Category: Obituaries

Robert W. Ridgway

Posted on by RumseyYost

A celebration of life for Robert W. Ridgway, 89, Lawrence, will be at 11:00 AM Wednesday at Presbyterian Manor, 1429 Kasold Drive in Lawrence. The service will be preceded by visitation with the family beginning at 10:00 AM.

Dr. Ridgway died Monday, March 11, 2013 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

Bob was born December 19, 1923 in Emporia, Kansas. He graduated from Baldwin High School in 1941 and earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Baker University in Baldwin. He moved with his family to Lawrence in 1953, where he earned Master’s and Doctorate Degrees in Education from the University of Kansas.

Dr. Ridgway served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was awarded a Purple Heart after suffering an injury during the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium.

He married Evelyn Warner on June 7, 1944 in Baldwin. Bob and Evelyn raised their four children to adulthood before she preceded him in death. He married Mary K Palmquist on April 1, 1983. She survives of the home.

Other survivors and their spouses are Susie and Dale Deere, Lake Waukomis, Missouri; Steve and Emily Ridgway, Palo Alto, California; Cathy and Dick Johnson, Leawood, Kansas; Dave and Dagmar Ridgway, Branford, Connecticut; and seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and three stepchildren.
The family suggests memorials to the Presbyterian Manor, Good Samaritan Fund, Lawrence.

Harry Thomas Bennett

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No services are planned for Harry Thomas Bennett, 82, of Lawrence.

Mr. Bennett died Monday, March 11, 2013, at his home.

He was born March 27, 1930, in Kansas City, Missouri, the youngest of seven children to Frank and Christine Clancy Bennett. He graduated high school in Kansas City. He moved to Lawrence in 1962.

Mr. Bennett served in the U.S. Navy during Korea and was self employed in the lawn care industry. Harry enjoyed sailing, working in his yard, playing with his dog, and having coffee with his friends.

He married Elizabeth Louise Lazenby on June 16, 1962 in Kansas City, Missouri. She preceded him in death.

Survivors include a son Darrell Bennett of Leawood, Kansas; a daughter, Cheryl Lincoln of Lawrence; 5 grandchildren; and 6 great grandchildren.

Murlin G. Heffner

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Graveside services for Murlin G. Heffner, 75, rural Lawrence, will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Worden Cemetery, with Pastor Bud Tuxhorn officiating. Mr. Heffner died Monday, Mar. 11, 2013, at Brandon Woods at Alvamar.

He was born Apr. 30, 1937, in rural Baldwin City, the son of Arlie A. and Laverna L. Price Heffner. He graduated from Overbrook High School. He was a painter for Kansas University Facilities & Operations, retiring in 1999 after 33 years of service. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Murlin married Neota ‘Dutch’ Kelch on Mar. 17, 1961, in Lawrence. She survives of the home. Other survivors include two daughters, Cheryl Kellison and husband Brian, and Stephanie Rodman and husband Todd, all of Lawrence; a brother, Leonard Heffner and wife Roxy, Baldwin City; four grandchildren, Joshua Kellison, Kara Blackwell, and Emilie and Conray Rodman; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, where the family will receive them from 5-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Lawrence Humane Society, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

Evan Vernon

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Evan Vernon, 77, passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2013 at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor. He was born June 26, 1935 in Oberlin, Kansas, the son of Cloyce and Nettie Leake Vernon. He graduated from Decatur Community High School in Oberlin in 1953, and earned a bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays State University. He served three years in the Army, 27 months of which was in Germany. He was employed by Kansas University Continuing Education for 14 years. For most of that time he was manager of the KU Extension Center in Colby, which served 19 counties. He later was employed by the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs as director of the Colby office for 12 years and the Lawrence office for 5 years.

He married Carol Ann Anderson on August 8, 1964. She survives of the home. Other survivors include a son, Gary of Lawrence, a daughter Pam Waldren and husband Garry of Salina. Evan was a loving husband and father and will be greatly missed.

There will be no service in Lawrence. Private inurnment will be in Oberlin, Kansas.

The family suggests memorials to the Douglas County Visiting Nurses Hospice or the Lawrence Humane Society sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, PO Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Charlet V. Bryan

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Graveside services for Charlet V. Bryan, 78, Lawrence, will be 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at Memorial Park Cemetery. Pastor Brad Wheeler will officiate.

Mrs. Bryan died Sunday, March 10, 2013 at Kansas City Hospice House.

She was born August 19, 1934 in Rayborn, Missouri, the daughter of Andrew E. and Lydia F. Riley Lathrom.

Mrs. Bryan worked in food service for the Lawrence School District. She enjoyed fishing, bowling, and spending time with her family.

She married William D. Bryan, March 18, 1951 in Arkansas. He died in 1987.

Survivors include a daughter, Linda May and husband Mark of Mission, KS; sister, Fern Spanier and husband Bob of Atchison, KS; brother-in-law, Calvin Bryan of Lawrence, KS; grandchildren, Brian Holladay and wife Sandy of Kansas City, KS, Brandon Holladay and wife Katie of Wellsville, KS, Brent Holladay and wife Casey of Basehor, KS, Brenna Hewins and husband Matt of Flower Mound, TX, Chase Bryan and wife Ashley of Wichita, KS; 7 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a son, Donald E. Bryan; 4 brothers; and 4 sisters.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

The family suggests memorials to Lawrence Senior Wheels, sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Charles A. “Charlie” Mills

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Funeral services for Charles A. ‘Charlie’ Mills, 78, Lawrence, will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Clinton Presbyterian Church, with Pastor Pat Yancey officiating. Burial will follow in Clinton Cemetery. Charlie died Thursday, Mar. 7, 2013, at his home.

He was born Nov. 21, 1934, in Mayview, Mo., the son of Charles J. and Mary E. Everhart Mills. He attended school in Higginsville, MO, and Lawrence. He worked at Kaw Motors for ten years, owned and operated Mills Auto Salvage for over 30 years, and later owned and operated Mills Auto Center in North Lawrence. He was a member of North Lawrence Christian Church, and attended Clinton Presbyterian Church. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #6, Lawrence, and a past member of two square dance clubs. Charlie enjoyed cars, working on tractors, casino trips, and spending time with his children, grandkids and great grandkids.

He married Janet I. Hodges on Apr. 19, 1954, in Oskaloosa, they would celebrate 59 years of marriage next month. She survives of the home. Other survivors include two daughters, Debra Shafer and husband Harry, and Mary Ann Wieneman and husband Richard, all of Lawrence; a brother, John Mills and wife Susan, Wildomar, Calif.; a sister, Gweneth Emerick, Ava, Mo.; two grandsons, Jason and Christopher Shafer; seven great grandchildren, Charlie, Mckensie, Carter, Dallas, and Brianna Shafer, Jessica Church; a step great grandson, Jaden Rawlings; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends may call from 3-8 p.m. Sunday, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the church following the burial. Memorial contributions are suggested to Clinton Presbyterian Church, or North Lawrence Christian Church, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

M. Doyle Bontrager

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M. Doyle Bontrager, 76, Prairie Village, Kan., passed away peacefully on March 3, 2013, at Hickory Pointe Care & Rehab in Oskaloosa.

Visitation will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 2 p.m. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Doyle was born October 2, 1936, to Simon J. and Clara Elizabeth Schrock Bontrager in South Hutchinson, Kan. He graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1954. He graduated from the University of Kansas with a B.S. degree in Industrial Management in 1959. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1954 until 1962.

Doyle attended St. Paul Episcopal Church in Kansas City, Kan. from 1962-86. and served as a vestry member and treasurer. He later attended St. Michael’s in Prairie Village and Trinity Episcopal in Lawrence. He was an Industrial Engineer for Ford Motor Co. in Claycomo, Mo. in 1959, and also for Bendix Corporation from 1960-64. From 1964 until his retirement in 2003 from American Airlines, he was a management employee for Trans World Airlines.

He was married 20 years to Helen Holmes, and eight years to Ann Holmes Parker, with whom he loved to travel, dance, and enjoy KU alumni events. He is survived by a daughter, Julia Alexis Jacobs, son-in-law Randy Jacobs, granddaughter Rebecca Jacobs, and grandson Justin Jacobs, Tonganoxie; a son, Alex Bontrager, Phoenix, and his daughter Kennedy and son Hugh, Long Beach, N.Y.; two brothers, Bill Bontrager and wife Mary, Des Moines, and Dean Bontrager, Hutchinson; and seven nephews.

Donations in his memory may be made to St. Michael’s Church in Prairie Village or Trinity Episcopal Church in Lawrence, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

Dorothy Jean (Trovillion) Moon

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Graveside services for Dorothy Jean Trovillion Moon will be at 2PM Friday, March 8, 2013 at Memorial Park Cemetery in Lawrence, with the Rev. Dr. Tom Brady officiating. Dorothy passed peacefully on Saturday, March 2, 2013 at her home. Dorothy was born February 6, 1932 in Lawrence, Kansas, the daughter of John (Lonnie) and Mayme A. Trovillion.

Dorothy graduated from the School of Education at the University of Kansas. She was employed by the Lawrence School District for many years and taught in the Shawnee Heights School District, retiring in 1993.

Dorothy was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the Autumn Club, Douglas County Association of Retired School Personnel and a ladies club composed of Lawrence High School (1950) graduates, known as the “Been There, Done That” club.

Dorothy married Duane R. Moon on August 5, 1950 in Lawrence, Kansas. He survives of the home. Other survivors include two daughters: Linda Young (Jim) and Brenda Hardtarfer (Dan); one son, Duane [Randy] Moon (Raelynn), all of Lawrence; six grandchildren: Jeremy Young, Randi Harms, Cody Young, Brandon Hardtarfer, Jaymie Hardtarfer and Baylie Moon; two great-grandchildren; two sisters: Jeri Hammig, Overland Park, Kansas and Darlene Pennock, Gardner, Kansas; brother-in-law, Rev. Robert Hopkins of Bloomfield, Nebraska; and many nieces and nephews. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and a sister.

Dorothy enjoyed traveling with Duane in their motorhome, Jayhawk football & basketball, and especially her grandchildren.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, memorials to Lawrence VNA Hospice or Lawrence Oncology Center at LMH in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044. Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.

Becky Isaac

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Becky Isaac, 64, lost her valiant battle against pancreatic cancer at her home in Overland Park March 1st with family by her side. Becky was born in Lawrence, Kansas, August 18th, 1948, the daughter of Kathryn and Howard Heck. She attended Lawrence High School (class ’66), Emporia State University and Crum’s Beauty School in Manhattan¸ KS.

Becky is survived by her husband Larry Isaac, daughters Kristi Stallings and husband Wayne, Ottawa and Kelli Curry and husband Shane of Oskaloosa, her sister Sherry Nelson and husband David of Lawrence, brother Fred Heck of Ottawa, and her three beloved grandchildren Regan, Reese and Colton Curry. She is also survived by stepchildren, Todd and Natalie Isaac of Lawrence. She was preceded in death by her parents Howard and Kathryn Heck.

Becky married Richard Boehringer, the father of her daughters in 1967. She then married Larry Isaac. For 35 years Larry loved and cared for Becky and her family.

Becky owned and operated Becky’s Salon and Day Spa in Lawrence for 25 years. After selling the spa, Becky and Larry retired in Overland Park, KS to be near grandchildren. While in Overland Park, Becky managed Quinn’s Medical Day Spa for several years. Becky’s vibrant personality and presence will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Visitation will be at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 5th from 5-7pm.

A funeral service will be held 10 am Wednesday, March 6, at Lawrence Free Methodist Church. Family and friends will meet after the service at Lawrence Country Club to celebrate Becky’s life. (Lunch will be provided).

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to COF Training Services in Ottawa, Kansas in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Mickey Hermreck

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Funeral services for Mildred ‘Mickey’ Finch Hermreck, 85, Lawrence, will be at 10 a.m. Friday at First Baptist Church in Lawrence, with the Rev. Matt Sturtevant officiating. Private burial will be at Highland Cemetery, Ottawa. Mrs. Hermreck died Tue., Feb. 26, 2013, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

She was born May 24, 1927, in DeSoto, Kansas, the daughter of Harley and Nina Beach Finch. She graduated from Rantoul High School, and later earned bachelors degrees from Ottawa University and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Kansas. She also held a real estate broker’s license from the GRI. She taught elementary school in Ottawa and Garnett, and owned the Gambles store in Osawatomie from 1971-76. She moved to Lawrence in 1978, and was a member of the First Baptist Church and its Mary Circle, P.E.O. Chapter GQ, Red Hat Ladies, Ventura Club, Welcome Club, and six bridge clubs. In previous years, she had also been a member and president of numerous organizations, including the PTA, AAUW, BPW, and served on the Election Board.

She married Fredrick Hermreck on Apr. 16, 1949, in Ottawa. They shared 53 happy years of marriage. He preceded her in death on Sept. 11, 2002.

Survivors include a son David Hermreck and wife Sharon, Germantown, Md.; two daughters, Marsha Hermreck, Lawrence, and Michelle Gray, Ottawa; two sisters, Shirley Daney, Albuquerque, and Beverly Bolger and husband Dick, St. Charles, Illinois; three brothers-in-law, Larry Hermreck and wife Almeda, Vero Beach, Fla., and Richard Roeckers and wife Shirley, and Henry Roeckers and wife Kay, all of Garnett; two sisters-in-law, Roberta Boyer and husband Eddie, Lawrence, and Barbara Burwell and husband Glen, Manhattan; and three grandchildren, PFC Nicholas Hermreck, Ft. Hood, Tex., Jordan Gray, Lawrence, and Mark Hermreck, Germantown, Md.

Friends may call from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

The family suggests memorial contributions to First Baptist Church, or Boy Scout Troop 74 in Ottawa, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.