Vonda Louise (Kershner) Mears, 70, Lawrence, passed away Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012, at her home leaving a legacy of compassion, love and an enjoyment for life. Her words of wisdom and supportive guidance will be passed on for many generations through all the lives she touched.
She was born June 2, 1941, in Amsterdam, Mo., to Boyd M. and Veta V. Vannoy Kershner. She graduated high school in Amsterdam in 1959, and married Claude Alfred Mears, Jr. on June 13, 1959, in Miami, Okla. They moved to Kansas City, Mo., in 1961 where they had Dennis Boyd Mears, the first of their two children. They moved to Topeka in 1968, where they had Denise Louise (Mears) Gibson. The family moved to Hiawatha in 1969 and operated a grocery store in Robinson. Mr. and Mrs. Mears moved to Lawrence in 1996. Mrs. Mears was an associate at Walmart for 25 years, and retired in 2010.
Children played a large role in her life. She spent her retirement volunteering for the Kansas Family Advisory Network and also at The Shelter, Inc., to support local foster care and adoptive programs. She also enjoyed crocheting, traveling, and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. It was very common to see her at her family and loved one’s side. She often would travel on business and trips with her daughter, granddaughter and friends. Many of these trips ended in surprise and adventure because she would quietly plan an activity that imprinted memories, leaving great stories to share with others. One of her favorite pastimes was to attend school functions such as band and choir concerts. It was during this time that she would cheer as a proud grandmother does for all of her “adopted grandkids.” While at Walmart, Mrs. Mears organized the annual Children’s Miracle Network fundraising efforts. She earned recognition from CMN for her donated time and passion.
She was preceded in death by her husband on July 1, 2006. She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Jim and Bob Kershner, and Boyd Jr., as well as infant great-grandsons Gavin and Gabriel.
Survivors include a son, Dennis Mears and wife Melanie, Robinson, Kan.; a daughter, Denise Gibson and husband Bruce, Lawrence; six grandchildren, Chad, Amanda, Ryan, Kelly, Kyle, and Kaitlyn; and four great grandchildren, Logan, Rogan, Quintin, and Robyn.
A Celebration of Life visitation for Mrs. Mears will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24, 2012, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory, 601 Ind., Lawrence, KS, 66044. Cremation is planned, and inurnment will be at a later date at Scott Cemetery in Amsterdam, Mo.
The family suggests memorial contributions to The Shelter, Inc. Foster Care Program, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory.
Category: Obituaries
Chester “Chet” F. Thomas
Friends are invited to visit with the family of Chet Thomas, 89, Lawrence, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at the Rumsey Yost Funeral Home. A private graveside inurnment will be held later for the family.
Mr. Thomas passed away on February 16, 2012 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. He was 89.
Chet was one of four children born to John and Evelyn Thomas. He was born in Danvers, Massachusetts on July 7, 1922 and grew up in Newton, MA. He attended Northeastern University and served his country in the Army Signal Corp during WWII. He married June Miller on July 24, 1948 and they had 3 children.
Chet moved his family to Lawrence, KS in 1968 to open the B. F. Goodrich distribution center. He was active in the Lawrence community, belonged to the Chamber of Commerce, the American Legion Post 14, the Elks Lodge, and the Cosmopolitan Club. He was a founding member of the social organization, Big Blue. He was an avid golfer throughout his life and received a number of golf trophies and medals including recognition for 8 “holes in one”. He competed in the Senior Olympics in golf and volunteered for the Sunflower Games, Junior Division. He enjoyed dancing at the American Legion, playing cards, gardening, and watching all sports, especially professional golf and KU basketball.
Preceding him in death was his wife, June Thomas, his parents, John and Evelyn Thomas, his older brother, John Thomas, and his younger sister Rose Ferdenzi.
Survivors include his 3 daughters and their husbands, Christine Ross-Baze, (Jim Baze) Ozawkie, KS, Caren Gaultney, (Joseph Gaultney) McLouth, KS and Cindy Kruger (Greg Kruger), Baldwin City, KS, his younger sister and her husband Evelyn Hines (Bill Hines) of Needham, MA, 5 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, 6 nephews, a niece and his dear friend Rusty Moore, Lawrence, KS.
The family would like to suggest donations made in Chet’s name be sent to the American Legion Post 14 Lawrence, KS in care of Rumsey Yost Funeral Home.
Susan K. Haigh
Graveside services for Susan K. Haigh, 60, Baldwin City, will be at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at Oakwood Cemetery in Baldwin City, with Pastor Tom Swafford officiating.
Mrs. Haigh died Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012, at her home.
She was born Apr. 4, 1951, at Fort Scott Air Force Base, Ill., the daughter of Clayton and Irene Eis Morton. She graduated from high school in Marysville, Kan.
Mrs. Haigh was a homemaker. She attended Wellsville Baptist Church, and enjoyed quilting.
She married George Haigh on Jul. 19, 1974, in Marysville. He preceded her in death in 2010.
Survivors include three sons, Ricky Haigh and wife Christie, and Beau Haigh, all of Baldwin City, and Troy Haigh and wife Deidra, Chicago; two brothers, C.G. Morton and wife Patty, Blue Rapids, Kan., and Russ Morton and wife Marilyn, Wichita; and nine grandchildren.
Memorial contributions to the Multiple Sclerosis Society or the American Cancer Society in her memory may be sent to Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.
William R. “Bill” Barker
Private inurnment services for William R. “Bill” Barker, 59, Lawrence, will be held at a later date.
Mr. Barker died Saturday, February 11, 2012, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
He was born April 5, 1942 in Parsons, KS to Raymond and Mary Ann Rauniker Barker.
Mr. Barker was given the nickname “Lucky” by his uncle Smitty, also “horyock”. His beloved Aunt paid for accordion lessons at Bertolino/ Ravino Studios in San Diego, California. He hated the accordion and regularly gave his teacher migraines through his natural sensitivity and musical gifts. He became a professional organist at the age of 14 in early rock bands in Parsons, Kansas. His professional music life ended in 1979 when disco ruined the live music scene literally overnight in Joplin, Missouri at Caesar’s Palace.
During his college years (1972-1981) he was care free and happy. He studied piano and music composition at Pittsburg State University and at Wichita State University.
Bill became effete stride and a classic Missouri ragtime pianist. He played “blues” on the organ, and was influenced by Jimmy Smith, Booker T and the MG’s, Billy Preston, and Dave “Baby” Cortez. His piano influences include a sea net filled with slick, beautiful, black pianists, modern, and traditional.
Beloved companions and cosmic mates were Carol Beth Peterson of Pittsburg, Kansas and Llona Theresa Delge of Lecompton, Kansas.
Mr. Barker is survived by a brother, Bob Grant of Frontenac, Kansas.
Gerhart (Gary) Hoffman
Celebration of life service for Gerhart (Gary) Walter Hoffman of Lawrence Ks. will be held at 2p.m. February 16th at First United Methodist Church. Inurnment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Gary passed away on February 10th at Brandon Woods with his wife and five children present.
Gary was born April 15th, 1927 in Mitchell, South Dakota to German immigrant parents Paul August Hoffman and Elsie Bachman Hoffman.
Gary graduated from Mitchell High School in 1945. He went on to play college football at both South Dakota State and Dakota Wesleyan University. He also attended the former Stout Institute of Industrial Arts in Menomonie, Wisconsin.
Gary married Joyce Turner on June 20, 1948 at First Methodist Church in Mitchell, South Dakota. To this union five children were born.
Gary was an active member of the Mitchell First United Methodist Church, Y’s Men’s club which was a service organization of the YMCA, Order of Elks, Master Mason, and El Raid Shrine.
Gary moved his family to Lawrence Ks. in 1963 to be affiliated with Norris Brothers Plumbing and Heating as a Commercial Mechanical Estimator. He later worked for Huxstable Inc. in the same capacity. In 1969 he formed Mechanical Estimating Service Inc. which provided Mechanical data to commercial contractors throughout the Midwest. He retired in 1995.
Gary was an active member of the Lawrence First United Methodist Church, Breakfast Optimists, and the Building and Trade Commission of the city of Lawrence.
Throughout his life Gary enjoyed the outdoors. He loved to camp in the mountains, travel, garden, and especially pheasant hunting with his sons in South Dakota. Gary was also an avid KU sports fan. Gary was a wonderful husband and father who will be missed but never forgotten.
Survivors include his wife Joyce, daughter Becki Barnhart and friend Mark Eggold of Ottawa, Ks., sons Jeff Hoffman and wife Sarah, David Scot Hoffman and wife Donna, Craig Hoffman, and daughter Kim Krannawitter and husband Kevin along with fourteen grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren.
The family will greet friends at 7pm February 15th at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home. 601 Indiana, Lawrence, KS 66044.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Brandon Woods employees for their excellent and loving care of our loved one.
Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com.
Alpha Elizabeth “Betty” Kennedy
ALPHA ELIZABETH “BETTY” KENNEDY, 93, FORMERLY OF LAWRENCE, DIED FEBRUARY 5, 2012 AT THE KANSAS CITY HOSPICE HOUSE, KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI.
BETTY WAS BORN MAY 3, 1918 IN CHANUTE, KANSAS TO CLIFFORD S. BLACKBURN AND ALPHA M. BLACKBURN. SHE WAS A 1936 GRADUATE OF MADISON, KANSAS HIGH SCHOOL AND A 1940 GRADUATE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS SCHOOL OF PHARMACY.
ON APRIL 7, 1940, SHE MARRIED CECIL E. KENNEDY, A 1940 GRADUATE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. FOLLOWING HIS GRADUATION, HE SERVED 3 YEARS IN THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS IN THE PACIFIC RIM. UPON HONORABLE DISCHARGE FROM THE MARINES, BETTY AND CECIL LIVED IN MANY LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE CENTRAL UNITED STATES AND IN ARUBA WHERE CECIL WAS A CONSTRUCTION STEEL WORKER.
IN 1947, THEY BOUGHT THE REXALL DRUG STORE IN PLAINVILLE KANSAS WHERE THEY LIVED UNTIL 1965 WHEN THEY MOVED TO LAWRENCE. DURING THAT PERIOD, THEY ALSO OWNED AND OPERATED THE GRAIN ELEVATOR IN STOCKTON, KS.
UPON MOVING TO LAWRENCE, BETTY WAS AN AVID FAN OF KANSAS UNIVERSITY SPORTS ESPECIALLY BASKETBALL HAVING HELD SEASON TICKETS FOR 40 CONSECUTIVE YEARS. SHE WAS ALSO A GOLFER AT LAWRENCE COUNTRY CLUB AND PARTICIPATED IN NUMEROUS BOWLING LEAGUES. SHE FREQUENTLY TRAVELED TO NATIONAL BOWLING TOURNAMENTS THROUGHOUT THE U.S. BETTY WAS ALSO AN AVID BRIDGE PLAYER.
SURVIVORS INCLUDE A DAUGHTER AND SON-IN-LAW, KATHY AND RON BAKER, OWNERS OF WILLOWRIDGE LANDSCAPE COMPANY IN LAWRENCE, TWO GRANDSONS, CASEY W BAKER AND JAY M. BAKER, BOTH OF LAWRENCE, TWO GREAT GRANDCHILDREN, A SON AND DAUGHTER-IN-LAW, JOHN AND BARBARA KENNEDY OF KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI. ALSO SURVIVING IS ONE SISTER, LOIS WILSON OF WICHITA AND SEVERAL NEICES AND NEPHEWS.
SERVICES FOR BETTY WILL BE 2:00 P.M. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2012 AT THE RUMSEY-YOST FUNERAL HOME, 601 INDINA, LAWRENCE, KS 66044.
Rebecca J. ‘Becky’ Wisdom
Funeral services for Rebecca (Becky) Jane Wisdom, 69, Lawrence, will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Clinton Parkway Assembly of God 360 Church, with the Rev. Rick Burwick officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
On Friday, February 3, 2012, Rebecca Jane Wisdom (nee Coltrane) beloved wife of the late Lloyd Wisdom, passed away and went to be with the Lord peacefully.
She was a loving mother to her daughter Debbie Heeney (husband John), and her son Scott Hoy. She was a doting grandmother (Grandma B) to her five grandchildren, Zachary John Heeney 23, MacKenzie Coltrane Heeney 19, Emily Kathryn Hoy 17, Grace Rebecca Hoy 15, and Moses Scott Hoy 14. One of her favorite things in life was enjoying time with her family and grandkids, and they will cherish those memories forever.
Born to Ralph and Ada Coltrane on December 23rd, 1942 in Ottawa, KS, Becky attended Ottawa schools and graduated in 1960. She then attended Evangel Bible College in Springfield, MO.
Becky was an active member of the Clinton Parkway Assembly of God where she was a tireless volunteer. She helped spearhead the ‘backpack giveaway program’ for local school children and was delighted in giving back to her community. She enjoyed working with many international students who attend KU, helping them acclimate to life abroad.
Becky belonged to two quilting clubs and enjoyed the friendships developed while making quilts for friends and family. Her beautiful smile, wonderful sense of humor, compassion for others and infectious laugh will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Friends may call from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church.
Memorial contributions in Becky’s memory may be made to the Clinton Parkway Assembly of God 360 Church Youth Group, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.
William E. “Bill” Laundy
Bill Laundy,77, Tonganoxie, Kansas was promoted to glory, at his home, on February 1, 2012.
Bill was a retired disabled army veteran and was widely known as “Kansas Citys own” Bill Laundy during his country music singing career. He was a lifetime member of PVA, DAV and the American Legion.
He is preceded in death by his father: Joseph Laundy, mother: Genevieve Gover and sisters: Raylene Wright, Jackie Huckaby and Donna Jo West.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years Debbie Laundy, his children Daniel Laundy, Ola Reynolds, Philip Laundy, Micah Laundy, Yvette Laundy, 7 grandchildren, several great grandchildren, 3 beloved brothers and 2 loving sisters.
Visitation will be held February 11th 1:00-2:30pm with memorial immediately following at West Haven Baptist Church 1000 West St. Tonganoxie, Ks.
Bill cared deeply for the needs of others and wished for all to know Jesus.
According to his wishes, in lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted for Focus On Missions.
Carl A. Spray
Services for Carl A. Spray, 90, Lawrence, will be 1:00 p.m. Friday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.
Mr. Spray died Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor.
Carl was born February 26, 1921, in Douglas County, the son of Chester and Hattie Jones Spray. He graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in 1939. He worked for Kraft Implement for 10 years and farmed until he retired in 2000. He served as a director for Farmers Co-Op, and on a committee of Douglas County Extension. He was a director on Federal Land Bank, ACC Committee, and Soil Conservation, and on Wakarusa Kaw Drainage District. Carl was a former member of the Chamber of Commerce and member of the Sertoma Club of Lawrence. He also was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and served as an elder.
Carl was married to Miriam Kraft, daughter of Chris and Rose Nuffer Kraft, on October 3, 1942, in Lawrence. Miriam survives at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor.
Other survivors include two sons, Gary Spray and wife Kate, of Topeka, Larry Spray and wife Tammy, of Lawrence; four grandsons, Jason and wife Sarah, of Lawrence, Justin and wife Tuesday, of Parkville, MO, Eric, of Madison, WI, and Cory, of Topeka; three great grandchildren, Freeman, Ellis, and Gabriel.
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 Good Samaritan Fund at Presbyterian Manor, Lawrence Humane Society, or Visiting Nurses.
Pearl I.B. Halderman Dillon Harman
Inurnment graveside services for Pearl I.B. Halderman Dillon Harman, 82, Lawrence, will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at Oak Hill Cemetery, in Lawrence.
Ms. Harman died Thursday, January 26, 2012, at Brookside Retirement Community in Overbrook, Kansas.
