Beryl Miley (Besse). He graduated from Lawrence High School before taking at position at the University of Kansas. Dale moved to Kansas City, KS in 1978 to work as a pipe fitter. Dale was a proud member of Pipe Fitters Local Union 533 for over 47 years. Dale retired from US Engineering. Dale is proceeded in death by his wife of 59 years, Margaret Ellen Miley. Dale married Margaret on June 10, 1966, in Lawrence, KS after meeting on a blind date. They began their life together in Lawrence, KS before their move to Kansas City, KS. Dale is survived by his loving family: son, William Paul Miley, McLouth, KS and his wife, Lynell Miley; and daughter, Connie Margaret Horosz, Olathe, KS, and her husband, Damien Horosz. He had 6 grandchildren, Zachary Paul Miley, Anna Nicole Firth and husband Alex Firth, Kailey Margaret Hocker and husband, Drew Hocker, Isabel Margaret Dudarev and husband, Gleb Dudarev, Levi John Horosz, Olivia Grace Miley, and 3 great-grandchildren. Dale is proceeded in death by his parents, his brother, Don, and his sister, Patty.
Dale had a lifelong passion for cars which included drag racing when he was younger, restoring classic cars, and learning the art of pinstriping. Dale and Margaret were actively involved in the Rod-Tiques Car Club and The World of Wheels Car Show. Dale also served as a judge for the International Car Show Association. Through their hobbies Dale and Margaret made many lifelong friends.
Memorial services will be held at 4:00 pm on Thursday, May 14th, 2026, at Westside Family Church, 8500 Woodsonia Dr, Lenexa, KS.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Westside Family Care Center.
James Eugene Elm
James Eugene Elm, 80, passed away at home in Lawrence, KS. on May 6, 2026. He was the son of Harold V. and Wilma I. (Stahel) Elm. He was born on June 19, 1945, in Lawrence, KS. He married Delores M. (Guenther) Elm on April 10, 1965. She survives. Also, surviving children include Lisa M. Gay (Brian), Shannon R. Bruhns (Gary), Brian M. Elm (Jenn) all from Lawrence, along with his grandchildren, Zachary Gay (Alexia), Madison Frey (Talin), Parker Gay, Talia Gay, Delaney Bruhns, Brooklyn Elm, and Eastyn Elm, and one great grandson, Declan Gay.
Jim grew up on a farm in Worden, KS. He attended Central grade school, Baldwin High and Kansas University. He was a member of the Army National Guard and served in the Vietnam War, earning a Purple Heart. He worked shiftwork for the Dupont and Flexel Cellophane plants in Tecumseh, KS. for more than 31 years.
Even though he lived in Lawrence, his love for the country was always there. After retiring he would spend much of his time caring for things at the family farm or just sitting in his Adirondack chair, eating peanuts and breathing in the fresh country air.
He also very much enjoyed watching his grandchildren as they have grown. Whether it be in sports, vacations, programs, crafts, weddings, it didn’t matter, he was always a proud Grandfather and Dad.
A visitation will be held on Monday, May 11, from 6 to 7:30 pm. at Rumsey Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence, KS. There will be a graveside service at the Worden, KS cemetery on Tuesday, May 12, at 10:30 am.
Gary Arlen Skeet
Gary A. Skeet passed away at Pioneer Ridge on Sunday, May 3, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was 91 years old. He was born March 6, 1935, the son of Harold W. Skeet and Julia E. Allen Skeet. Gary had a half sister, Alice B. Skeet Reid, all of whom preceed him in death.
Gary grew up on the family homestead in Sarcoxie township in south Jefferson County, Kansas. He attended Knowledge Hill and Sunnyside Schools, University High and graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in 1953; he was in the last class to graduate from the Liberty Memorial High School Building. Gary was a member of the first A Capella choir at Liberty Memorial, created and conducted by R. Wayne Nelson; he was extremely proud to have been a part of this group and he continued to sing until the day before he died. He attended the University of Kansas, and other continuing education opportunities, including the Smith and Wesson Armorer’s school.
Gary married Martha E. Saunders on July 12, 1958. Not long after, Gary and Martha had an official wedding ceremony on October 30, 1960 When Martha’s father died almost a year later, Gary and Martha became parents to Martha’s younger siblings Esther (age 17) and John (age 13). Gary and Martha welcomed a son into their family on June 20, 1965 when William P. Skeet was born, and a daughter, Elizabeth M. Skeet was born on August 12, 1970.
Gary worked at the Sunflower Army ammunition plant [Hercules], was an officer for the Lawrence Police Department, and the University of Kansas Police Department where he rose to the rank of Sergeant. He was the firearms instructor and the Armorer for the KUPD, something he enjoyed very much. He was very proud of the officers whom he helped qualify on their sidearm. He retired from the University of Kansas Parking Department in 1997.
Gary had many passions in his life and he shared these with his friends and family. He loved to explore the mountains in Colorado in a jeep, and took many jeeping trips in the 1960s. He loved history, and his enthusiasm for history was contagious. He was a gifted teacher of history to anyone who would listen, and he incorporated his love of trains and firearms into his history lessons. He also loved hunting, something he did with his father and uncle, his wife, son, daughter and many friends. He had many dogs throughout his life and they all had a special place in his heart.
Another passion Gary enjoyed from his childhood to the last weeks of his life was his love of trains. Gary made many trips to ride famous trains including many rides on the Durango & Silverton train, the Cumbres and Toltec scenic railroad, the Georgetown Loop, and the Galloping Goose.
Gary is survived by his wife, Martha, his son William P “Bill” Skeet, his daughter, Elizabeth M. “Beth” Skeet Morgenroth, his daughter-in-law, Ann M. Gregg Skeet, his son-in-law, Paul A. Morgenroth Jr, and five grandchildren, Paul A. Morgenroth III, Emma C. Skeet, William E. Morgenroth, Walter M. Morgenroth, John H. Skeet and his granddaughter-in-law, Taryn G. Clark Morgenroth.
A visitation will be held at 12:00 noon, May 9, 2026 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence, with the funeral and graveside services immediately following.
Gary’s family suggests that any donations and memorials be made to the Galloping Goose Historical society, the Lawrence Humane Society, and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Jaroslaw Andrzej Piekalkiewicz (“Jarek”)
Jaroslaw Andrzej Piekalkiewicz (“Jarek”), Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Kansas, died peacefully at home on April 29, 2026.
Jarek was born in Poland on July 24, 1926, and came of age in a world turned upside down by World War II. As a teenager, he joined the Polish resistance along with other members of his family. At just 18, he fought for 63 days in the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, one of the most significant acts of anti-Nazi resistance in occupied Europe. For his bravery, he was promoted to platoon sergeant and awarded the Cross of the Brave (Krzyż Walecznych), one of Poland’s highest military honors. He later served with Allied forces before the war’s end.
After the war, Jarek earned a master’s degree in economics from Trinity College Dublin and a Ph.D. in political science from Indiana University, beginning his life’s calling as a teacher and a scholar.
On July 13, 1957, he married Maura Theresa Brennan in London, a partnership that would shape the rest of his life. Together, they immigrated to the United States in 1959 and made their home in Lawrence, Kansas, in 1963, when Jarek joined the University of Kansas as an Assistant Professor of Political Science.
At the University of Kansas, Jarek was more than a professor. Through the University of Kansas Soviet and East European Area Studies program, he played a key role in establishing one of the country’s earliest academic partnerships with Poland. In 1972, he launched a faculty exchange with Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, and later with the University of Warsaw, creating opportunities for scholars from both countries to teach and learn from one another despite the political barriers of the Cold War. His academic career culminated in the publication of his book, A Dance with Death: A Holistic View of Saving Polish Jews during the Holocaust, in 2019. In it, he brought together scholarly rigor and his own lived experience to offer a rare and deeply human perspective, giving readers a more honest and nuanced understanding of resistance under German occupation.
Above all, Jarek was devoted to his family. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Children gravitated to him; he had a gentle, playful way of connecting with them that left a lasting impression. He had a strong sense of right and wrong, and he never lost his curiosity about people, ideas, and the world. He had also a wonderful sense of humor, with a great laugh, delighting in the absurdity of life in the spirit of The Good Soldier Švejk and Inspector Clouseau of the Pink Panther movies.
He is survived by his daughter, Ellen Piekalkiewicz and son-in-law Mariusz Dobek; his son, Andrew Piekalkiewicz; his grandchildren, Andrew, Natalie, Jacob, Alexander, Ethan, and Nicole; his great-grandchildren, Charlotte and August; and Kim Emmons, a cherished member of his extended family.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Maura, and his grandson, Luke Dobek.
A service will be held on July 25, 2026, at the University of Kansas Pioneer Cemetery, followed by a celebration of his life at his home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Amnesty International.
Thelma J. Tuttle-Chapman
Thelma J. Tuttle-Chapman, age 91, born October 31, 1934, in Perry, Missouri, passed quietly at home on April 26, 2026, in Lawrence, Kansas. She lived a life marked by determination, warmth, firm but kind, and had a remarkable ability to turn ordinary days into meaningful ones. She was the beloved daughter of the late Melvin H. Tuttle and the late Mildred H. Silvey. Preceded in death by her spouse, Homer E. Chapman, (former spouse Jack M. Lawson), her sister, Helen F. Tuttle-Marrs-Greer, her half-brother, Alan B. Pryor, her grandson, Cameron Lightner, and her great granddaughter, Victoria White. She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Julia Lightner-Fredyma and Kathy L. Lawson-White, her grandchildren Onel Lightner, Lura Frazey, William Burton, Alfonzo Burton, and Kalila Boldridge, her 11 great-grandchildren, and her 2 great-great-grandchildren. (Half-sister, Kathy Pryor-Brecheisen). Her life was also shaped by the many bonds of family, friendship, and community that surrounded her and gave her joy.
Thelma graduated from McLouth High School in 1952, and she carried that foundation into a life of steady work and faithful service. She spent 12 years as an administrative assistant with the Bureau of Lectures and Concert Artists, where her professionalism and reliability helped support the work of others. She then devoted 23 years to McGrew Real Estate, where her experience and dedication made her a valuable member of the team. Never one to stop building, creating, or contributing, she also became the creator and owner of Kennel Crest Country Club for Pets, a venture that reflected both her love of animals and her gift for seeing possibilities where others might only see challenges. She loved dogs deeply, and that love was woven into her daily life. She found fellowship and enjoyment as a member of the American Kennel Club, the Merry Mixers Square Dancers, and the Lawrence Flower Club (the oldest flower club in Kansas), and member of The Daughters of the American Revolution. She also loved to play scrabble and card games (especially poker), throwing parties for her friends & family and anything connected to nature. Her accomplishments included Awards in Wildlife Refuge Designation, Master Gardener since 2002, recognition as Master Gardener of the Year, and a National Award for Kennel Crest. Each standing as proof that passion, purpose, and perseverance can leave a lasting mark.
She engaged fully in life embracing interests in sewing, needlework, arts & crafts, painting, fishing, boating, traveling, water skiing, reading, American history and genealogy.
Her story is one of resilience and purpose. She built a legacy through her work, her interests, her family, and her unwavering commitment to living with intention. Her life stands as a reminder that every day offers an opportunity to make a difference, to learn something new, and to leave things better than we found them.
Thelma J. Tuttle-Chapman will be remembered by those who knew her with love, respect, and gratitude for the example she set and the joy she brought to those around her. Her journey was long, meaningful, and beautifully lived, and her influence will continue in the lives of her family, her friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Private family service will be held at the historic Muldrow Cemetery in Salt River/Perry Missouri in early June.
Memorial contributions in her name would be appreciated, in lieu of flowers, to the Lawrence Humane Society in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, PO Box 1260, Lawrence KS 66044.
Learlean Hooks-Glover
Arrangements for Learlean Hooks-Glover, age 84 of Lawrence, are currently pending with Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence.
Judith Crossfield
Judith Crossfield, 85, passed away April 23, 2026 at Bridgehaven Memory Care, Lawrence Kansas. She was born April 22, 1941 in Chicago Illinois to Maude and Nick Demos. After her mother‘s death, she came to Lawrence at age 2 with her brother John and was raised by her aunt and uncle, Blanche and Edgar Mosley.
She had a long career in the title insurance industry and was also active in many civic organizations during her working years. At her retirement she was Vice President of First American Title in Lawrence.
She loved reading and was a frequent patron of our local library. She loved her friends and family, sarcastic humor, the beach, Neil Diamond, and a cold diet Dr Pepper.
She is survived by her children, Laurie Sommer, Michele Salvini and Kevin Sommer, Grandchildren, Lauren Ballard (Caleb), Brandon Salvini, Maggie Salvini, Emma Salvini, and Sean Coffman and great grandchildren Mae Ballard and Mack Ballard.
She is preceded in death by her brother, John Demos, sister, Mary Coffelt and son-in-law Hiram Salvini.
Per her wishes, no services are planned.
We would like to express our gratitude for the love and care received from all the wonderful staff at Bridgehaven Memory Care.
“The connections we make in this course of life – maybe that’s what heaven is” – Fred Rogers
Armando (Amado) Hinojosa
Armando (Amado) Hinojosa Arredondo passed away peacefully in sleep . Monday morning April 27, 2026, in his home surrounded by his family. He was 85 and had battled Parkinson’s the last nine years of his life.
He was born March 2, 1941, in Victoria de Silao, Guanajuato, Mexico. He was the third born and eldest son of Sergio Hinojosa Centeno and Juana Maria Soledad Arredondo Ramos. He was a welder and pipefitter by trade and a proud union member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 441 of Kansas.
He was a loving and dedicated father not only to his children but to anybody needing one. No doubt he was everyone’s favorite uncle. He was affectionately known as “Papo” initially to his five grandchildren, but others quickly adopted the name, even his nurses. He had a sharp and charismatic sense of humor and no one escaped getting a nickname. He loved to eat and was known to lie to his sisters when they would ask him if he had eaten, his answer was always “no”. He really enjoyed gathering at a kitchen table with family, eating good food, drinking coffee and talking about every topic imaginable.
He is survived by his wife Celia. He is also survived by his sons, Octavio (Gina) Hinojosa, Austin, TX, Gustavo Hinojosa, Durango, DGO, his daughter Mariana Mier, Lawrence, KS. Survived by his grandchildren Bianca Mariana, Isabella Sofia, Alexa Sofia, Mikel Andoni, and Andrea Monserrat. He leaves behind his siblings Dolores, Rogelio, Hortencia, Eva, Rosalinda, Abigail, America and his nieces and nephews.
Amado was preceded in death by his parents Sergio and Soledad, his sister Josefina, niece Lorena and son-in-law Bernardino Vega.
A celebration of life will be held with the extended family on Father’s day.
The family request acts of kindness in memory of our beloved Papo.
