Category: Obituaries

Sherman Eugene Tolbert

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Funeral services for Sherman Eugene Tolbert (Sly-Dog, Chess Master), 59, Lawrence, will be 1 p.m. Saturday, February 2, 2013 at Ninth Street Baptist Church in Lawrence.

Mr. Tolbert passed away January 22, 2013 after a long struggle from medical issues.

He was born November 24, 1953 in Lawrence, Kansas, to Gilbert Wesley Tolbert, Jr. and Edna Mae Logan-Rice. He attended Lawrence High School, and received his GED sometime later. He then graduated from technical school.

Mr. Tolbert lived in California, to work as a printer, serving the homeless and preached at Solano Community Crisis Center. He served at the Salvation Army and spoke at the Douglas County Jail, to inmates to let them know that they too can change their lives and that it is never too late. He was called the Chess Master and played Chess at 10th and Massachusetts.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert Tolbert, Jr. and Edna Mae Logan Rice.

Mr. Tolbert leaves to survive him, two children, Tammara Tolbert of Kansas City, Kansas, Dominick Harrell of Kansas City, Kansas; step-father, Spencer Rice of Vallejo, California; brother, Jimmie Tolbert of Topeka, Kansas; a stepbrother, Ronnie Lee of Lawrence, Kansas; a sister, Catherine Tolbert-Gladney of Sikeston, Missouri; two stepsisters, Kay Nash of Lawrence, Kansas and Troi Daniels of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; three grandchildren, Jordan, Jishaun, Jay`Ana Tolbert; three nieces, Marquita, Marqwuesa, and LaShawndra; three nephews, Brent, Tyronne, and Justin; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Sherman Tolbert Memorial Fund, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Estelle Mae Toman Lipscomb

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Mrs. Estelle Mae Toman Lipscomb, 97, a resident of Lawrence for the past several years, and formerly of Sunnyside Presbyterian Retirement Community in Harrisonburg, Virginia, died Monday, January 21, 2013 at her son’s home.

Funeral services will be held 2pm Friday, January 25, 2013 in the chapel of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Entombment will occur at Augusta Memorial Park in Waynesboro, Virginia.

A daughter of the late Robert Walker Toman and Betty Grace Reid Toman, she was born on January 25, 1915, in Rockbridge County, Virginia. She lived the majority of her life in Waynesboro, Virginia.

Mrs. Lipscomb was a homemaker. She was a lifetime member of Shenandoah Valley Garden Club, and a member of First Presbyterian Church in Waynesboro where she was former Elder, a life member of Women of the Church, and a Sunday school teacher for a number of years. She was also a former member of Waynesboro Woman’s Club.

On June 18, 1938 she married Richard Henry Lipscomb, Sr. at the Tinkling Springs Church in Fishersville, Virginia. He preceded her in death on August 23, 1982, after celebrating 43 years together.

Survivors include son, Richard H. Lipscomb, Jr. and wife Sallie of Lawrence; grandchildren, Sallie Lipscomb and Jerry Knetzke of Ozark, Missouri, Rick Lipscomb of Noblesville, Indiana, Mary C. Lipscomb and Kevin Clark of Lees Summit, Missouri; five great-grandchildren; one sister, Irene Wiseman of Harrisonburg, Virginia.

She was preceded in death by her husband, and daughter, Mary Taylor Lipscomb Garrity.

Friends may call from 9am to 2pm Friday at the funeral home.

The family suggests memorials to Sunnyside Presbyterian Retirement Community, First Presbyterian Church of Waynesboro, or the charity of donor’s choice, in care of, Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Deborah Sue “Debbie” Boehle

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A Celebration of Life visitation for Deborah Sue ‘Debbie” Boehle, 60, Baldwin City, will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory.

Debbie passed away Friday, Jan. 18, 2013, at her home, following a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born Nov. 26, 1952, in Big Spring, Tex., the daughter of Richard Paul and DeLoris Mae Weeks Hunt. She graduated from Lawrence High School.

Debbie worked as a toll collector for the Kansas Turnpike Authority for many years. She enjoyed bowling, baseball, and watching her grandkids play sports.

She married William A. ‘Bill’ Boehle on Jan. 11, 2001, in Eudora. He survives of the home. Other survivors include a son, Shaun Tate and wife Beth, Aledo, Tex.; a daughter, Danielle Emanuel and husband Drew, Omaha, Neb.; a step son, Larry Foland and wife Wendy, Olathe; her mother, DeLoris Gordon, Lawrence; a brother, Rick Hunt and wife Marty, Mauldin, S.C.; two sisters, Patty Faulkner and husband Len, Albuquerque, and Cyndi Rodriguez and husband Stan, Topeka; and six grandchildren, Roch Emanuel, Nate Tate, Marissa Robinson, Miranda Robinson, Emma Foland, and Kaylor Cruz.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

Deborah Sue “Debbie” Boehle

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A Celebration of Life visitation for Deborah Sue ‘Debbie” Boehle, 60, Baldwin City, will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory.

Debbie passed away Friday, Jan. 18, 2013, at her home, following a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born Nov. 26, 1952, in Big Spring, Tex., the daughter of Richard Paul and DeLoris Mae Weeks Hunt. She graduated from Lawrence High School.

Debbie worked as a toll collector for the Kansas Turnpike Authority for many years. She enjoyed bowling, baseball, and watching her grandkids play sports.

She married William A. ‘Bill’ Boehle on Jan. 11, 2001, in Eudora. He survives of the home. Other survivors include a son, Shaun Tate and wife Beth, Aledo, Tex.; a daughter, Danielle Emanuel and husband Drew, Omaha, Neb.; a step son, Larry Foland and wife Wendy, Olathe; her mother, DeLoris Gordon, Lawrence; a brother, Rick Hunt and wife Marty, Mauldin, S.C.; two sisters, Patty Faulkner and husband Len, Albuquerque, and Cyndi Rodriguez and husband Stan, Topeka; and six grandchildren, Roch Emanuel, Nate Tate, Marissa Robinson, Miranda Robinson, Emma Foland, and Kaylor Cruz.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.

Madison Allen “Al” Self

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Funeral services for Madison Allen “Al” Self, 91, Hinsdale, Ill., will be 10:00 am. Saturday, January 26, 2013, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. A brunch in Al’s memory will follow the graveside service at Spooner Hall, 1340 Jayhawk Blvd. on the University of Kansas Campus.

A Memorial service will be held Saturday, February 2, 2013, at 11:00 am. at Christ Church of Oak Brook, 501 Oak Brook Road, Oak Brook, Ill. 60523, (630) 654-1882.

Al died Sunday, January 13, 2013, at King Bruwaert House, Burr Ridge, Ill.

Mr. Self was commonly known as “Al” by his friends and business associates, except for his Self family relatives who have remained loyal to his boyhood nickname, Matt.

Al was born June 30, 1921 in Ozawkie, Kansas, the son of Benjamin B. and Margaret Allen Self. He spent his boyhood years on the family farm and attended a one-room grade school nearby. He attended high school in Meriden, Kansas and on graduation in 1939 served as class valedictorian. He graduated from The University of Kansas in 1943 with a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering. Al met his wife, Lila (nee Reetz), in college. They were married soon after his graduation and celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary last September, She survives of the home.

In 1947, Al co-founded Bee Chemical Company in Chicago and served as the company’s CEO over a 37 year period (prior to its sale to Morton Thiokol in 1985). Bee Chemical Company grew from a staff of 3 people to a sizable company with several manufacturing locations in the US and international operations in Japan, Canada and England. Bee Chemical became a leader in developing and supplying polymer coatings and transfer finishes designed for application on plastics for automotive and numerous other industrial uses.

After the sale of Bee, Al founded Allen Financial, Inc. and served as President until his death. In 1989, he joined with three associates and founded and served as Chairman and CEO of Tioga International, Inc., a diversified research and development company that supplied industrial sealants, plastic extrusions and related products for numerous industrial uses. Tioga International was sold in 1999.

Al is a past International President of the Young Presidents’ Organization, has served as Chairman of the Chief Executives Organization and was a founding member of the World Presidents Organization – professional associations that provide their members with opportunities for education and idea exchange.

He is a past Director of the Illinois Manufacturers Association. He is a past President of the National hearing Association. He is a Life Trustee and Regent of the Illinois Institute of Technology.

Al has maintained a lifelong interest in education and leadership development. Al and Lila created and provided endowed funding to support two leadership fellowship programs at their Alma Mater, the University of Kansas; the Madison and Lila Self Graduate Fellowship Program for doctoral students, and The SELF Engineering Leadership Fellows Program at the School of Engineering for undergraduate students. They also initiated and provided endowed funding to establish the Leadership Academy at the Illinois Institute of Technology for undergraduate students.

Al was awarded a Distinguished Service Citation by the University of Kansas and the KU Alumni Association, the university’s highest honor. He also received the Distinguished Engineering Service Award from the School of Engineering at KU. In 2010, Al was recognized as a Life Trustee of the KU Endowment Association.

Al received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters and Science from the Illinois Institute of Technology. He served as a trustee or a life trustee for many years and has served as a Regent of the Illinois Institute of Technology. In 2007, Al was presented the first annual “Al Self Award” by the Chicago Chapter of World Presidents’ Organization for lifetime contributions and achievements.

Al spent most of his working years living in the Chicago area since 1947 and resided in Hinsdale since 1966.

Al is preceded in death by his son, Murray. Al is survived by his loving wife, Lila, his daughter-in-law, Anne (Mueller), two grandsons; Milo and Aran.

Earl Wilbur Goodrich

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Funeral service for Earl W. Goodrich, 71, Lawrence, will be 2 pm Saturday January 19, 2013, at Calvary Temple Assembly of God Church.

Mr. Goodrich passed away on Tuesday January 15, 2013, at his daughter’s home.

He was born February 4, 1941, in rural Clinton MO, the son of Frank and Ruth Greeson Goodrich. He graduated high school at Clinton High in 1961. He later attended college to become a Mechanical Designer.

Mr. Goodrich served in the U.S. Navy in 1958. After his tour he returned to Clinton, MO to work with his father.

He Married Dorothy Martin on November 24, 1967. She preceded him in death on January 22, 2012.

Survivors include one son, Earl Goodrich and wife Laura, South Africa; three daughters, Felicia Thornhill and husband Jim, Belton MO., Patricia Cole and husband Jim, Lawrence, and Penny Goodrich, Lawrence.; eight grandchildren; two brothers, James Goodrich, Liberty MO., Frank Goodrich, Breman, TX.; one sister Mary Johnson, Bolivar, MO. He was preceded in death by his brother Clarence Goodrich and his sister Frances Anders.

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

The family suggests memorials made to the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, sent in care of the funeral home.

Bessie Fay Foster

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Graveside service for Bessie Fay Foster, 55, Lawrence, will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 22, 2013, at Maple Grove Cemetery, Lecompton.

Mrs. Foster died Tuesday January 15, 2013 at her home.

She was born April 26, 1957, in Lawrence, the daughter of Floyd and Lottie Lotridge Rist. She graduated from High school at Lawrence High in 1975.

Bessie married Warren Foster on May 16, 1993, they later divorced.

Survivors include two daughters; Kristina and Kaitlyn Foster, Lawrence, her mother; Lottie Rist, Lawrence, two brothers; John and wife Terrie Rist, Surprise AZ, Richard and Janene Rist, Lawrence, Nieces and Nephew; Lauren Rist, Surprise, AZ, Jacob and wife Deni Barnes, Lawrence. Many Aunts and Uncles, Cousins and Friends, and can’t forget Kitty.

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

The family suggests memorials to the Bessie Fay Foster memorial fund, sent in care of the funeral home.

Barbara A. “Granny” Wiggins

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Funeral Services for Barbara A. “Granny” Wiggins, 76, Lawrence, will be 2pm Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Reverend Rod Henkle will officiate.

Mrs. Wiggins died Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at her home.

She was born March 6, 1936 in Lawrence the daughter of Richard and Theda L. Oaks Higgins.

Mrs. Wiggins was born and raised in Lawrence, where she attended public schools. She worked for Sunflower Food Service at Lawrence School District 497 for many years.

She married James R. Wiggins, Sr. November 13, 1950 in Olathe. He died December 30, 1993.

Survivors include sons, James R. Wiggins, Jr. and wife Dianna, Roger A. Wiggins and wife Linda; daughters, Debra L. Muncy and husband Dirk, Nancy J. Oshel and husband Earnie, and Elizabeth A. Cross all of Lawrence; brothers, Donald “Red” Higgins of Williamstown, David Higgins of Lawrence, Darrell Higgins of Eudora; sisters, Betty Roberts of Silverton, OR, Shirley Freeman of Gervais, OR, and Sylvia Bigsby of Lawrence; 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband; a son, Michael George Wiggins, May 4, 1990; and a brother Charles Higgins.

Friends may call from noon to 8pm. Sunday at the funeral home, where the family will receive them from 5 to 6:30pm Sunday.

The family suggests memorials to the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Irene Rose

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Memorial services for Maggie Irene Rose, 97, who passed away on January 13, 2013, will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Lawrence, on Tuesday, January 22 at 2 p.m.

Irene was born July 21, 1915, in rural Cowley County, Kansas, the second of three children of Frank F. Vollweider and Nellie Parker Vollweider. She was the granddaughter of Civil War veteran James Marion Parker, 7th Indiana Cavalry, and Jacob Friedrich Vollweider, who immigrated from Baden, Germany, in 1883; both grandfathers were Kansas farmers. Mrs. Rose attended Kellog rural school, Winfield High School, Southwestern College in Winfield, and Kansas State University. She received a B.A. in Education from the University of Kansas in 1960. Before her marriage, she taught for two years in a one-room rural schoolhouse in Cowley County, and later at McAllister School in Lawrence.

Irene married Kenneth E. Rose of Winfield on October 21, 1939. Ken and Irene were both valedictorians of their 1933 graduating class at Winfield High School and each received the American Legion citizenship award that year. They lived in Peoria, Illinois; Buffalo, and Ithaca, New York; Columbus, Ohio, and Norman Oklahoma, before settling in Lawrence in 1947, where Ken was a professor of engineering at the University of Kansas. They also lived for three years in Lima, Peru. Over the years they traveled to all 50 states and 31 foreign countries, especially enjoying the years after Ken’s retirement. After Kenneth’s death in October, 1994, Irene remained active and independent, living in her own home until her last few days. She was an avid reader, kept up with the news and KU basketball, and followed with great interest and affection the lives of family and friends.

Irene was a member of the First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Zodiac Club, the University Women’s Club, Spanish Play Readers, the KU Alumni Association, and the Paul Endacott Society. She volunteered for various organizations including the Spencer Art Museum, Meals on Wheels, Audio Readers, and Watkins Historical Museum.

She is survived by a son, Frederick A. Rose and wife Mary Ellen of Overland Park, and a daughter, Carol C. Rose and husband Scott Campbell of Lawrence; grandchildren Alan Rose of Overland Park, Charles Rose of Boston, Massachusetts, Amanda Rose Miller of Olathe, Hernan Lopez and wife Adriana of San Diego, California, and Roberto Lopez and wife Jean Yancey of Panama City, Panama; and five great-grandchildren–Marlee Miller, Sebastian and Sofia Lopez, and Isley and Eva Lopez. Among the many who will miss her are several former KU international students whom she “adopted” and have stayed in touch with her for over 40 years.

Private interment will be at Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Cowley County, Vernon Township on Saturday, January 19.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Friends of Hidden Valley, Inc., or Kansas Advocates for Better Care, sent in care of the funeral home.

Beverly A. Garcia

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Funeral Mass for Beverly A. Garcia, 63, Lawrence, Kan., will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Ordway, Colo. Burial will follow in Valley View Cemetery, Ordway. Mrs. Garcia died Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013, at her home in Lawrence, Kan.

She was born Apr. 10, 1949, in rural Ordway, the daughter of Miguel and Victoria Gonzales. She was a Nurse’s Aide and CMA at various Lawrence nursing homes, including Sterling Heights, The Windsor, and Presbyterian Manor, and also worked at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

She married Ramon A. Garcia on Oct. 2, 1965, in Tribune, Kan. He survives of the home. Other survivors include four children, Ramon F. Garcia, Lawrence, Terry M. Garcia and wife Erica, Cedar Park, Tex., Kerry McDaniel and husband Rob, Redmond, Wash., and Tracy Claycamp and husband Doug, Lawrence; six siblings, Rudy Gonzales and wife Debbie, Abilene, Tex., Richard Gonzales and wife Linda, Denver, Sam Gonzales, Denver, Arthur Gonzales, Leoti, Kan., Betty Ramirez and husband Junior, Roma, Tex., and Gloria Vega and husband Jose, Liberal, Kan.; and two grandchildren, Ryan Claycamp and William Garcia.