Category: Obituaries

Nicole Felice Eaton

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Services for Nicole Felice Eaton, 44, of Eudora, will take place at 11 A.M. Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at Eudora United Methodist Church.

Mrs. Eaton died Thursday, December 5, 2024 in her home.

She was born April 25, 1980, in Topeka, the daughter of Verna Jackson. She graduated from Seamen High School in 1998 and earned an associate’s degree in law from Johnson County
Community College. She was a paralegal for over 20 years. She attended massage school in Lawrence, KS. She was also a member of many rescue groups for dogs (specifically bully breeds)
and had her hand in many paralegal groups and associations.

Nicole married Ben R. Eaton, Jr. on February 4, 2005.

Her survivors include her two daughters, Tasia Hill and Lara Eaton, Eudora KS; a step-daughter, Morgan Eaton, Ellisville MO; her mother, Verna Jackson, Topeka KS; her sister,
Krystal McCracken, Topeka KS; her two brothers, Eric and Keith McCracken, Belton MO; and a step-granddaughter, Luna, Ellisville MO.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Ray and Norma Jackson. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Ben R. Eaton, Jr.

A visitation will take place from 6-7 P.M. on Monday, December 16, 2024 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place the following day, Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at
Eudora United Methodist Church, 1310 W 20th St, Eudora, KS 66025.

The family suggests that donations and contributions be sent to the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Ben R. Eaton, Jr.

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Services for Ben R. Eaton, Jr., 52, of Eudora, will be at 11 A.M. Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at Eudora United Methodist Church.

Mr. Eaton died Friday, December 6, 2024 in his home.

He was born October 12, 1972, in Lawrence, the son of Ben R., Sr. and Carolyn Eaton.

He graduated from Salina South High School in 1990. He attended massage school in Lawrence, KS. He lived in Eudora the majority of his childhood and adult life. He was a man of all trades – he worked concert security, warehouse jobs, at salvage yards, etc. He wasn’t afraid to get his hands
dirty.

He married Nicole Eaton (Jackson) on February 4, 2005.

His survivors include three daughters, Tasia Hill and Lara Eaton, Eudora KS; Morgan Eaton, Ellisville MO; his step-mother, Janey Eaton, Topeka KS; and his granddaughter, Luna,
Ellisville MO.

His parents, Ben R., Sr. and Carolyn Eaton, preceded him in death, as well as his maternal and paternal grandparents, aunts, and uncles. His wife, Nicole Eaton, also preceded him in death.

A visitation will occur from 6-7 P.M. Monday, December 16, 2024 at the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place the following day, Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at
11 A.M. at Eudora United Methodist Church, 1310 W 20th St, Eudora, Kansas 66025.

The family suggests that donations and contributions be sent to the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

 

Keith Edwin Reimer

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Keith left this world peacefully on Saturday, December 7th, 2024.

He was born on October 21, 1945, in Bison, KS, the son of Frank Reimer and Myrtle Reimer. He graduated from Pawnee Rock High School in 1963 and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Special Education in 1968 and his Master’s degree in 1993 in school administration from Fort Hays State University.

Keith and Deana were married June 11, 1966, in Pawnee Rock, KS, they settled in Dodge City, KS, in 1968 and later moved to Lawrence, KS, in 2002.

Keith started his work in special education in the Dodge City school district teaching Special Education in 1968. In 1971 he became the Director for Instructional materials for the Southwest Kansas Area Special Education Project. In 1978 Keith started working for Southwest Kansas Area Cooperative District as the Director of Federal Programs/Instructional materials. He dedicated his life to ensuring all students received a quality education no matter what impairment they had. He continued his career with SKWACD associate director in 1993 and finished as director, retiring in the early 2000’s. Although he never really retired. He found joy in working for families and students and was still working for the Kansas Migrant Education Project when he passed.

Keith also loved to farm. He continued to farm the family ground in Rush County, KS, until 2004. He loved the simple life and the satisfaction from seeing work being done.

Keith was deeply devoted to his family and friends. He loved playing with technology, building things, hunting, fishing and farming. One of his other loves was the Depot Theater in Dodge City. From building sets to being the President of the Board he was part of a team that made the theater what it is today.

Always the stoic person in the room, he was never afraid to tell a joke or make a dry humored comment. If he wasn’t playing with some new gadget, you could find him working on the boat or tinkering with anything he could find.

Keith is survived by his son Tyson (Val) Lawrence; daughter Keena Schmidt (Chet) Lawrence; five grandchildren, Crosby, Rileigh, Ava, Caeson, and Greysen; and many nieces and nephews

Keith was preceded in death by his wife Deana, brother Kenneth, sisters Shirley Doll and Norma Garner, and his parents, Frank and Myrtle Reimer.

A celebration of Keith’s life will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Jane Louise Schmidt

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Jane Louise Schmidt, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2024 in Lawrence, Kansas, surrounded by her loving family. 

She was born on June 24, 1956 in Wichita, KS to Elton Schmidt and Elizabeth ‘Marie’ (Potter) Schmidt. Jane grew up in Emporia, Kansas with her 6 brothers and sisters. She attended Emporia State University where she majored in English and met and married the love of her life, Darrell Schmidt. Together they built a legacy of love and devotion that will endure in the hearts of all who knew her. Throughout the years, Darrell and Jane lived in Emporia, Kansas; Garden City, Kansas; Amarillo, Texas; West Point, Nebraska; Logansport, Indiana; and Lawrence, Kansas. No matter where they lived, she developed deep and lasting friendships. She consistently dedicated her life to her family and community, bringing warmth and kindness to everyone she encountered. 

Jane was a proud and caring mother to her sons, Garrett and Michael. She welcomed her daughter-in-law, Misty into the family with open arms and treated her as one of her own. Her greatest joy were her grandchildren, who brought endless light and laughter into her life.  

Known for her ability to bring people together, her unwavering loyalty, and her outgoing personality, Jane knew no stranger. She touched countless lives with her generous heart and warmth.  

In her early years she excelled at music and creative writing, especially poetry. One of her poems was published in a national magazine. She loved shopping with her sisters, cooking, crafting, and golfing with her husband.  

Jane will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her memory will live on through the cherished moments she shared with those she held dear. 

She is survived by her husband Darrell Schmidt, son Garrett Schmidt (Misty), son Michael Schmidt; grandchildren Julia Schmidt, Colin Schmidt, and Blake Schmidt; siblings Judy Schmidt Toms (Bill), Janet Schmidt Coleman (Roger), John Schmidt (Patsy), Jim Schmidt (Katherine), Jack Schmidt (Diane)  and Tammy Turner Bruegger (Dan); and several nieces and nephews.  

A celebration of Jane’s life will be held at River City Church in Lawrence, KS on Friday, December 20, 2024 at 2:00 pm. 

Rest in peace, Jane. You will forever remain in our hearts. 

 

Wayne E. Spellman

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Wayne Edward Spellman, 77, died peacefully on December 6, 2024, with his wife, Sue, at his side. He was born August 28th, 1947, in Salina, Kansas to Paul and Irma Spellman of Gypsum, Kansas. He attended Gypsum grade and high schools and graduated with the Class of 1965. He was very active in sports.

Wayne attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas graduating with his Bachelor of Arts in Finance in 1969. In September of 1969 Wayne served in the US Army in Vietnam and Germany as a Military Policeman. He received an honorable discharge for his service to his country in 1971. On May 17, 1974, Wayne married Susan (Sue) Forke. They celebrated 50 years of marriage in May 2024. They lived in Lawrence for over 50 years where Wayne worked as a Supervisor of Payroll at Kansas University until his retirement. While working at Kansas University they “adopted” 19 international students who became a special part of their family.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sue Spellman, Lawrence, Kansas; brother, Gary (Marva) Spellman of Lyons, Kansas; twin sister, Gail (Jim) Assink of Lynden, Washington; and many nieces and nephews.

A Visitation will be held Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM followed by a celebration of life service from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, Lawrence, Kansas. A graveside service will be held for family and friends on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, at 11:00 AM, at Gypsum Cemetery, Gypsum, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Wayne’s honor can be sent to the Lawrence Humane Society.

Robert Michael “Mike” Wales

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Robert Michael “Mike” Wales, age 73 of Lawrence, passed away December 2, 2024. Mike was born January 6, 1951 in Lawrence, Kansas to parents Clarence Robert Wales and Frances Elaine Miller Wales. He was a graduate of Lawrence High School and also attended school in Perry and Williamstown where he played football and basketball.  Mike was also a graduate of Southeastern Oklahoma State University where he earned  a Bachelor of Science degree in 1989.  He also married Terry Bernier and they were together many years before divorcing.  Mike also was very proud of his service in the United States Air Force where he served and retired after 14 years.  During this time, Mike served in Guam and also at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma during Desert Storm.  He also traveled to Haiti a number of times as a missionary for River City Church.  Mike, in more recent years worked as an English language teacher in Zheng Zhou, China.  He was very fond of the many students and friends he made in China.  It was also during this time that Mike met HongMei Hu “Mary” and they were married in 2012.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Clarence, sister, Marla Jo Wales and two brother in laws, Alonzo Howard and Randy Wickham.  He is survived by his wife, HongMei Hu of the home; mother, Frances; daughters, Mandy and husband Chris Tinch of Topeka and Meredith Mazza and husband Nick of Shawnee, Kansas; one son, Travis Wales of Baldwin, Kansas; four brothers, Randy and wife Leanea of Mclouth, Kansas, Merle, Marvin and Martin of Lawrence, Kansas; three sisters, Brenda Wickham of Yukon, Oklahoma, Marsha and husband Bob Abbott of Mclouth, Marilyn Howard of Lawrence, Kansas and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Graveside services for Mike will be 3:00 P.M. Saturday, December 7, 2024 at Underwood Cemetery in Perry.  The family will have a visitation at the funeral home on Friday evening from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.  Arrangements are with Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, Kansas.

Rose Marie Hildebrand

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Rose Marie Hildebrand, 97, passed away Thursday, November 26, 2024.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 75 years, Glen.

Survivors include a daughter, Georgia (Gary) of Prairie Village, KS; son, Mark (Deb) of Tulsa, OK; grandson, Stephen (Callie) of Prairie Village, KS; and two great-granddaughters, Lola and Matilda.  “Ro” also had a very large circle of friends who were always there for her.

The family would like to thank Neuvant House of Lawrence for their loving care and support.

Michael Thompson Morley

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Michael Thompson Morley, loving husband and father, took his final quantum journey into the unknown on Sunday December 1, 2024, at his home in Lawrence, Kansas.

He made his arrival to the late John C. (Jack) Morley and Marie Thompson Morley on December 7, 1946, in Kansas City, Missouri.  He was the oldest of 5 siblings and spent his youth in Kansas City, except for periods living with his family in Denmark (1955) and Scotland (1963), which instilled in him an early love of travel and adventure.

Michael attended Rockhurst High School (Kansas City), Regis College (Denver), and University of Kansas, where he graduated from the School of Journalism in 1969 with a degree in advertising.  With the country upended by war he banded together with a group of good friends and spent years living the storied hippie life galavanting across the country.  From Arizona to Washington he did various odd jobs and barely stayed out of trouble. He finally landed in the Bay Area where he settled down slightly, married his first wife Sharon Anderson, had a daughter Amanda, and continued his ventures to South America, India, Pakistan and beyond.

How this wild guy came to take a mostly straight-laced Angela Candela to a Rolling Stones concert and marry her still baffles many of us to this day, but their relationship just made sense and is an aspiration to those who know them. They made marriage look easy and were the perfect counterbalance for each other for 41 years.

After stints as a school bus driver, sewing machine mechanic, drug runner and apple picker, to name a few.  Michael came to realize he was not content to be an employee. He got a contractor’s license and began by remodeling residential and commercial buildings before moving into new construction and using energy efficient Structural Insulated Panels, SIPs.  He wrote the book Building with Structural Insulated Panels in 2000 and invented a system to build geodesic domes using SIPs.  One of his domes was erected in Greensburg, Kansas, after a 2007 tornado flattened the town.  Of all of his work, his meticulous renovation of his home in Old West Lawrence was closest to his heart.  He and Angela always joked that while they loved to travel, there really was no place like home.

His passions included writing, cycling, traveling, gardening (particularly native prairie plants), camping and spending time with his vast network of friends.  He was a very engaged member of the Lawrence community. He served two terms as the OWL Association president, took an active part in restoring our brick streets and served on the Historic Resources Commission.  He was actively involved in the early days of the Common Ground Community Garden Program and was instrumental in OWL’s own Pearl Clark Community Garden. When he wasn’t doing those things he was tinkering with his prized possession, a 1957 Dodge Power Wagon.  Purchased in Arizona, driven daily in California, then to Kansas, it went through many incarnations as he transformed it into the metallic orange flatbed dump truck it is today.  As he liked to joke, “he had the truck longer than both marriages put together!”

A creative thinker and teller of tales–be it recounting his own legendary adventures from around the globe, or making up “Johnny and Lizzie” stories for the kids, always picking up where he left off–he was never at a loss for words.

Michael lived a fearless, full life, he never held back and dove head first into each adventure.  He was a social butterfly at heart and happiest in the company of others.  His friends, family and particularly his grandchildren always brought a smile to his face.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Thomas O’Connor Morley in 1984 and his first wife Sharon Anderson in 2018.  He is survived by his wife, Angela Candela of the home, and his proudest accomplishments, his three children, Amanda Stan (Silviu Stan), Lawrence, KS; Jackson Morley (Kat Cummings), Providence, RI; and Hazel Morley (Charles von Rosenberg), Ridgewood, NY.  He relished his role as “Hot Rod” to his four beloved grandchildren: Amon and Ursula Morley, Alden and Lewin von Rosenberg. He is also survived by his siblings Kevin Morley, Overland Park, KS; Sheila Morley-Wallis, Shawnee, KS; and Brian Morley, Lawrence, KS.

The family is grateful for the many friends who offered support during Michael’s two-year battle with appendiceal cancer.  Your kindness fills our hearts!  If there are any who wish to make a donation in his name, Michael was a bird lover and a supporter of Audubon of Kansas.

Yvonne Sue Daniels

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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Yvonne Sue Daniels, 69, of Gardner, Kansas. Yvonne passed away on Monday, November 25th, 2024 at Olathe Medical Center after a hard fought battle with Lung Cancer. She passed away peacefully with loved ones at her side.

Visitation will be on Thursday, December 5th, 2024 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence, KS.

Yvonne was born on July 2nd, 1955 in Lawrence, KS, the daughter of late Melvin McCombs and Carol Richardson (Plank). Yvonne married and divorced Jim Vantuyl and shared 3 Children who survive the home. Yvonne then married and divorced Rocky Daniels. After many years married and many years apart, Yvonne and Rocky found their way back to one another to live out her life with the love of her life and “BFF” until her last breath.

Yvonne is survived by Daughter Shanna Hutchcraft (Vantuyl) and Son In-law Wesley Hutchcraft of Excelsior Springs, MO, Sons Dustin Vantuyl and Significant Other Ashley DaVatz of Perry, KS and Cody Vantuyl of Tonganoxie, KS. Yvonne was also very proud to have 4 Grandchildren including Eli Cersovsky, Gavin and Jorden Vantuyl, and Jaxon Venchus. Her Sister Cindy Cook (McCombs) and Brother In-law Dana Cook and Niece Megan Cook also survive the home. Yvonne’s Brother Thomas McCombs and Sister Valerie Lynn (McCombs) along with her Parents preceded her in death.

Yvonne is loved by many. She cared deeply about her friends, co-workers and neighbors and would even offer help to a stranger on the street, if they were in need. One of her proudest accomplishments was being able to drive a School Bus for First Student in Gardner, KS after she retired from working in Human Resources most of her Adult Career. Her face would light up with happiness anytime she would talk about the kids on the bus or her work family that she became close with. She adored her neighbor-kids and looked forward to her special “coffee time” in the mornings while sitting on her front porch with them drinking their hot cocoa. She also was honored to be considered a grandma figure and cherished the heart to heart talks she would have with one of them who often would be found helping her walk her beloved dog Dilly or mowing her yard.

Yvonne was diagnosed with Lung Cancer in May 2023 and she immediately went to battle so that she could have more time with her family and friends. She had many people helping her along the way and was always so grateful of their kindness and generosity. It was hard for her to accept any help from anyone, ever! But, she was able to come to terms that it was going to take a village to fight this battle. It was indeed quite the amazing village she had by her side.

A bucket list ensued and her adventures began! It was just a reminder of her passion and spirit she had for anything she did in life. She knew she was on borrowed time, but that didn’t keep her from living life to the fullest every day. A reminder for all of us that life is short, you should take that vacation that you have been putting off, make memories with your loved ones, and absolutely eat the cake! And the ice cream too!

The Family suggests memorial contributions to be made to any local Animal Shelter or Animal Rescue Group as her love for animals was as deep as her love for her family and friends.

Tom Hornbaker

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Tom Hornbaker, 76, of Lawrence, passed away on Friday, November 22, 2024 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his family.

He was born November 11, 1948, in Lawrence, the son of Allison and Arlabel Hornbaker. He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1966 and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Kansas in 1973 and 1975. Tom served in the National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1977.

Tom spent the majority of his career with The World Company, from which he retired in 2022 after 28 years of service. He served in a number of volunteer roles in a variety of philanthropic organizations, including Junior Achievement, the Lawrence Schools Foundation board, as treasurer at First Baptist Church, and as treasurer and board member of the Lawrence City Band. He was a talented musician, playing the clarinet and saxophone in the Overland Park City Band, Lawrence City Band, KU’s University Band, New Horizons band, and in the Foundation Follies. He was a founding member of the JazzHawks, treasurer of the Crossroads band, and a board member of the Free State Brass Band. In addition to his many musical endeavors, Tom enjoyed traveling, woodworking, cheering on the KU Jayhawks, and “putzing around the yard.”

Tom married Shelly Buxton on February 19, 1983, in Prairie Village, Kansas. They moved to Lawrence in 1994, where she still resides. Other survivors include sisters Ann Feinberg and Jean Winters, daughter Jaime Dupy (Matt Dupy), daughter Jennifer Hornbaker (Justin Krajci), son Alan Hornbaker, and grandchildren Hailey and Adam Dupy.

A memorial service will be held in celebration of Tom’s life on Saturday, November 30 at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church West Campus, 867 Highway 40, in Lawrence.

Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Tom to the Lawrence City Band via the Douglas County Community Foundation, 900 Massachusetts Street, Suite 406, Lawrence, KS 66044; or First United Methodist Church, 946 Vermont Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.