Category: Obituaries

Donna W. Gatts

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Memorial services for Donna W. Gatts will be 4:00 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2025 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.  Family will greet friends following the service.

Donna passed away Saturday, November 23, 2024 at the age of 96. She was preceded in death by her husband, Professor Robert R. Gatts, a son, Robert K. Gatts, her second husband, David Csitkovits, and two brothers (Marvin and Homer “Buzz”).

She is survived by her children, Gail (Greg) Brimhall, Roslyn (Greg) Alexander, Maryl Janson (James Lucas), Christian (Julie) Gatts, and a sister, Nancy Hawk. She has 15 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

Donna was born in Cleveland and raised in Dover, Ohio. She married Bob Gatts in 1948 and they raised 5 children together. They moved to Lawrence, Kansas in 1963 so Bob could work at the University of Kansas. Donna loved her family, her home, yard, gardening, dancing, playing bridge, University Theatre, reading, making doll clothes for her grandchildren, sailing, swimming, canoeing, her dogs, and entertaining. Donna enjoyed life to the fullest.

Donna went to nursing school in Ohio and worked as a registered nurse. She worked at Stormont-Vail Health for over 25 years as an IV Nursing Supervisor. She completed her Master’s degree in Health Education in 1987. She was a natural care giver and her choice of careers fit her well. Donna enjoyed traveling and combined her love for service by traveling to China with a medical team in the early 1980’s.

Donna volunteered at Court Appointed Special Advocates, Meals on Wheels, and supported many philanthropic organizations.

Reba Belle Bennett

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Reba Belle Bennett, 86, of Lawrence, KS passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on November 20th 2024.

Reba was born on September 23, 1938, in Burlington, Kansas, to Arthur and Ruth Ellen Salsbury. She was one of four children with brothers Arthur, Eugene (Dudley) and Robert (Bob). Reba’s parents, along with Arthur and Robert have predeceased her. In her early years she was raised in Wichita, Kansas before later moving to Ottawa, KS, where she met and married the love of her life, Larry W. Bennett (deceased) on May 24,1959. They moved to Lawrence Kansas to raise their family in 1961 and have been mainstays of the community ever since then.

Reba and Larry were married for over forty (40) years before Larry passed away in December of 2001. They had three children: Christopher Bennett and his wife Robin, of Lawrence, Kansas, Pamela Patterson and her husband Chris of Raytown, Missouri and Michael Bennett and his wife Kerrie of Round Rock, Texas. In addition to her three children, Reba is survived by eight grandchildren: Cara McPherson, Jason Ballesteros, Reece Ballesteros, Jamie Patterson, Noel Patterson, Taylor Oakman, Cooper Bennett and Preston Bennett. She is also survived by four great-grandchildren: Garrett Oakman, Bailey Oakman, Colt Oakman and Calvin Ballesteros.

Reba was a passionate and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She loved to spend time camping and water skiing at Lake Perry and other various locations. She bowled in local leagues for over 50 years, mainly at Hillcrest Bowl, before her health deteriorated. In fact, she chose Wayne and Larry’s at Hillcrest Bowl for her 80th birthday celebration. If you ever bought Avon in the 1970’s, 80’s or 90’s then you probably met her as her career spanned over 30 years. She sold Avon from the early 70’s until the fall of 2001 when she retired. She was devoted to her church originally Lawrence Wesleyan Methodist, currently known as Connect Church, and was an essential member of the congregation actively participating in its growth and relocations from 9th Street and Hillcrest Road to the former Elks Lodge on Clinton Parkway and finally to its current location in South Lawrence. In fact, Reba was named the Kansas Wesleyan lay person of the year in 2001.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Molly Imber, Keep Living at Home and Visiting Nurses for providing outstanding care to our mother and allowing her to live her life at home.

A visitation will be held at Rumsey-Yost funeral home on November 24th at 5pm. The funeral will be held at Connect Church, 3351 W. 31st Street, Lawrence, KS on November 25th at 10am. Reba will be laid to rest next to husband at Lawrence Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Alzheimer’s, Heart of America, Midwest Chapter 8001 Conser Ste 240 Overland Park, KS 66204.

Carolyn J. Carlson

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Services for Carolyn J. Carlson, 85, of Lawrence, will be at 11:00 am Saturday, December 7, 2024, at First Baptist Church, Lawrence, Kansas.

Carolyn died peacefully on Monday, November 18, 2024, at Wellsville Health and Rehab in Wellsville, Kansas.

Carolyn was born April 3, 1939, in Hutchinson, Kansas, the daughter of Lawrence and Fern Wheaton. She graduated from Garden City High School, Garden City, Kansas in 1957. She met her future husband, Lee Carlson, at Ottawa University, Ottawa, Kansas, in 1957, and they were married in 1959. They celebrated 65 years of marriage in June 2024.

Carolyn earned a BS in Home Economics in 1961 from Park University, Parkville, Missouri. After being a wife and mother for 13 years, she started and directed her own preschool, Creative Playtime in Emporia, Kansas. She taught hundreds of young children over 16 years. Later, Carolyn continued her love for teaching children at the Bloomington Developmental Learning Center in Bloomington, Indiana.

Survivors include her husband, Lee Carlson, Lawrence, Kansas, and four daughters, Christy Currier (Don), Lawrence, Kansas; Suzanne Miller, Emporia, Kansas; Lynne Shaw (Peter), Fairfield, California; and Jennifer Lowe (Bill), Raymore, Missouri, eight grandchildren, Alyssa  Wheeler (Kevin), Andrew Currier, Alex Currier (Shania), Noah Shaw, Laiken Shaw, Cameron Lowe, Jade Wilhite, and Avery Lowe, and two great-grandchildren, Henry Wheeler and Tatum Currier.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association, sent in care of Rumsey Yost Funeral Home: PO Box 1260, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Online condolences may be sent to www.rumsey-yost.com.

Staci Lea (Coffey) Rodriguez

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Staci Rodriguez, a beloved mother, daughter, and artist, passed away on November 19, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She leaves behind a legacy of love, warmth, and affection for all who knew her. She was 63 and will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and everyone who had the joy of knowing her.

Born in Pittsburg, Kansas on March 1, 1961, Staci was a fierce friend to everyone who knew her. Staci was raised in Ulysses, Kansas followed by Wichita, Kansas and finally Lawrence, Kansas, where she graduated from Lawrence High School in 1979. After graduation, Staci attended Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. Staci’s vibrant personality, unwavering kindness, and genuine compassion for others left an indelible mark on the hearts of all she encountered.

Staci married Roman Rodriguez in 1981, and together they raised their three children Roman David, Ryan, and Alison. As a devoted mother, she poured all her love into raising her children and creating a warm, loving home. Her legacy as a caring mother will live on through her children’s lives and those of her grandchildren, Ezekiel, Roman Jacob, Jesse, Mariah, Eden, Reann, Valerie, and Alexander. Her love for her family was boundless, and she adored every moment spent with her children and grandchildren.

Throughout her life, Staci worked tirelessly to support her family and contribute to her community. She was known for her dedication, loyalty, and incredible ability to make others feel valued and understood. Whether in her family, friendships, or career, Staci touched many lives with her
kindness, generosity, and authenticity.

Despite her disability Staci had a zest for life, and cherished the special moments spent with her family and friends. She always brought joy to those around her through her infectious smile and positive attitude. She had a unique artistic vision and could transform the ordinary into something extraordinary, whether through drawing, painting, jewelry crafting, or countless imaginative ideas. Her creativity not only fueled her passions but also inspired those around her.

Staci is survived by her children, grandchildren, parents, Roger and Deana Coffey, her siblings, Shaun Coffey, Stephany Coffey and Thane Coffey, her former husband and friend Roman Rodriguez, and loyal companion Oreo. She is also mourned by her uncles, aunts, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends who will carry her memory with them always. Her family’s love for her never faltered, and they will continue to hold dear the many memories they shared together.

Staci’s gentle heart, her artistic spirit, and the love she poured into her family will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her. She will be remembered for her warm smile, her endless creativity, and the deep love she gave so freely.

A Visitation for Staci will be held on Thursday, December 12th, 5:30pm – 6:30pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Friends and family are invited to join in honoring her memory and the impact she made on so many lives.

Staci’s passing leaves a void that can never be filled, but her spirit, love, and light will continue to guide and inspire all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Rest in peace, Staci. Your love and legacy live on in our hearts forever.

Randall Paul Spiker

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Services for Randall Paul Spiker, 63, Lawrence will be 10am Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.  Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.  Visitation will be 5-7pm Friday, November 22, 2024 at the funeral home. 

Randall passed away on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at his home.  He was born June 9, 1961 in Topeka, Kansas to Gordon Paul and Betty June (Hoppe) Spiker.  He graduated from Highland Park High School in 1979 and attended the University of Kansas. 

After graduating high school, he worked for the Kansas Neurological Institute as a drafter. He then moved to Lawrence, Kansas to attend Kansas University and began working for Roy’s Frame Gallery as a framer. He worked at Sallie Mae Loan Servicing Center for 20 years. He retired from the Lawrence Police Department as a civilian police officer, serving for 23 years. 

Randall enjoyed supporting youth services.  For a number of years he was on the board of directors for Big Brothers & Big Sisters. He had a great interest and involvement in their fundraising activities. 

Randall had many gifts. He was a lover of history, especially his family history.  He studied interior and industrial design at KU. He had a tremendous love for animals, especially dogs. He grew up with them and continued to have them in adulthood.  Randall had an expansive knowledge of many things including woodworking and the types of wood, the history of our country, and all that is encompassed in nature (birds, trees, plants and flowers). Randall gave freely of his talents and shared them with many. 

Survivors include Pat (David) Freeman of Springfield, MO, Janice Spiker, Deanna (Ron) Meyer, and Carol Spiker all of Topeka, Kansas.   

Randall married Carol Brown on May 9, 1998. They later divorced, but remained close. She survives.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Laveita Pfeffer, Yakima, WA and his in-laws David & Carol Brown. 

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place • Memphis, TN 38105 or Lawrence Humane Society, 1805 E 19th Street • Lawrence, KS 66046. 

Julee Anette Smith

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Visitation for Julee Anette Hinz Smith, 69, Lawrence, will be 2pm Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, followed by a memorial service at 3pm.  Private inurnment will be at Lancaster Cemetery, Lancaster, Kanas.

Julee passed away Saturday, November 16, 2024 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born a twin on April 7, 1955 in Atchison, Kansas to Clarence E. and Dixie L. Boyles Hinz.

Julee graduated from Lawrence High School in 1973 where she was a varsity cheerleader and homecoming queen attendant. She later attended Salina Vocational School where she majored in Commercial Art and graduated in 1977.  She married in 1983 and later divorced.

She worked in the banking industry over many years at several institutions in Lawrence and Topeka, including University National Bank, Columbia Savings Association, Douglas County Treasurer’s Office, Mercantile Bank, Commerce Bank and Great American Bank retiring after 25 years there as a loan administrator.

Julee was an active member of Velocity Church in Lawrence.  As a steadfast Christian she was devoted to strengthening her personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Julee had many friends among her co-workers and fellow church members who knew her as an especially sweet, unpretentious and sincere person. While she was also a very private person, she was a kind soul who touched everyone she knew.

Survivors include her son, Joel H. Smith, Lawrence; her mother, Dixie Kinkaid, Lawrence; her sister, Janet Hinz Hall, Lawrence; her twin brother Michael (Jana) Hinz, Lawrence; nephews Jon-Michael Hall, Lawrence and Wyatt Hinz, Hawthorne, CA.  She was preceded in death by her father Clarence Hinz.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the Ocular Melanoma Foundation (www.ocularmelanoma.org).

Michael Steven Swalm

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Michael Steven Swalm went home to Jesus in the early morning hours of November 12, 2024 while sleeping. Known to everyone as Mike, he was born September 21, 1949 to Frank and Esther Swalm in Starkville, MS.

At 18 Mike met the love of his life, Jan who was 15 at the time. They married on November 26, 1971. They were two weeks shy celebrating their 53rd wedding anniversary when he died. Together they lived life first in San Antonio, TX and then moved to Lawrence, KS.

Mike was an avid photographer, reader, and jokester; lover of the Lord God and a fierce protector of his family. Over the years he loved his working days in bookstores but nothing compared to the time he spent with family near and far.

Mike is survived by his wife, Jan; his daughters, Chrissie Swalm and Jami Baldwin and her husband Scott; grandchildren, Elliot Johnson, Nora Walburn, Ramble Swalm, Mazzie Swalm, and Henry Wertin III; and siblings and spouses, Chris and Renee Swalm, David and Kathy Swalm, Elizabeth Swalm, and Beth and Matt Pudas. In addition he is survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Mike is predeceased by his son, Peter; his parents, Frank and Esther Swalm; and brother, John.

Services will be held at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lawrence, KS, Friday, December 6, 12:00 noon. A drop in celebration of life will be held following the service at the Swalm home from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Irene Ella (Krueger) Welch

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Irene Ella (Krueger) Welch, 86, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.

Irene was born on August 20, 1938, in Utica, Nebraska, to Paul and Matilda (Schmidt) Krueger. She graduated from Utica High School in 1956 and went on to further her education at the American Business Institute of Lincoln Nebraska. After completing her education, she worked at the State Capitol in Lincoln, Nebraska.

On April 6, 1958, Irene married Gary Welch in Utica, Nebraska. Together, they moved from Lincoln and Ashland, Nebraska, to Leadville, Colorado, where they built a home and raised their family over the course of 56 years.

During her time in Leadville, Irene worked at the Leadville Medical Center, the Climax Infirmary, was an executive assistant at the Westin Hotel in Vail and retired from Mountain BOCES in Leadville to finish her career.

Irene was a passionate and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She was known for her warmth, kindness, and deep love for her family. She enjoyed playing bridge, golf, sewing and was an avid baker. Music was another of Irene’s great joys. She had a beautiful singing voice and loved to share her talent with others.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, her brother George and her son Brent. She is survived by her beloved husband, Gary Welch, her children Reba (John) Neufeld, Kyle (Susan) Welch of Leadville, CO, Sean (Kate) Welch, of Lecompton, KS; grandchildren Karyn Neufeld, Kaylee (Dano) Aldaz, Chelsea (Jimmy) Warne, Jesse (Kara) Kissell, Krislyn (Davis) Smestad, Tess Welch (Ben Powell), William and Maddy Welch; great-grandchildren Ashlee and Taylor Ebuna, DeAnna and Dawson Aldaz, Madalyn Warne, Riggs Kissell, and Emersyn Smestad. A memorial service to celebrate Irene’s life will be held at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at 530 W. 8th St. in Leadville, Colorado at 11:00am on Saturday, December 7, 2024. Reception to follow at the Elks Lodge at 123 W 5th St, Leadville, CO.

She will be remembered for her loving spirit, her devotion to family, and the lasting impact she made on everyone she met.

Jo Ann Prather

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Jo Ann Prather, age 83, left this world to be with the Lord on Monday, November 11, 2024, surrounded by family at her home in Eudora, Kansas. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Jo Ann McKenzie, the daughter of Earl Tate and Ruth McKenzie, was born at her family’s farm in rural Knox City, Missouri, on June 22, 1941. During her childhood, she was a member of Bee Ridge Methodist Church and played piano during worship. After her graduation from Edina High School, she attended and graduated from Kirksville State Teachers College.
On October 29, 1961, at Bee Ridge Methodist Church, Knox City, Missouri, Jo Ann married her soulmate, Hillis Dale Prather. Together they welcomed two children, Deborah and Dale Prather. Jo Ann was devoted to her husband and children, spending many years as a homemaker. She helped out on the farm and supported the ministry. The couple pastored many Baptist churches in Missouri between 1976-2014. Jo Ann was dedicated to her church families. She led Sunday school classes and Bible studies, and played piano during worship. The couple later retired and built a home in rural Knox City, Missouri. They later moved to Eudora, Kansas. They remained members of the Mount Tabor Baptist Church.
Jo Ann enjoyed listening to music, gardening, cross stitching, and putting together puzzles. She loved watching wildlife and feeding her hummingbirds and squirrels. Jo Ann was an avid reader and was dedicated in her walk with God, including daily reading of the Bible and devotionals. She embraced her role as grandmother to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Earl Tate and Ruth McKenzie, and sister, Elizabeth McAnulty Schutte. Surviving are her husband, Hillis Prather, daughter, Debby (Wayne) Wolgast, son, Dale (Christine) Prather, three grandchildren, Jennifer (Jacob) Goss, Christopher Wilkins, and Olivia Prather, and two great-grandchildren, Noah and Carter Goss.
The family will have a small private gathering in Eudora, Kansas. Memorial contributions can be made to Bee Ridge Cemetery or Midland Care in Topeka, Kansas, who provided hospice care to Jo Ann and were a God-send during her time of need. https://midlandcare.org/support-us/donate-online/