Category: Obituaries

Larry Allan Randel

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Funeral services for Larry Allan Randel, 70, Baldwin City, will be at 10 am Monday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.  Burial with full military honors will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Baldwin City.  Larry died Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

He was born Dec. 3, 1943, in rural Baldwin City, the son of Claude Eugene (Gene) and Stella M. Goebel Randel.  He attended Baldwin schools, and later served in the United States Army.  Larry was a lithographer for Herff Jones, and retired in 2011 after 44 years of service.  He attended Grace Community Church in Spring Hill, played in a band for 13 years, and was a ‘Mr. Fix-it.’  He also enjoyed racing, fishing, hunting, golfing, and music.  His greatest enjoyment was spending time with family and grandchildren.

He married Janice M. Hull on Mar. 18, 1967, in Ottawa.  She survives of the home.  Other survivors include three daughters, Julie Fitzgerald and husband Gary, Olathe, Wendy Hodgson and husband Jeff, Ottawa, and Debbie Villegas and husband Izzy, Wichita; a brother, Bud Randel and wife Carolyn, Ottawa; ten grandchildren, Brittney Ivey, Brandi and Bridgette Hodgson, Emily and Matt Fitzgerald, Tanner Dickerson, and Isabella, Mateo, Gabi, and Gracie Villegas; and a great grandchild, Drew Alan Hodgson.   He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Kenny Randel.

Friends may call from 8 am to 8 pm Sunday at the funeral home, where the family will receive them from 6-8 pm.  The family suggests memorials to Grace Community Church, or the American Cancer Society, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

Otis L. ‘Lud’ Heine

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Funeral services for Otis L. ‘Lud’ Heine, 87, Lawrence, will be at 10 am Saturday at Redeemer Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Robert Leiste officiating.  Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.  Lud died Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

He was born Feb. 6, 1926, in Lawrence, the son of Otis C. and Mary Korenchan Heine.  He graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in 1944, and joined the Navy Seabees for about two years at Guam.  After his military service, he started his excavating business in 1946.  In 1998, he was given the Award of Merit Lifetime Accomplishment for promoting soil and water conservation by the Mid-America Association of Conservation Districts.  Lud earned his private pilot’s license and owned several small planes.  He enjoyed giving rides to friends and neighbors.  Lud played trombone, violin, and guitar in high school, and also played with area residents for barn dances and social events in the community.  He served as trustee of Redeemer Lutheran Church, where he was a member, and served on the Boards of Rural Water District #5 and Wakarusa Watershed.  He also helped organize a Boy Scout troop.

He married Reta L. Bagby on July 6, 1952, at Danforth Chapel in Lawrence.  She survives of the home.  Other survivors include a son, Rodney C. Heine and wife Lanaea, Lawrence; a daughter, Rhonda E. Bingaman and husband Brian, Okla. City; a brother, Vernon Heine and wife Arlene, Lawrence; and three grandchildren, Kirstyn Heine, and Hayden and Tyler Bingaman.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Richard Heine, and a granddaughter, Kahlyn Heine.

Friends may call from noon to 8 pm Friday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends from 6-7:30 pm.  Memorial contributions are suggested to Redeemer Lutheran Church, Asera Care Hospice, or a charity of the donor’s choice, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

Bonnie Byers

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A Celebration of Life visitation for Bonnie Byers, 58, Lawrence, will be from 5-7 pm Monday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory.  Mrs. Byers died Monday, Dec. 23, 2013, at LawrenceMemorialHospital.

She was born Mar. 12, 1955, in Burlington, Kan., the daughter of Howard and Darlene Potter Caldwell. She graduated from Paola High School, and later graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor’s degree.  Since graduating, she had completed a substantial amount of work toward her Master’s degree.  Bonnie was the assistant to the Dean of the University of Kansas School of Business for eight years.  She had previously worked at Mid America Concessions and Yarn Barn, where she taught and shared her love for knitting.  She was an avid KU basketball fan, and could be seen at games while also knitting.

She married Robert ‘Bob’ Byers on Jan. 31, 1974, in Iola.  He survives of the home.  Other survivors include a son, Chris, Lawrence, and a sister Brenda Pierce and husband Brent, Auburn Hills, Mich.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Visiting Nurses, or the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044

Norman Glen Ellis

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Visitation for Norman Glen Ellis, 75, Baldwin City, will be Monday, December 23, 2013, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home from 6-7:30pm

Mr. Ellis died Friday, December 20, 2013, at his home.

He was born July 10, 1938, in Cabool, MO, the son of Roy and Opal Faye Witson Ellis.  He attended Cabool High School in Cabool Missouri.

Mr. Ellis served in the U.S Army from 1958 to 1960 and was stationed in Germany. Military Honors will be at the grave site. After the Army he worked for All Star Dairy. He was superintendent at the Dairy and retired after thirty years with them.

During Norman’s retirement he worked Security for Baker University. Norman enjoyed spending time outside on the farm, rooting on his Jayhawks and Southern Gospel Music. Norman also was an avid Chiefs and Royals Fan. His greatest joy was having all his family and animals around him on the farm.

He married Sylvia Ann Stewart on January 21st 1961 in Archie Missouri. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include two sons; Norman Roy and Gregory both of Overland Park, KS; one daughter Carmen, husband David Masrud, Baldwin City, KS;  his brothers, Gene and Roy Lee, Sisters Delores Alexander, Bennie Sparks, Gess Owens and Bonnie Thurman and Wife Sylvia, seven grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents, sister Rutheen Snellgroves, and brother Euing.

Graveside service will be 10 am Tuesday, December 24, 2013, at Oakwood Cemetery, Baldwin City Kansas.

The family suggests memorials to, Lawrence First Church of the Nazarene.

Online condolences may be made at rumsey-yost.com.

LeRoy Eugene Siscoe

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 LeRoy Eugene Siscoe (“Junior”), of Lawrence, was born March 7, 1930 to Roy Eugene Siscoe and Frankie Belle Hubbard Siscoe at Linwood, Kansas, (Leavenworth County, Kansas).  He died on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Lawrence, Kansas. 

He married Dorothy Colleene Cain (“Happy”) on February 14, 1948, in Lawrence, Kansas.  She preceded him in death in August 2004.

He was also pre-deceased by his parents, four sons, Baby Boy Siscoe – 1949, Stephen Siscoe – 1951, Fred Siscoe – 1969, and David Siscoe – 1975, and his brother-in-law Donald D. Cain. 

Mr. Siscoe attended Lawrence Schools.

Mr. Siscoe served as a Sgt. in the United States Marine Corp from December 17, 1951 to December 4, 1953. He received the Korean Service Medal w/3*, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and his Character of Separation was Honorable.

During his life, places of employment included W.J. Small Alfalfa Dehydrating, Lawrence Paper Mill, Kansas Fibreboard, Rey-Mac Machine Shop and Lawrence Paper Company.  He retired as a welder from Lawrence Paper Company.

Mr. Siscoe loved gardening and supplied family and friends with the excess bounties of his gardens for many years.  He enjoyed outdoor activities including fishing, hunting, fur trapping, camping, boating, and water skiing on the Kansas River and at Perry Lake, and bicycle riding.  His brother-in-law Donald was at his side in pursuit of these activities.   

Mr. Siscoe is survived by his sister Roberta Siscoe Cain (Donald-deceased), Lawrence; three nephews and a niece: Michael Dean Cain (Miriam), Lawrence; Mark David Cain (Debra), Arvada, Colorado; Melinda Diane Cain Milleret (Mark), Linwood, Kansas; and Matthew Donald Cain (Catherine), Eudora, Kansas, as well as twelve grand nieces and nephews.

The family suggests memorials to The Muscular Dystrophy Association, in honor of Mr. Siscoe’s sons.

Services will be Monday at 2 p.m. at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, Lawrence. 

 

 

Lori Lynn Tarwater

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Services for Lori Lynn Tarwater, 53, Wellsville, will be 2 pm, January 5, 2014, at the Senior Citizens Center in Wellsville, Kansas.

Mrs. Tarwater died Friday, December 13, 2013, at Olathe Medical Center.

She was born July 23, 1960, in Kansas City, Kansas, to James Oliver and Hazel Benskin Tarwater.  She graduated from Washington High school in Kansas City, KS, and then William Jewell College with a master’s degree.

Mrs. Tarwater worked as an Initial Occupancy Specialist specializing in general housing assistance at the Lawrence Housing Authority.  She also worked with the homeless and many charity organizations.

She and husband Robert Ward Joy have been together for over 22 years.  He survives of the home.

Other survivors include a son, John Joy of Wellsville, KS; daughter, Emma Joy of Wellsville, KS; sisters, Hazel Davis of Lawrence, KS, Judy Degenstein of Columbia, MO, Susan Woods of Wellsville, KS, and Nancy Freeman of Wellsville, KS; nieces and nephews; great nieces and great nephews.

Her mother, father, and a brother, James Tarwater preceded her in death.

The family suggests memorials to the Wellsville Library, 707 E. 7th St., Wellsville, KS 66092.

Linda Lou Lassen

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A memorial visitation for Linda Lou Lassen, 65, Lawrence, will be from 6 – 7:30 pm Friday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory.  Linda died Monday, Dec. 16, 2013, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

She was born Nov. 8, 1948, in Lawrence, the daughter of Joseph and Goldie Lown.  She graduated from Lawrence High School.  Linda committed her entire life to helping others, and was a vital part of Penn House, where she worked tirelessly for 44 years.  Many people in Lawrence benefited from her caring and compassionate spirit.  She enjoyed going to the casino.

Linda married Paul H. ‘Pete’ Lassen on July 7, 1990, in the front yard of Penn House.  He survives of the home.  Other survivors include two sons, Jerry Lown and wife Sue, and Billy Lown and wife Michelle, all of Lawrence, and several grandchildren.  Linda was preceded in death by her parents and eleven brothers and sisters.

The family suggests memorial contributions to ECKAN, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.  Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.

Joni Lisa Thompson

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Joni Lisa Thompson passed away on December 9th, 2013. She was born in 1963 in Sikeston, Missouri

She obtained a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Kansas. Joni was a curator and lecturer in the field of art history and traveled to Italy, India, Nepal, Tibet and China as well as many U.S. universities. She was a longtime faculty member of the Haskell Indian Nations University College of Arts and Sciences, founder of the Haskell Film Club and citizen of the Muscogee Creek Nation.

She was preceded in death by her father, Ray Thompson. She is survived by her mother, Shirley Thompson, brother Ray Thompson II, sister Gina Baun, her children Dustin Murphy and Amanda Murphy as well as her beloved grandson, Alex “Poncho” Thompson.

Joni is survived by Colan Medicine Horse, whom she married in 2012.

Traditional native honoring services will be attended by family.

Memorials in her name to the American Cancer Society or the Spencer Museum of Art would be welcome and appreciated.

Online condolences may be sent to rumsey-yost.com

Dennis Eugene Bird

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Dennis Eugene Bird, 73, passed away Monday, December 9, 2013.

A celebration of his life will take place on Thursday, December 12, 2013 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Rumsey Yost Funeral home. Family will be present at the prayer service at 6:00 pm and the celebration to follow.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am Friday, December 13, 2013 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Private family graveside services will be held at a later date.

Dennis was born September 3, 1940, in Elk Point, SD, the son of Thomas Ray and Norma Johnson Bird. After graduating from Elk Point High School in 1958, he served in the U.S. Army.

He married the love of his life, Rosemary Ann Patnaude, in Elk Point, SD on April 20, 1963. She survives of the home. They were happily married for 50 years.

Dennis began his career in the agricultural business at an early age. His passion for it continued throughout his life.

His true love and dedication was his family. He was a special man and was dearly loved and will be sorely missed by everyone that has crossed his path.

Other survivors include five sons, Troy and (Angie) Bird, Todd and (Catherine) Bird, Brad and (Heather) Bird, Kevin and (Jackie) Bird, Darren and (Allison) Bird; two daughters Melissa Bird; Melanie Bird and (Steve Walker), all of Lawrence; two brothers Ronald and (Maxine) Bird, Elk Point, SD, Tom and (Carleen) Bird, Sioux City, IA; one sister, Dixie Mason, Elk Point, SD; eleven grandchildren and one great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Mike Bird.

Donna Mae Laushman

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No services are planned for Donna Mae Laushman, 87, Lawrence. Mrs. Laushman died Friday, December 6, 2013, at her home.

She was born September 16, 1926, in Austin, Minn., the daughter of Harold Thomas and Agnes Frances Klema Rochford. Donna graduated from St. Augustine High School in 1944, and went on to get her degree from Drake University in 1948.

Mrs. Laushman married Robert Paul Laushman on June 25, 1947, in Austin, Minn. He survives of the home.

Donna enjoyed reading books in her spare time. She read for Audio Reader at the University of Kansas for 28 years. While working for Audio Reader, she did a cooking show and a cook book. She was the Director of Training for 10 years at Jayhawk Kennel Club. In 1993 she was voted Volunteer of the Year in Douglas County. Donna loved all animals great and small.

Survivors include her husband Robert Laushman, Lawrence; three sons, Robert Laushman Jr. (Susan), Pittsburg, Kan., Roger Laushman (Judy), Oberlin, Ohio, and Rusty Laushman (Ellen), New York, N.Y.; one daughter, Karen Risner (James), Lawrence; seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and son, Randy Laushman, in 1975.

The family suggests memorial be made to Lawrence Humane Society or the Audio Reader Program at the University of Kansas, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, KS 66044.