Category: Obituaries

Carol Dinsdale Worth

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Carol D. Worth, 83, Lawrence, passed away Friday, July 19, 2013, at Brandon Woods at Alvamar.

Mrs. Worth was born on August 24, 1929, in Chicago, the daughter of David A. and Gertrude O. Dinsdale. She graduated from Hyde Park High School in Chicago in 1946, and received a B.A. (1950) and an M.A. (1952) from the University of Illinois at Urbana. While a student at Illinois, she earned several major academic awards, including election to the Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies and inscription of her name on the Bronze Tablet designating the top Illinois undergraduates. After coming to Lawrence in 1955 and raising her two young children, she resumed her graduate studies in German at the University of Kansas, and received her M. Phil. Degree in 1973.

Mrs. Worth taught at Baker University from 1956 to 1958 and again from 1976 to 1983 and at the University of Kansas from 1966 to 1970, in 1972-73, and again in 1986-91.

Until impaired by declining health, Mrs. Worth was very active in Lawrence community affairs, including the University Women’s Club, the Lawrence-Douglas County League of Women Voters, the Unitarian Fellowship, the Emergency Service Council, the Human Relations Commission (of which she was appointed chair in 1977), and the board of the Lawrence Chamber Orchestra. In addition to teaching and working with individual students, she enjoyed being with family and friends, travel, photography, gardening, reading, and listening to classical music.

She married George Worth in Chicago on March 17, 1951. He survives. Other survivors include her daughter Theresa “Terry” Wilkinson and husband Mark of Lawrence, her son Paul and wife Diane of Wichita, four granddaughters (Lisa, Lauren, Claire, and Hayley), and her sister Jean Baldwin of Columbia, MO.

The family would especially like to thank the Arbor caregivers at Brandon Woods, as well as the Visiting Nurses Association hospice staff. Donations in Mrs. Worth’s name may be made to the Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association, sent in care of the funeral home.

A celebration of life will be at 2 p.m. this Saturday, October 5th, at the Unitarian Fellowship of Lawrence, 1263 N. 1100 Road, Lawrence, KS. 66047.

Kevin Wayne Mooney

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Graveside services for Kevin Wayne Mooney, 58, of the Williamstown community of Perry, will be at 2 pm Wednesday at Underwood Cemetery, with Jimmy Eberhard officiating. A procession to the cemetery will leave Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home at 1:30 pm. Kevin died Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013, at his home.

He was born May 30, 1955, in Lawrence, the son of Howard Kenneth and Florence Louise Owens Mooney. He attended Lawrence schools, and worked in Lawrence as a mechanic. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, racing, and motorcycle rides, including benefit rides for the March of Dimes and Bikers for Babies.

He married Debbie Louise Biggers on Mar. 8, 1977, in Lawrence. She survives of the home. Other survivors include a son, Wade Mooney and wife Jessica, Lawrence; a daughter, Salena Parker and husband Mike, Perry; two brothers, Kenneth Mooney and wife Cheryl, and David Mooney and wife Pam, all of Lawrence; two sisters, Brenda Burton and husband Jim, Baldwin City, and Wanda Adams and husband Jerry, Lawrence; four grandchildren, Steven, Raylin, Caitlin, and Remington; seven nieces, eight nephews, and many great and great-great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, James Edward Mooney.

Friends may call from noon to 8 pm Tuesday at the funeral home, where the family will receive them from 6-8 pm. Memorial contributions are suggested to the March of Dimes, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

Justin Ashley Sneegas

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Justin Ashley Sneegas, 35, of Shawnee, Kansas, died unexpectedly Sunday morning, September 15th, at a home in Independence, Missouri. Staying true to how Justin enjoyed spending his Sundays, family and friends will gather in his honor at his mother’s home on Sunday, September 22nd (details below).

Justin was born on January 24, 1978 in Lawrence, Kansas to Skip and Linda Sneegas. After graduating from Lawrence High School in 1996, he moved to the Kansas City area in 2004. He was employed by Tenneco.

Beginning with the profound love he felt for his grandmother, Thelma Oliver (1915 – 2000), Justin cherished time with his family. The bonds that grew from his childhood relationships expanded to the strong connection he later felt for his nephew, Tyler, and niece, Payton. Being an uncle to them was a role he greatly treasured. Sundays, birthdays, and holidays with family meant the world to him.

Justin was adored for his humor and gentle loving kindness. Never the one to seek the spotlight, Justin was known for breaking his silence with a comment that would make the entire room laugh. In 2006, he was diagnosed with cancer and underwent months of treatment. His personal fight with cancer never stopped him from inspiring smiles and laughs from fellow patients, nurses and doctors. It was his love for life, his family and his optimistic nature that carried him through to remission.

Whether it was lending a hand at his mom’s farm, doing his sister a favor, or working on a project with his dad, Justin could always be counted on to help. In 2011 while running errands for his boss, Justin sustained life-threatening injuries after being struck by a semi-truck. Just as he had done before, Justin met his challenge with courage, positivity and humor. He declared victory when he was able to walk unassisted after a year of physical therapy.

Family and friends will feel the deep void of his affection and tenderness. Survivors include his parents, Linda Sneegas, and Skip Sneegas, his sister, Jessica Sneegas Callagy, brother-in-law John Callagy and their children Tyler and Payton, his ex-wife, Kim Armenta, Justin’s beloved dogs, Boozer and Chewy, and a loving extended family. Justin will be greatly missed by his family and friends who welcome all in celebrating his life.

Celebration for Friends and Extended Family
Sunday, September 22nd
2pm – 5pm
25308 Chieftain Road, Lawrence, KS

In lieu of flowers or a donation, Justin would ask that you pay an act of kindness forward.

Philip L. ‘Phil’ Pestinger

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Philip Lee Pestinger, 87, passed away September 16, 2013 peacefully at his home. Visitation will be Thursday, September 26, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00PM at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held at Plymouth Congregational Church, 925 Vermont St., Lawrence, KS on Friday, September 27, 2013 at 11:00AM. Rev. Dr. Peter A. Luckey will officiate the service.

Born Philip Lee Pestinger, February 16, 1926 in Crisfield, KS to Fredrick and Myrtle (O’Leary) Pestinger. He attended Anthony High School where he played in every sport (football center & basketball guard) played in the band, participated in theater and was Senior Class President. Upon graduation he was drafted into the Army where he joined the 88th Chemical Company as a radio operator, discharged April 15, 1946.

Went on to college on a GI Bill: Phil had talked with “Phog” Allen to come and try out at KU. When he couldn’t find housing and couldn’t afford a motel room, he landed a basketball scholarship at Southwestern College where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Teacher’s education 1950. He went on to teach and coach at: Sawyer KS; Vermillion KS; Piper KS and ended up in Lawrence, KS, where he taught and was a counselor until his retirement in 1987. Phil worked on the Chain Crew at KU’s home football games for 31 years and was an avid golfer.

Married Rheta Kimball in 1954. Rheta passed away from breast cancer in 2001. He remarried in 2011 to Rosie Miller.

Phil is survived by his wife Rosie, two daughters Kim (Tracy Cook) Derby, KS. Joyce Marsh (Dave Droge) Princeton, KS.; son Jay (Sara Pestinger) Overland Park, KS. Six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and 3 step sons (all of Wichita).

Phil LOVED to dance and entertained many with his jitterbug!! Dad, we know you are dancing on God’s ballroom floor…… dance on and on!!!

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Plymouth Congregational Church.

Vernon F. Lytle

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Vernon F. Lytle was born in his grandparents’ house near Coldwater, Kan., on Christmas Eve 1915.

It was common in those days for young mothers to return to their mother’s homes for childbirth, and Vernon was a little Christmas gift to Marie (Lohrding) Lytle and Roy Lytle. He was their only son.

He grew up mostly in rural communities around Coldwater, including Buttermilk and Wilmore, and like his peers, was shaped by the economic hardships of the early 1930s.

He finished high school in Coldwater in 1933, helped by an aunt and uncle on his mother’s side.

In his late teens he met a pretty ranch girl named Juanita B. Pope. They were united in marriage on April 11, 1936, at the Comanche County Courthouse, with Marie Lytle as their witness. Vernon, who was 20, needed parental permission. Juanita, 19, did not. Their marriage lasted more than 67 years, until Juanita’s death on May 14, 2003.

They struggled to get a toehold in the world until Vernon’s aunt and uncle hired them to farm and ranch near Hardtner in Barber County. The job was perfect for a young couple who loved country life: Planting and harvesting crops, tending chickens, pigs and cattle. And they revered Vernon’s aunt and uncle – Pearl and Rink McCullough – for being their mentors.

Vernon and Juanita, who believed in thrift, self-reliance, modesty and reverence.

They bought and moved to a farm near Atlanta, Kan., in 1948. They sold it and moved to Winfield, Kan., in 1954. They spent much of their mid-life working for the State of Kansas at the Winfield State School, which then housed benign people with mental disabilities. In retirement, they lived on a few acres outside of Winfield, recreating their rural ideal.

Wherever they lived, family and church were their social circles. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows in church.

When Juanita became sick in 1996, they moved to Lawrence to be closer to their children for their final years. Vernon made his home with his daughter, Kay Jenista.

Vernon loved his family, homemade ice cream, heavenly hash, fried chicken, drives in the country and telling his stories.

Dad came from Puritan stock and he never betrayed those values, but he managed to soften them enough bring a sense of humor to this experience we call life. We are all richer for having been his children, his friend, his admirer. May he enjoy eternity with Juanita.

Vernon is survived by his sister, Marie (Bebe) Butler, Winfield, Ks., His four children, Vernon Wayne Lytle and wife Joanne, Smith Center; Kay Jenista, Lawrence; Donita Pearl Ingenthron and husband Gary, Meriden; and Arnold Rink Lytle and wife Jennifer, Fircrest, Wa. Vernon also leaves behind 8 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 21, 2013 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Interment will be at a later date at Mt. Calvary/Rose Hill Cemetery near Perry, Kansas.

A visitation with the family will be from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Friday, September 20, at the funeral home.

The family suggests memorial contributions to The American Heart Association or the charity of the donor’s choice, sent in care of the funeral home.

Thomas S. ‘Tom’ McGee

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Funeral services for Thomas S. ‘Tom’ McGee, 91, Eudora, will be at 10 am Monday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Eudora City Cemetery. Mr. McGee died Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013, at his home.

He was born Sept. 1, 1922, in Lawrence, the son of Nathan B. and Grace Johnson McGee. He served in the United States Army during World War II in North Africa and Italy, and attained the rank of Technical Sergeant. Tom was employed by Douglas County as a surveyor for 43 years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He married Virginia Lee Austill on June 6, 1942, in Lawrence. She survives of the home. Other survivors include a son, Michael McGee, Baldwin City; two daughters, Carol Roper Clark, Mountain View, Ark., and Roma Tesch and husband Jim, Overbrook; a sister-in-law, Frieda McGee, Eudora; 8 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Vernon McGee and Nathan McGee, and a sister, Lois Moorman.

Friends may pay their respects from noon to 8 pm Sunday at the funeral home, where the family will receive them from 3-4 pm. The family suggests memorial contributions to Visiting Nurses, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

The family wishes to extend its gratitude to Visiting Nurses Hospice Program for their support in Tom’s final days.

Edith Evelyn Kincaid

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Edith Evelyn Kincaid, 90, passed away on Monday, September 9, 2013. She was born on August 22, 1923 in Long Branch, West Virginia, a small town nestled in a valley between two mountains to Clint and Ethel Lively.

Edith grew up in Long Branch and graduated from High School in 1942. In the fall of that year she enrolled in Raleigh General Hospital School of Nursing in Beckley, West Virginia. While she was in nursing school she met Harold and on July 1, 1945 they were married. Shortly thereafter they moved to Biloxi, Mississippi while Harold was stationed at Kessler Air Force Base. When Harold was discharged in March 1946 they returned to West Virginia where she gave birth to their first child, Regenia. In 1950 Harold was recalled to active duty with the U.S. Air Force. Mother and daughter traveled to England by boat in 1951 to join Harold during his service. While living in England Edith gave birth to their second child, Victoria. Since the military hospital there did not deliver babies, Edith had to travel alone to Burtonwood Royal Air Force Base to give birth. Harold was then transferred back to Biloxi as an Avionics instructor. During their stay in Biloxi she gave birth to their third child, Patrica. A big change was in the future as soon Harold was sent to Ashiya, Japan. Edith and the girls came later by air and lived in a home Harold bought from a captain in the service. They lived there for just a few months and then went to live in Tachikawa, Japan, near Tokyo. During that time, she gave birth to their fourth child, Rebekah. It wasn’t the end of traveling yet since Harold was again transferred this time to New York. Their only son and last child Stephen was born on a bitterly cold day in January. After only a few months the family moved to Kansas where Harold was assigned to Forbes Air Force Base before retiring in 1970. In May 1971 Edith returned to her nursing career and started working in the Obstetric Department and in 1980 she became the Clinical Care Coordinator. Edith loved to assist in delivering babies. She retired from nursing in 1986.

In addition to her nursing career, Edith enjoyed sewing, cooking and reading. She had tireless energy for her home and her children. She was a member of the Church of Christ and a devout Christian. She taught Bible class and VBS for many years to children of all ages. She also volunteered at LINK for thirteen years and was involved in the Calling and Caring ministry.

Edith is preceded in death by her husband Harold of 68 years. Edith is survived by her five children, Regenia, Victoria, Patrica, Rebekah and Stephen, eleven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren along with four of her five siblings which include two sisters and two brothers.

A visitation will be held at the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home on Thursday, September 12, 2013 from 6 to 8 pm.

A memorial service will be held at the Southside Church of Christ at 2 pm on Friday, September 13, 2013. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Flowers are welcomed or in lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the Palliative Care Unit, c/o Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association or the Lewy Body Dementia Association.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Visiting Nurses Hospice Program and Palliative Care Unit for their support in her final days.

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

Larry Morris Parkin

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Larry Morris Parkin of Baldwin City, KS, passed away on Sept. 10, 2013. Larry was born on Sept. 21, 1934, in Creston, Iowa, to Lyle and Florence (Morris) Parkin. He graduated from high school in Grand Island, NE in 1952. He attended Baker University, where he met his wife Kay and graduated in 1956. He also attended Harvard University’s Advanced Management Program in 1985-86.

Larry was employed by S.S. Kresge Corp. in Sept. 1956 as a management trainee. He retired from K-Mart Corp. in Jan. 1991 as Executive Vice President and member of the Board of Directors.

Larry and Kay moved to rural Baldwin City, KS, in February, 1991. Along with his daughter Peggy he raised Haflinger horses. The family enjoyed raising and showing the horses for many years.

He served as a Trustee at Baker University from 1989-97 and from 2007 to present. He was Chairman of the Board from 1993-95.

He leaves his wife, Kay of 58 years, daughters Karin Bettis and husband Mike, Baldwin City, KS, Peggy Keller and husband Matt, Baldwin City, KS; three grand children, Christopher Bettis, Norfolk, VA, Caroline Bettis, Des Moines, IA and Radie Keller, Baldwin City, KS; and his younger brother Lou Parkin and his wife Deane of Overland Park, KS, and many friends and colleagues.

The family suggests memorial donations be made to the “Kay Norton Parkin and Larry M. Parkin Endowed Scholarship” at Baker University, PO Box 65, Baldwin City, KS 66006 or the Lawrence Humane Society.

Services will be held at Rice Auditorium on the campus of Baker University on Tuesday, Sept, 17, 2013, at 2 pm.

Helen E. Whitworth

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Graveside service for Helen E. Whitworth, 92, Lawrence, will be 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013, at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Mrs. Whitworth passed away Saturday, September 8, 2013, at Brandon Woods at Alvamar in Lawrence.

She was born Oct. 5, 1920, in LaHarpe, KS, the daughter of Claude and Elva Marple. She was a school teacher in Humboldt school district, secretary for Monarch Cement Company, and a businesswoman who owned and operated Crane’s Dress Shop and the Dandelion Flower Shop in Iola in the 1960’s and 70’s.

During her life she enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing, playing golf, and being with her family and friends. She was an accomplished violin player, loved animals, fast cars and a good poker game. In her latter years when not traveling, she enjoyed watching her grandchildren play sports at both the high school and college levels.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Juanita (Ludke) and Esther (Williams), her two brothers Claude (Bud) and James Marple; and three husbands; Claude Crane of Humboldt, Dave Conderman of Iola, and Paul Whitworth of Chanute.

Survivors include two sons and daughter-in-laws, Dr. John Crane and Sherry of Overland Park and Colonel (retired) Craig Crane and Jeryl of Lawrence; a sister Jean Lind of Hutchinson; six grandchildren (Jeremy, Melody Dolloff, Charity Gray, Casey, Christyn Haberly and Joseph), and eleven great grandchildren.

The family suggests memorials made to the Lawrence Humane Society sent in care of the funeral home.