Category: Obituaries

Georgia Helen Hess

Posted on by RumseyYost

Funeral services for Georgia Helen Hess, 103, Lawrence, will be at noon Friday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, with the Rev. Dan Norwood officiating.  Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.  Mrs. Hess died Saturday, Mar. 15, 2014, at Drury Place at Alvamar.

She was born Jan. 1, 1911, in Oskaloosa, the daughter of Ben and Nell Underwood Inverarity. She graduated from Oskaloosa High School.  Georgia was employed by First National Bank for 27 years, and retired as manager of the south branch.  She has been a member of Centenary United Methodist Church since 1935.  She was also a member of the Fidelity Shrine #11 of Lawrence, Toltec Chapter 1 of Topeka, Order of the Eastern Star Evangeline Chapter 162 of Baldwin City, and the American Legion Auxiliary.

She married Carl F. Hess. He preceded her in death in 1959, as did a daughter, Helen Page-Smith in 2006, a son, William G. ‘Bill’ Hess in 1999, and two great grandchildren.  Survivors include four grandchildren, four great grandchildren, three step great grandchildren, nine great-great grandchildren, and two step great-great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 11 am until service time Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Centenary United Methodist Church, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.  Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.

Patrick Daniel Roberts

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Graveside services for Patrick Daniel Roberts, 39, Lawrence, will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mr. Roberts died Saturday, March 8, 2014, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

He was born April 10, 1974, in Lawrence, the son of Raymond Henry and Marilyn Kay Wales Roberts.  He graduated from Lawrence High School.

Mr. Roberts was a stay at home dad. He enjoyed following politics and spending time with friends and family.

Survivors include a son, Michael Neis-Roberts of Lawrence; mother, Marilyn Howard of Lawrence; sisters, Lona Roberts of Lawrence, Heidi Roberts of Lawrence; and brother, Wayne Roberts of Lawrence.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Marinda Ami Roberts; father, Raymond Roberts; and step-father, Alonzo Howard.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, where the family will receive them from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday.

The family suggests memorials to the Patrick Roberts Memorial Fund.

Wayne Albert Davenport

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Graveside inurnment with military honors for Wayne Albert Davenport, 93, Lawrence, will be at 2 pm Saturday, March 22, 2014, at Memorial Park Cemetery, Lawrence, KS.  Friends may call from 9 am to 8 pm on Friday March 21, 2014 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, where the family will receive them from 6:30-7:30 pm.

He passed away peacefully on Wednesday March 12, 2014, at Medicalodges in Eudora, KS.

Mr. Davenport was born January 18, 1921, in Lawrence, the son of Charles and Anna Ford Davenport.  He graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in 1938.  He attended Lawrence Business College for one year.  Later he was a machinist at National Defense School at KU Fowler Shop.

During World War II he served in the US Army Air Corp.  He was a part of the 680th Bomb Squadron 313th Wing 20th Air Force, and was stationed in Tinian Island Mariannas. When his military career was finished he had the rank of Sergeant.

Wayne retired after fifty years as a Superintendent at Kansas Construction in January of 1986, and worked part time at 6th Street Westlake Hardware from 2001-2008.

He married Genevieve Fern Comstock in 1946 in Lawrence.  She died in 1975.  He married Sara Ruth Wilson in April of 1976, she survives of the home.

Other survivors include one daughter Sharon Miller, Lawrence; one son Steven Wilson and wife Marcia, Perry; one daughter-in-law Linda Comstock, Knob Noster, MO; seven grandchildren, Elisa Edgar Loving, Dwayne Comstock, Kyle Twogood, Jill Christian, Kim Twogood, Shannon Heston, and Haley Winfrey; twelve great grandchildren, Braxton Loving, Luke , Max, Levi and Ava Twogood, Thomas, Jack, Genevieve and Jude Christian, Barrett and Harper Heston and Kennedy Winfrey; and several nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife Genevieve Davenport, son Laurence Davenport; daughter Jane Twogood, two stepsons Philip and Richard Comstock and son-in-law Frank Miller; one brother Harley Davenport.

He was an avid photographer, woodworker and gardener.  He loved jazz, history, Jayhawk basketball, but most of all, his family.  He will always live on in our hearts.

The family suggests memorials made to Visiting Nurses or the American Cancer Society, sent in care of the funeral home.

Dana Michele Conway

Posted on by RumseyYost

Funeral services for Dana Michele Conway, 49, Lawrence, will be 11 a.m. Monday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory.  Cremation is planned to follow the service.

Ms. Conway died Wednesday, March 12, 2014, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. She was born September 23, 1964, in Savanna, Georgia, the daughter of Isaac Jeremiah “Jerry” and Betty Rose Hewig Conway. Dana graduated from Springdale High School in 1982 in Springdale, Arkansas. Ms. Conway was an author and photographer.  She enjoyed writing and taking pictures.  She also published two books and was working on a third. Dana survived stage 3 breast cancer, underwent a mastectomy, and full breast reconstruction (TRAM).

She married Philip Perez on January 7, 1989 in Johnson County.  They later divorced. Survivors include a son, Caleb Anthony Perez of Lawrence; her parents, Isaac and Betty Conway of Lawrence; brother, David Alan Conway of Lawrence; and three nephews, David Alan Conway II, Dallas Kane Conway, and Christopher William Conway. She also had 2 great nieces, Celestra Conway and Avani Coil.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, where the family will receive friends from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The family suggests memorial contributions to Susan G. Komen For the Cure, or Relay for Life, sent in care of the funeral home.

Izabella Dawn Edmonds

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Services for Izabella Dawn Edmonds, Lawrence, will be at 2 pm Saturday March 15, 2014, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral home. She was born at rest on March 6, 2014, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

She is the daughter of Derek Edmonds and Cheyenne Henry.

Other survivors include her grandmothers April Jennings and Jacinda Howard; grandfather Scott Henry; uncles Brian Daley, and Brandon Howard; and aunt Desirae Edmonds. 

The family would like to send out a special thanks to Drew Briggs for making Izabella’s box.  They would also like to thank all the other family members for their support and kindness.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Izabella Dawn Edmonds Memorial Fund, sent in care of the funeral home.

Beverly June Rylko

Posted on by RumseyYost

Beverly June Rylko, 67, passed away quietly at home on March 10, 2014.

Henry Rylko, her husband of 45 years, survives.

She leaves her daughters Sophia Rylko (husband Jonah Seibel), Amelia Rylko and Rose Rylko, all of Lawrence. Her beloved grandsons Jeremiah and Jude Seibel also survive. And she leaves one sister Cheryl Miller of Port Orchard, WA. Nieces, nephews, in-laws and a raft of friends will also feel her loss.

Bev was born in Kansas City, MO, to Dorothy Elder and Robert Kelly Butler, who both preceded her in death.

She earned a BS in mathematics education from KU and most recently worked as a job coach for the Lawrence School District until her retirement last March. She was known for the patience and love she showed all of her students. 

Bev’s warm personality drew lifelong friends such as the book club members who met regularly for 30+ years. She also dearly loved opera, gardening and cooking; she was famous for the Oktoberfests she hosted at her home for the past 10 years.

Graveside services will be held Friday, March 14 at 1:00 PM at the green burial site in Oak Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends afterward at the home, 617 Walnut, to celebrate Bev’s life.

The family suggests memorials to Visiting Nurses or Lawrence Schools Foundation, Project Search program sent in care of the funeral home.

Evelyn M. Johnston

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Funeral services for Evelyn Marie (Griffith) Johnston, 77, rural Lawrence, will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 4, at Plymouth Congregational Church.  Private inurnment at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Douglas County, KS will follow at a later date.  The Rev. Dr. Peter A. Luckey will officiate.

She was born on April 20, 1936 in Lawrence, KS.  She died February 26, 2014 at home in rural Lawrence, KS.  During that time she led a life filled with giving and love of family and friends.

Evelyn attended grade school at Pleasant Valley in rural Douglas County.  While growing up, she was a member of the Four Leaf Clover 4-H Club in Douglas County.  She was active in the clothing, foods, citizenship, and leadership projects.  She was named the state winner of the “4-H Cherry Pie Baking Contest” and enjoyed playing softball on the 4-H team.  Evelyn graduated from Lawrence High School in 1954.  She married Paul L. Johnston on August 7, 1955 at the First United Methodist Church in Lawrence.  He preceded her in death on November 22, 2012.

Evelyn was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church for 52 years.  During that time she served as Church School Superintendent for five years, was a member of the Board of Deacons and Board of Christian Education and taught numerous Sunday School classes.

Evelyn enjoyed working with youth.  She served as an officer for the PTO at Wakarusa Valley Elementary School and on the advisory council at South Jr. High.  She traveled as a sponsor with the Lawrence High School band and orchestra on trips to Portland, OR, St. Louis, MO, and Washington, D.C.  She also served the 4-H youth of Douglas County in many ways.  She was a 4-H leader for 30 years for the Four Leaf Clover 4-H Club.  Evelyn served as a sponsor for the 4-H Citizenship Conference in Washington, D.C.  She served on the 4-H Program Development Committee, the Extension Executive Board, and the Douglas County 4-H Foundation Board.  She served as a fair superintendent for approximately 40 years, assisted in the concession stand and with judging contests and sponsored fair awards.  Evelyn received the Douglas County 4-H Family Award, the Friend of 4-H Award, and the Friend of the Fair Award.

After retiring from food service in USD 497, Evelyn enjoyed quilting.  She made quilts for all of the children and grandchildren and as gifts for many.  She enjoyed sharing her beautiful quilts and wall hangings with others.  It was a great joy to open gifts at Christmas, graduations, weddings, birthdays and other special events to see what her skilled hands had created just for you.  Family gatherings were a great joy.  Watching everyone race around the yard hunting for eggs at Easter or setting down to eat a meal she had prepared brought a smile to her face.  It was very important to Evelyn to attend activities involving her grandchildren.  “Grandma Amy” could be found at all sporting events, band and orchestra concerts, plays, music programs, talent shows, and awards programs.

Evelyn is survived by her children Paula (husband David) Aiken, Mike (wife Julie), Merlin (wife Susan), Mark (wife Terra), and Penny (husband Clark) Eschliman; 11 grandchildren: Josh (Jennifer), Molly (Seth), Jake (Meghan), Micah, Katie, Jared, David, Douglas, Luke, Evan, and Carley; 3 step-grandchildren: Ron, Larry (Susan), and Gale; 3 great-grandchildren: Caroline, Wyatt, and Michaela; and 5 step great-grandchildren: David, Bry, Jacob, Kelly, and Jackson.  She is also survived by many other relatives and friends who loved her dearly.

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

The family suggests memorials in her name to the Douglas County 4-H Foundation, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana, Lawrence, KS, 66044.

Barbara June ‘Bobbie’ Withers Evans

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Funeral services for Barbara June ‘Bobbie’ Withers Evans, 79, Lawrence, will be at 10 am Saturday at Cornerstone Southern Baptist Church, with the Rev. Gary O’Flannagan officiating, Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.  Mrs. Evans died Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014, at Baldwin Healthcare & Rehab in Baldwin City.

She was born June 1, 1934, in Kansas City, Mo., the daughter of Richard E. and Mary C. Scribner Withers. Bobbie was a food service manager, owner and chef in Lawrence for over 40 years.  She was a member of Cornerstone Southern Baptist Church, and a 40+ year member of the Eagles Auxiliary.  Her hobbies included crocheting, knitting, Bingo, pool, and cake decorating.

She married Clifford L. Evans Sr. on Aug. 12, 1949 in Oskaloosa.  They later divorced.  Survivors include six sons, Richard Evans and wife Alpha, Mark ‘Greg’ Evans and wife Annette, and Dana Evans and wife Sarah, all of Lawrence, Clifford Evans, and Robin Evans and wife Patty, all of Overbrook, and Darryl Evans, Linwood; 19 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter.  She was preceded in death by a son, Douglas ‘Randy’ Evans, a daughter, Cheryl Evans, a granddaughter, Dawnita Brandon, and a great granddaughter, Brittany Byerley.

Friends may call from 9 am to 8 pm Friday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, where the family will receive them from 7 to 8 pm.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society, or the Baldwin Healthcare & Rehab Resident Activity Fund, in care of the funeral home. 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

Phyllis Wherry Talmadge

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Phyllis Wherry Talmadge, 92, passed away on February 21st at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor.  She was born July 26, 1921 in Holton, to Neal and Lulu (Henry) Wherry.  She moved with her parents to Lawrence in 1932, where she graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in 1939 and from the University of Kansas in 1943, with a degree in Home Economics.  She married Robert Louis Talmadge on May 8, 1942 in Lawrence.  He preceded her in death on May 4, 1989.  Also preceding her in death were her parents and her sister, Mary Bobette Wherry.

Phyllis was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and had served as a Deacon and an Elder.  She had many interests, including home economics and KU retiree activities, but one of her favorites was helping friends at Presbyterian Manor with their computer problems.

Survivors include two daughters, Patricia Gordon (Richard), Brecksville, Ohio, and Barbara Talmadge, Seattle, Washington, a son, Richard Talmadge (Janet), Beaverton, Oregon, six grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and first-cousin Dorothy Maxwell, Lawrence.

A memorial service will be held at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor on April 5th, at 2 p.m.   The family suggests memorial contributions be made either to First Presbyterian Church of Lawrence or Lawrence Presbyterian Manor.

 

 

Amanda Lasha Clemons

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A Memorial service for Amanda Clemons, 24, Lawrence,  will be at 1 p.m Friday, Feburary 21, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

She died Wednesday, February 12, 2014, in Junction City, KS.

She was born July 17, 1989, in Lawrence, the daughter of Michelle and Brad Stauffer and Danny and Carey Clemons. She moved to Topeka in 1991. She attended Topeka High School.

Survivors include a son, Ke’andraie, Topeka; sisters, Marquita Courter, Shockela Barksdale, Jasmine Barksdale,
Desiree Barksdale and Autum Pasutian all reside in Topeka; sisters, Danyell Clemons, Ayona Clemons, Alesia Clemons, and brothers
Danny Clemons II, an Dashawn Clemons whom reside in Lawrence. Grandparents Harold Courter, Owzakie, Kansas;
Mary an Robert Montgomery, Lawrence, Kansas; Helen Price, Arkansas; Gayle Rice, Topeka; Kansas an Great grandfather Oliver Helm.
Also survived by aunts and uncles, Tina Courter, Kansas city, Kansas; Frank an Angie Courter, Mclouth, Kansas; Richie Clemons, Willie Joe Clemons, Eric Clemons, Reggie Clemons and Janie Clemons; and her Great grandfather William Foster, Morrilton, Arkansas.

She is preceded in death by her Grandfather Willie Clemons Jr. AKA Pops

Friends may call from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, where the family will receive them from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The family suggests memorials to the Amanda Lasha Clemons memorial fund, sent in care of the funeral home.