Category: Obituaries

Mary Ellen Saville

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Celebration of Life Services for Mary E Saville, 77, of Lawrence, will be at 10:30 am Saturday, February 08, 2025, at Big Springs United Methodist Church 96 HWY 40, Big Springs KS, meal to follow.

Mary passed away Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Pioneer Ride and Asend Hospice, surrounded by her Daughter Mary Argo (Paxton) and a friend.

She was born September 23, 1947, in Grinnel IA, the daughter of Don Saville and Kathleen (Fleming) Saville. She graduated from Washington High School in 1967 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She moved to Lawrence in December of 1994 from West Branch, Iowa with Mary Argo (Paxton).

Her first 6 years in the work force were spent as a staff member to Iowa Congressman John Culver. Culver was to spend 10 years in the House of Representatives and 6 years in the U.S. Senate. Working initially in Iowa and eventually in Washington, DC, Mary honed her writing skills supporting Senator Culver in the areas of Constituent Services and Press Releases. Mary spent 3 years with Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Program of Education and Social Policy in Cambridge, MA, 10 years with the National Center for Economic Alternatives in Washington, DC, and then her last project working on the start up of a new organization which was designed to bring the intelligence and expertise of business leaders to the issue of national security called Business Executives for National Security (BENS). In 1983 Mary moved back to Cedar Rapids. She found God in 1986 Mary has served as a Certified Lay-Speaker in the United Methodist Church.. Her family and church were her life’s work. To her fellow “pioneers” Mary says: “To Pat Faubert, Tim Queen, Shauna Hieber, Scott Reynolds, Larry Adams, who came from Iowa and are still with us today and to Rita Bidwell, who joined the initial Kansas staff, you should be proud of what you have achieved. In 1995. Mary has been involved in raising her Daughter. Mary was married (October 16th 2010), almost in sync with the end of her career with the company, Mary indicated that having the opportunity to raise a child was one of her greatest challenges and rewards. “Watching a child grow and develop speaks to our hope for the future. We try so hard to get it right and at some point you need to set them free and trust you have done enough. Of course prayer helps a lot.” She “I loved to read. collect books. She love to read about people, why they are the way they are. What was it about their life and times that caused them to turn out as they did? She also love Giraffes.

Other survivors include a daughter, Mary (Tom) Argo, Lawrence, Kansas; a grandson Liam Argo Lawrence, Kansas;, 2 nephew’s John (Piper) Saville of Lawton OK and Rev Steve (Anita) Saville of Paullina and several nieces and cousins.

Mary is joining a long list of family and friends that have passed she is seeing her parents, 2 brothers and sister. Most important God and Jesus.

A meal will be provided after the celebration of like at Big Springs UMC.

Terry Lyn Burris

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Services for Terry Lyn Leines-Burris of Lawrence, KS will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2104 Bob Billings Parkway, Lawrence, KS 66049. Reception will follow. Burial at Rosendale Church cemetery in Madelia, MN at a later date.

Terry died Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Bridge Haven Memory Care in Lawrence, KS, surrounded by family, including her four-legged babies.

Born in Trimont, MN, on January 17, 1961, Terry was the first child of Dick and Jan Leines. Terry’s early childhood was spent in Minnesota, where she was immersed in her Norwegian heritage. In 1963, her family relocated to Kansas, where they welcomed her first brother, Rick, born in Winfield that same year. Three years later, in 1966, her second brother, Jon, was born in Leavenworth, Kansas. There, Terry began kindergarten at St. Paul Lutheran School, later started grade school, became a Brownie, took piano lessons, and attended Trinity Lutheran Church with her family. The Leines’ settled in Lawrence, KS in 1971, and it became her home.

Academic pursuits led her from Lawrence High School, where she graduated in 1979, to the University of Kansas. She graduated with a double major in Spanish and French in 1983. Continuing her education with a focus on global business, Terry received a Master of International Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Glendale, AZ, in 1984. Terry’s time at Thunderbird set the stage for her future work endeavors and helped nurture her multicultural worldview. Terry possessed an exceptional talent for languages. She travelled to Guadalajara multiple times for study trips during high school and undergrad years at KU. Her senior year at University, her proficiency in Spanish was so advanced that she taught beginning-level Spanish class.

She learned to play guitar with tips from a Spanish pen pal, Leonor. Her KU-era repertoire included classics like Janis Joplin’s “Me and Bobby McGee,” The Mamas and the Papas’ “California Dreamin’”, Joan Baez’s “Diamonds and Rust,” the Allman Brothers’ “Ramblin’ Man,” “Mr. Bojangles,” and Kansas’ “Dust in the Wind,” and others, that she harmonized alongside her best friend Karen. Terry would later learn the 5-finger picking style characteristic of flamenco. She played beautifully and the guitar brought her tranquility, reflecting her free spirit, warmth and kindness that she displayed throughout her life. She also had a knack for Ancestral research and helped fill in the blanks on her maternal and paternal family trees, as well as helping others with their families’ trees, a part of her giving nature. After graduating from KU, Terry and Karen shared multiple adventures in Mexico; the first was to the pyramids of Teotihuacan. Later in life, she frequently vacationed in Mexico and Central America with friends and family, following the path of La Ruta Maya and scuba diving. Terry utilized her linguistic skills and her kindness to make friends wherever she went.

After Terry’s graduation from Thunderbird, she moved to the Dallas-Ft. Worth area in 1987 to begin a successful career in telecommunications. While working at International Telecharge in 1989, she befriended Debbi and Ted Oliger. Terry and Debbi worked hard, laughed a whole lot, and had so much fun they were known as Lucy and Ethel, in reference to “I Love Lucy.” She moved to St. Petersburg, FL in 1992, working for a Security company. She became scuba certified in 1993 and was an avid scuba diver. She moved back to Dallas in 1994. In 1995, she went to work for Excel Telecommunications in the Marketing department. She met future husband Greg at Excel in 1995, and they married in 1999.

Her pride and joy, Zane Elijah Burris, was born in May 2002. Terry spent three years raising him before she went to work for Zion Lutheran School in Dallas, working as a Marketing Director where she helped grow the school and solidified the foundation for future growth. When Zane entered first grade, she met Freda Vaughn and her son Avery, and a friendship quickly formed. Debbi, Freda, and Terry spent many hours together over the years, remaining best friends and forging loving relationships.

Terry is survived by her husband, Greg, son Zane, Mom Jan, brother Rick and spouse Shirl, and brother Jon and spouse Elyce; in-laws Judy and Luis Rey and Gary Burris, and numerous nieces and nephews and her beloved four-legged babies, Obi and Trixie. Preceding Terry are her father Dick and brother in-law David Burris.

Throughout her life, Terry demonstrated a curious spirit and embraced new adventures with a natural ability to forge friendships, wherever she went. She consistently maintained a positive outlook, even during challenging times.

Terry’s favorite saying was “Carpe Diem,” meaning “Seize the Day.” She embodied idealistic values in our world, while remaining grounded. She loved humanity and this was reflected in her treatment of others, no matter their status or beliefs. Her unwavering kindness and devotion to family and friends, along with a love for music, highlighted a happiness until the end. While our hearts ache, we are comforted in knowing that Terry is no longer struggling, and we are inspired by her kindness and loving nature. She fought an uphill battle against Alzheimer’s and never quit trying. Carpe Diem.

We were blessed to have Terry in our lives as wife, Mom, daughter, sister, cousin, niece, aunt, and friend. Our love will live for eternity.

The family extends its appreciation to Bridge Haven Memory Care staff for their loving care of Terry for the past 14 months. Please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Organization of America at https://www.alz.org/ instead of flowers.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 1:00 pm, with a reception to follow, all at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2104 Bob Billings Pkwy, Lawrence.

Carey Sue Graber

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Carey Sue Graber

Artist, business owner, mother, daughter, wife and sister, Carey Sue Graber was born April 13, 1963 in Wichita, KS. She grew up in Wichita and Memphis, Tennessee. Carey passed away on January 1, 2025 after battling cancer.

Carey was a creator. Her profession as a graphic designer and branding innovator required it, but it never stopped there. She always felt compelled to create -whether in her home studio, in her son Travis’ playroom, in her garden or in the kitchen. This was a direct legacy from her grandmother, Juanita Rains, who relentlessly conquered a myriad of art and craft media, and from her writer-painter mother, Arlene Rains Graber.

Carey’s formal art training and education was at the University of Kansas, where she earned a BFA in Visual Communications in 1985. Her professional career was launched at Bob Neace Graphic Design in Wichita. Carey remained friends with her early mentor throughout her life. During these years in Wichita, Carey co-founded the Wichita Chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Artists (AIGA), which continues today.

After working in Kansas City for a short time, around 1990 Carey became Senior Designer at Art & Sign in Lawrence, Kansas. This city and the surrounding prairie became Carey’s home for the rest of her life. After marrying, co-parenting two wonderful teens and starting a family of their own, Carey and then husband, Bob Treanor, moved to an 1860 farm house near Lecompton, Kansas. It was surrounded by 160 acres, 46 of which were native Tallgrass prairie, resplendent with Big Bluestem. Tallgrass Studios was born in this oasis in 2000. An office was carved out of the front room of the farmhouse where Monday morning strategy sessions started each week. During the first few years of the company, Carey also worked as an Adjunct Professor and Director of The Arts Group at the University of Kansas.

Tallgrass Studios quickly grew, creating brands and implementing social-marketing campaigns – of which Carey was especially proud. They tackled the topics of safe drinking among college students, mental-health issues in public schools, parent education in raising teens and end-of-life care issues.

In 2007, Carey became sole owner of Tallgrass Studios and moved back to Lawrence where the company eventually grew into its current location as one of the first tenants of the Warehouse Arts District. The open, lofty studio also became a lively stop on Lawrence’s Final Friday Arts Walk, introducing and supporting regional art accompanied by live spirited music, dancing, food and wine.

For the past fifteen years, Carey has lived and loved and created with fellow artist and soul mate, Stacy Bowman, alongside Pip and Josie, their two mixed Miniature Pinschers. Carey met Stacy – where many of the best conversations take place – on the front patio of Free State Brewery. It wasn’t long before Carey commissioned one of Stacy’s beautiful ceramic fountains. Over the next fifteen years, they formed a deeply spiritual and romantic bond, serving as muse to one another, creating art separately and together. Fittingly, the last art show at Tallgrass Studios was Luminous, featuring stunning art glass mosaic lamps made by the couple.

Of all of Carey’s creations, her greatest was son Travis Treanor, 28 years old of Nashville. Following his parents example, Travis was a child artist who spent hours drawing until the call of ice hockey took over at age eight. For the next ten years, Carey and family traveled to Kansas City for Travis’ practices and games. There was no more passionate cheerleader, nor fiercer critic than Carey – whether yelling for her son or at the ref! Travis grew into an amazing adult, now working as a hospitality recruiter and still getting on the ice whenever possible. Carey is at peace knowing he has found a supportive, intelligent life partner in fiancé, Anelise Sedlock.

Carey’s strength and spirit will always be with Travis, Anelise and Stacy, along with her mother, Arlene Rains Graber (Wichita), sisters, Shan Jabara (Wichita) and Penny Graber (Lawrence), nephew, Palmer Farrow, step-children, Rachel Treanor (Overland Park) and Joseph Treanor (Ardmore, OK). Carey also leaves her aunt and uncle, Mary and David O’Brien and cousins Kamila Magill VanderDyssel (Jeff), Brent Magill (Stephanie), Stefanie Magill Leniszewski (Steve), Colin O’Brien (Jennifer) and their families in the Seattle, Washington area and their sibling Molly (Jeff) Long of Overland Park, as well as cousins Lauren Rains Reinbold (Mark) of San Diego, Kristen Rains Hillis (John) Oklahoma City, Scott Rains (Julie) of Wichita and Brandi Biggs of Newalla, OK. Carey cherished her talented staff at Tallgrass Studios: Megan Miller, Shelly Albrecht, Jaylynn Miller and Jeralyn Ballard. She was also fortunate to have the most caring and adventurous of friends, whose love and support have been such a blessing (you know who you are.)

Carey’s family appreciates the loving care and guidance Carey and family received from Douglas County Visiting Nurses hospice services. Any donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to them at https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/NDE4NDc= or Lawrence Humane Society: https://lawrencehumane.org/donate/ or Van Go youth arts-based social service agency https://www.van-go.org/donate . A private family service is being held and a celebration of life will be held in the spring.

James Darrel (Jim) Pauli

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Funeral Services for James Darrel Pauli will be 1 pm, Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Stull Cemetery.

James Darrel Pauli (Jim), age 86, of Baldwin City, KS, passed away on January 1st, 2025, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence, KS with family near his side.

Jim (or Jimmy growing up) was born on October 20,1938 in Kirk, CO to Clarence and Rosetta Pauli. He was their only child. He was blessed with many aunts, uncles and cousins that he maintained close ties with throughout his life. From his early days onward, he was known for his spontaneity and free spirit attitude towards life. Between farm work, friends and his hobbies, he was constantly active and made sure to give everyone a hard time.

On November 23, 1957, he married Karen Deinert of Yuma, CO. Their first adventure was running a hamburger joint for a short period of time and then took off for Gillette, WY with their 8’ x 32’ house-in-tow to work for a seismograph company. Next stop was Kirk, CO where they took residence and started managing his family’s farm alongside his parents. In 1967 they moved to Goodland, KS and began his truck driving journey. They raised three children, Marcy, Diane and Jeff. He was supportive of the local church and Christan School they attended. He was a hard worker and when it came to family outings, he was just as active. The family spent a lot of time at the lake fishing and skiing alongside other outdoor activities. There was never a dull moment when he was around. It was not uncommon to load up in the car and take an all-day adventure to go eat somewhere, just for the fun of it.

Jim and Karen, now empty nesters, moved to Stull, KS in the summer of 1986. While in Stull he continued trucking until his retirement in 2016 at the age of 80. In early 2023, he moved to Baldwin City, KS where he enjoyed being closer to family, with his great grandkids bringing him much joy.

He loved to fish and work on hotrods. Growing up on a farm he picked up the skills to fix and operate anything mechanical. He enjoyed having his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren around him, it didn’t matter if it was going fishing or working, he enjoyed the company. Whenever a trip to town was needed to get something for a project, he would consistently take a detour for dessert before heading back home. One of his great qualities was his willingness to help people in need. He was incredibly generous with what he had, and truly would, “give you the shirt off his back.” He never met a stranger and could quickly make friends with just about anyone.

Preceding him in death:

Wife of 66 years, Karen Pauli. Jim’s parents, Clarence and Rosetta. Sister-in-law, Cheryl Deinert.

He is survived by:

Daughter, Marcy (Gary) Rust of Topeka, KS and grandchildren/great grandchildren: Landon (Paula) Rust, Parker and Landon of Montgomery, AL; Grant (Linnzi) Rust of Charlotte, NC; Graydon Rust of Birmingham, AL and Sydney (Troy) Weakland, Josie and Atreus of Topeka, KS.

Daughter, Diane (Randy) Haeffner of Baldwin City, KS grandchildren/great grandchildren: Matt (Chelsey) Haeffner, Audrianne, Ashton, Haven, and Henley of Houston, TX; Zach (Kelli) Haeffner, Harrison, Hadley and Hunter of Baldwin City, KS; Josh Haeffner, Dax, Ryker and Jase of Houston, TX; Lesley (Jake) Nellor, Lauren of Baldwin City, KS.

Son, Jeff (Liana) Pauli of Derby, KS and grandchildren/great grandchildren: Leah (Kody) Barger, Raegan of Warrensburg, MO; Luke (Grace) Pauli, Lucy and Rose of Olathe, KS.

Sister-in-law, Judeen (Bob) Berry of Castle Rock, CO and brother-in-law, Dale Deinert of Yuma, CO. Nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Vintage Park, 321 Crimson Ave, Baldwin City, KS 66006.

Livestreaming of the service at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTczNjU0MDIwNjM0NDg5MCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==

Kristi Lynn Burik

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Services for Kristi Lynn Burik, 69, of Lawrence will be at 2 p.m. Friday, January 31, 2025, at Trinity Episcopal Church.

Ms. Burik died with her daughters by her side on December 30, 2024, after bravely battling ALS.

She was born June 2, 1955, in Platteville, Wisconsin, the daughter of Martin and Janice Burik. Their family moved around the Midwest before settling in Ottawa, KS, in 1969. Kristi graduated from Ottawa High School in 1973 and attended Baker University and the University of Kansas, earning a bachelor’s degree in music education in 1977. She was a singer, dancer and actress – performing at Worlds of Fun and touring with the Baker Playmen theater troupe.

She married Michael Glenn Willhite on December 23, 1978. They lived in Lyndon, KS, and Manhattan, KS, where Kristi taught music, directed shows and performed in productions at Vassar Playhouse, Kansas State University and Manhattan Civic Theater. Kristi was diagnosed with bone cancer while Mike was simultaneously undergoing treatment for kidney cancer. She underwent multiple surgeries to replace the cancerous bones in her leg with an internal prosthesis and was eventually declared cancer free. While she subsequently required the use of crutches, a wheelchair or walker, those close to her know that this never slowed her down. Mike’s cancer progressed and Kristi cared for him until his death in 1988 at age 35.

She moved to Lawrence with their daughters in 1990 where she completed a master’s degree in social work from the University of Kansas in 1992. While balancing school, work, activities and volunteering, Kristi lovingly raised her daughters – encouraging their interests, instilling their love of music and creating a deep, unbreakable bond. She worked as an elementary school counselor at Deerfield Elementary School for seven years and taught English at Southwest Middle School for 13 years, touching the lives of thousands of students before her retirement after 32 years in education.

Kristi survived a stroke and gracefully endured other hardships, including her devastating diagnosis with ALS in 2024, while holding strongly to her eternal optimism. Whether performing in the Foundation Follies, choreographing the Lawrence Children’s Choir, singing with the choir at Trinity Episcopal Church or directing her beloved grandchildren in a backyard production, the world was truly her lifelong stage.

Survivors include her parents, Jan and Marty Burik, Baldwin, KS; two daughters, Katie Willhite Young, De Soto, KS, and Betsy Willhite Ostrander (Chris), Lawrence, KS; two sisters, Kim Burik Jordan, Tampa, FL, and Julie Burik, Leawood, KS; a brother, Jeff Burik, Plattsburg, MO; and grandchildren Connor Young, Annie Young, Shepherd Young, Marty Ostrander and Will Ostrander – as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, close family members and dear friends.

Kristi requested cremation. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, January 31, 2 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1011 Vermont Street in Lawrence, with reception to follow. The service will be live streamed at: https://www.facebook.com/TrinityLawrenceKS. Private interment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the DKG scholarship fund for women in education, Lawrence Children’s Choir, American Cancer Society or ALS Association.

Janet Lee Hartsock

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Janet Lee Hartsock, 84, died Monday, Dec. 30, 2024, in Lawrence, Kan. Born July 14, 1940, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Willis and Gayle Hunter, Janet eventually moved to rural Kansas City, Kan., where she graduated from Washington High School. After graduating from Kansas State Teachers College (now Emporia State University), Mrs. Hartsock embarked on her life’s calling as a beloved elementary school teacher. Over four-plus decades, she taught kindergarten almost exclusively at Belinder Elementary School in the Shawnee Mission School District. Her commitment to her profession and her “kids” was unparalleled, and it would be impossible to measure the mark she left on countless lives. Janet was kind and generous, almost to a fault, giving of her time, abilities and resources as often as she could, especially to benefit young lives. The family would like to thank the staff at Neuvant House of Lawrence for their compassionate care over the past few years. Janet was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Paul Bennett Hartsock, and her brother, William “Bill” Hunter. She is survived by two sons, Eric (Annie) Hartsock, of Stevensville, Md., and Andrew (Janice) Hartsock, of Lawrence, Kan.; three grandchildren, Ashleigh, Carlyn and Brooks Hartsock; brother-in-law Jon Hartsock; and sisters-in-law Ann Tubbs and Rose Hunter. No services are planned.
Online condolences made at rumsey-yost.com

John “Mick” Michael Harrity

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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John “Mick” Michael Harrity, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and Army veteran, who left us suddenly on December 19th, 2024 at the age of 72. John found strength in his renewed faith during a recent bout with cancer, and he made it home to Jesus just in time for Christmas.

Born on May 6, 1952 in Kansas City, KS to John Frederick Harrity and Betty Imogene (Brady) Harrity (both deceased). He answered our nation’s call, serving honorably in the United States Army. It was while stationed in South Korea that he met the love of his life, Oknan “Kim”, whose warm smile, easy laugh, and unforgettable bulgogi captured and kept his heart. Their love story spanned over 50 beautiful years, a testament to their commitment and enduring partnership.

John raised two sons, Ron and Mike, whom he spoke of with immense pride. He unconditionally loved his three granddaughters, Grace (14), Evelyn (11), and Frances, and they brought him great joy–even when they mercilessly dominated him in board games.

John had a long career with the United States Postal Service, a job that he landed in 1987 after his creative and tech-savvy son Ron designed a computer program for him to practice for the hiring exam.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, he was a loyal supporter of college athletics teams thanks to his son Mike’s career in college athletics. He loved cheering on Dartmouth, Army West Point, Notre Dame, and Kansas teams, and he also loved the Kansas City Royals. John never shied away from offering his opinion on how teams could “do better next time.”

In retirement, John found solace in nature, often enjoying long walks with Oknan in the Baker Wetlands and quiet moments of backyard birdwatching. He was an avid reader, naturally curious about history and the human condition. Stubborn to the very end, John stood firm in his beliefs while cherishing the people he loved.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Oknan Harrity, his sons Ronald “Ron” Lee (Carrie Scanga) Harrity and Michael “Mike” Matthew (Megan) Harrity, his three granddaughters, Grace, Evelyn, and Frances, his sister Linda Kelley and brother-in-law Rick Kelley, and his sister Christie Huston and brother-in-law Rodney Huston.

A private family celebration of John’s life will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams (kaws.networkforgood.com) in John’s honor.

Rest in peace. You will be dearly missed.

Jerry Potter

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Gerald William Potter (Jerry), age 81, of Lawrence, KS, passed away on Monday, December 23, 2024 at Neuvant House in Lawrence, KS.

Born on August 15, 1943 in Mexico, Missouri, he was the only son of Edgar W. Potter (Bud) and Wanda Carter.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of forty-three years, Susan Potter, his son, Phil Potter, and four daughters, Lisa Pohorsky (John), Kristin Paulson (Tyson), Jessi Furneaux (Adam), and Alicia Cole (Matt). He also leaves behind his greatest joys, his ten grandchildren, Drew Potter, Ryan Potter, Jordan Pohorsky, Logan Pohorsky, Evelyn Furneaux, Max Furneaux, Harrison Cole, Oliver Paulson, Alice Furneaux, and Haddie Paulson, and one great grandson, Cam Potter.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Wanda, and his father, Bud. 

Jerry grew up in Wyandotte County, as an only child, and helped his father operate their auto shop – this grew Jerry’s love of cars. After graduating from Wyandotte High School, Jerry began his career as a barber. He loved nothing more than talking with others in the shop and exchanging stories! He changed careers in 1976 and began owning and operating the Dairy Queen on 78th Street in Kansas City. This is where he met his wife, Susan. The two moved to Lawrence, KS together to operate the two Dairy Queen stores (Jerry operated Iowa St., while Susan operated Mass. St. location). They married shortly after and had their three daughters together. Jerry took great pride in his work and his family. He worked incredibly hard and provided his family with love, safety, and security. He retired from Dairy Queen in 2000 and soon returned to barbering, as he discovered that retirement wasn’t quite for him! He was able to spend his final years of barbering working at his son’s shop, a gift for them both. After his second retirement, he kept busy with his new job of being Papa to his grandchildren. 

Jerry was known for his generosity, honesty, loyalty, hard work, and family values. He enjoyed traveling with his family, especially cruises and beach destinations with his wife. Throughout the years, he supported various local organizations, such as St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, Corpus Christi Catholic Church, St. John’s Elementary, Optimist Club, past president of Dairy Queen Store Operators, Mother to Mother, Boys and Girls Club, and O’Connell Youth Ranch. 

Jerry’s family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Neuvant House, who cared for Jerry as their own family. He and the whole Potter family felt the love and care of those who work at Neuvant. If you would like to make a donation in his honor, we would suggest Ascend Hospice, as their staff played a significant role in Jerry’s care.  

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, 5700 W 6th Street, Lawrence, KS. There will be a visitation followed by rosary on Friday, January 3, 2025 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Dorthea Ann Johnson Henkel

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Dorthea Ann Johnson Henkel, 90 years old, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away on December 17, 2024, of natural causes after being in hospice care for over 3 years.

Dottie, as she was known, was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, on February 21, 1934, the daughter of Homer and Irene Johnson. Dottie graduated from Milligan High School in1952, where she was a cheerleader all four years. She moved with her family to Bird City, Kansas, where she met and married her husband, John LeRoy Henkel in 1954. They lived there until 1958 when they moved to Lawrence, Kansas. They were married for 49 years before “Jack” passed away in 2003. They had a daughter, Cassandra Ann in 1967.

Over the years, Dottie worked as a supervisor at Hallmark for 20 years, a home terminal agent for National Trailer Convoy for 5 years, and an attendance clerk for Lawrence and Free State High Schools for 20 years after which she retired in 2003.

Dottie liked boating, camping, baking, and gardening.  Her favorite pastime was reading. She loved flowers in various shades of purple including lilacs, irises, and violets. She enjoyed various arts and crafts including rock polishing, jewelry making, seed art, latch hook, and plastic canvas needle point. She and her husband started a kennel, Havenwood Acres, and raised Samoyed huskies for 10 years.  Over the years, she liked going to flea markets and collected rabbit and slipper figurines, anything with apples, and various patterns of depression glass. In later years, while living at Wyndam Place, she enjoyed watching the Jayhawks, Royals, and Chiefs games with other residents.

Dottie was a member of Corpus Christi parish and before that a member of St. John’s parish. She volunteered as a Girl Scout Leader and cookie mom for 8 years and was the director of the local girl scout camp for 2 summers.

Dottie will be remembered as kind, sweet, and generous to strangers and animals alike.  She would often make extra food for students in need and would always be feeding a stray cat or two. While still at her home of 45 years, she had a variety of pets including 9 cats and 10 dogs with the last one being her precious maltipoo, Toby, who passed away this fall at the age of 17 and half years old.

Remaining to cherish Dorthea’s memory are daughter, Cassandra “Cassie” Henkel Shonfelt (John); granddaughters, Nicole Shonfelt and Samantha Favazza (Daniel); and nieces, Tara Bowers and Lisa Wilcox (Owen) and family and several nieces and nephews from her husband’s family including Lana Leslie (Gary) and family, Nyla Kimmett (Dan) and family, Randy Collins (Theresa) and family, Donna Mentock (Jim), Chuck Sherman, and Tara Palajac (Bill) and family.

Preceding Dorthea in death are husband, John “Jack” LeRoy Henkel; parents, Charles Homer Johnson and Josephine Irene (Heid) Johnson, and beloved sister, Kay Louise (Johnson) Bowers Fowler who passed away on December 8, 2024.

Services for Dottie will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church.  Visitation will begin at 10:00am, with a rosary at 10:30am, followed by funeral mass at 11:00am with Father Jerry Volz officiating.  Interment will be later in the spring at Calvary Cemetery in Beaver Crossing, Nebraska.

Services will be streamed and can be viewed at https://www.cccparish.org/pray-with-us/livestream-liturgies

Memorial donations in Dottie’s memory may be directed to Lawrence Meals on Wheels (LMOW), 2121 Kasold, Suite B, Lawrence, KS 66047 or online at https://www.lawrencemow.org/donate/