Category: Obituaries

Phyllis JoAn Wilson

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Surrounded by family members singing her favorite hymn, Phyllis JoAn Fink Wilson, a “Super-Duper” wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend, began her new life on May 1, 2024, at age 92.

Born to Clinton and Dora Fink on December 1, 1931 in Quinter, Kansas, JoAn graduated from the University of Kansas where she met her future husband, Richard “Dick” Wilson, in a dance class. JoAn and Dick were married for 54 years and had three children: Rick, Steve and Trish – all of whom learned to jitterbug. Their legacy includes two daughters-in-law, a son-in-law, 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren (and counting!).

Family and faith were JoAn’s passions. She was a devoted homemaker who supported her children in all their activities, serving on school PTAs and working various jobs to help pay for her kids’ college. As her family expanded she hosted grandkids for vacations and sleepovers and traveled to help out as needed, generating a whole lot of lifelong memories along the way. She passed on her love of family by sharing stories of growing up in western Kansas and compiling an extensive genealogy of both the Fink and Treu families that included her 12 aunts and uncles and 25 first cousins.

JoAn attended church her entire life and developed a deep appreciation and knowledge of Scripture. She taught Bible studies at every church she attended as an adult in Albany NY, Palatine, IL, Indianapolis, IN and Lawrence, KS. Her faith was very personal and she recounted vivid visualizations of meeting with Jesus that provided comfort and strength throughout the ups and downs of life.

JoAn is reunited in heaven with her husband, daughter, and grandson, Rudy, along with her parents, brother, all those aunts and uncles, many cousins and dear friends who passed before her. She leaves those still living who knew and loved her with wonderful memories and the great hope of a future reunion in the presence of her Lord.

Memorial Service to be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, May 18th, 2024, at First Baptist Church Address 1330 Kasold Dr, Lawrence, KS 66049.

Graveside Service to be held at the Baker Township Cemetery in Quinter, Kansas at 1:30 pm on Sunday, May 19th.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to First Baptist Church of Lawrence, KS, or the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission in Santa Barbara, CA.

Richard Andrew Salierno

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A Celebration of Life for Richard Salierno will be on May 11th, 2024 at Venue 1235 from 1:00-7:00 PM, located at 1235 North 3rd Street, Lawrence, Kansas, 66044.

Richard Andrew Salierno of Lawrence, Kansas passed away March 14, 2024 with family by his side. He was born May 19, 1954 in Brooklyn, New York and grew up on Long Island in Lindenhurst, New York and spent much of his youth surrounded by friends and family playing sports and going to nearby beaches. He became a Kansan when he filled his older brother already attending Ottawa University.
Rich worked for the Lawrence Journal World as a Distribution Manager for 30 years. He followed at the Kansas City Star for three years and then became a casual Bus Driver in Lawrence, Kansas for 2 years prior to full retirement.
Rich married Wanda Freeman on December 6, 1993 in Las Vegas. She survives of the home. Other survivors include Michael Salierno, brother, 8 brother-in-laws, 7 sister-in-laws and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Beatrice Salierno, nephew, Dominic Salierno, and sister-in-law, Aneita Burton.
Rich could light up any room with his whit and laughter. He loved to travel home and abroad with his wife, friends and family. Many of those travels involved attending one of many sporting vents and music venues. Rich was a true captain at heart and enjoyed spending his free time fishing and boating at Perry Lake. We all need to celebrate a life well lived.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Douglas County Visiting Nurses Hospice Care, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home: P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS, 66044.

Michael Donald Landsness

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Michael Donald Landsness, son of Terry and Shawna Landsness-Shelby, was born on January 29, 1987 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. He passed away in a tragic auto accident on April 24, 2024 in Lawrence, Kansas at the age of 37.

Michael attended and graduated from high school in Lawrence, Kansas. Afterwards he attended WTI in Topeka and was certified in HVAC. He worked in various capacities in the construction industry and as a cook.

His passions were cooking, KU athletics and his beloved Chiefs. He loved going to the park with his children, and cookouts with family and friends.

He is survived by his parents, grandparents Connie & Charles VanNess, and Glenda Shelby, his children Kaiyah, Gracen, and Kansas, and his stepsons Quailan, Blake, and Silas.

A visitation will be Monday, May 6, 2024 at 6pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Memorial services will be Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 10am at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. A luncheon will follow at 12pm at Spring Hill Suites Marriot in the Naismith Ballroom.

James Randolph (Randy) Kidd

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James Randolph (Randy) Kidd, DVM, PhD left this life on January 15, 2024.

Randy never met a stranger, and always shared his humor for life. He was a shepherd for all of nature, caring for and protecting the great outdoors and its animals. He believed in taking a walk
every morning to greet the sun. He encouraged his creative mind by writing and teaching. Most importantly, The Great One, (a nickname he earned from great nieces and nephews) was a
wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle, and mentor to many. His greatest joy was supporting their successes.

Born in 1942, to Col. James and Helen Fullerton Kidd at Randolph Field, Texas, Randy would say, “they named Randolph Field after me.” He lived life seeking challenges and sharing this
love of life in the many places he called home.

A natural leader and encourager, he served as president or leader of most of the organizations he chose to support including: the Lancaster High School Class of 1960, veterinary student
groups, community service clubs, bird and wildlife conservation groups, and writers’ associations.

Randy excelled as a student and football player at Iowa State University. His career included many pursuits in a variety of fields: Veterinarian; Veterinary Pathologist; Chiropractor of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Acupuncturist, and Homeopathist; Commercial Flight Instructor; and Pilot for United Air Lines. He was also journalist and published author for publications including Runners’ World, Mother Earth News, Kansas Magazine, journals of Veterinary medicine, and multiple “how to” articles. His memoir, Nature Walking with Cancer, will be released soon.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sue Stratton Kidd; daughters, Kris (Rob) Shaw, Karen (Jeff) Frey, and Kimberly (Kevin) Muff. Grandchildren Zach Shaw, Bret (Tara) Shaw and Grant
(Morgan) Shaw; Madelyn (Eric) Parsons and Connor Frey; Alexandra (Jake) Doller, Skyler (Oistin) McCaughan, and Taylor Muff. Great grandchildren Rowen Shaw; Jordy, Mason, Drew and Reese Doller; Sophia Shaw; and one great grandchild on the way. Randy is also survived by his favorite sisters Sandra Blackburn and Jenny Mann, great niece Traci (Eric) Mahler and many great nieces and nephews.

Randy truly lived his motto: Reuniting the Human Spirit with the Soul of Nature.

A gathering will be held for Randy Kidd on June 7, 2024, at Branchwood Village Cooperative, 651 Branchwood Dr, Lawrence, from 4p-5p. The Celebration of Life will follow at the same location from 5p-6p.

For donations in Randy’s name, please give your time, talent, or contribution to the charity of your choice.

Margaret Darlene Herzog

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Memorial services for Margaret Darlene Herzog, 81, Lawrence, will be at 2 pm Thursday May 2, 2024, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. A visitation will be from 1-2 pm on Thursday May 2, 2024. Private family Burial will follow the service at Oak Hill Cemetery.

She died April 26, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family.

Margaret was born August 2, 1942 in Lawrence, Kansas, the daughter of James Ray and Ella Foster Ray.

She worked for 19 years at Berry Plastics. Before Berry she worked at Hallmark Cards for 34 years.

Margaret was a hard worker and was the sweetest nicest person around. She always said if you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say anything at all.

Margaret is preceded in death by her husband John Herzog, parents James and Ella, her 2 sisters Nancy Bosze and Esther Reese, and her precious great grandson Caisen Alan Hatch.

Survivors include 2 daughters Kimberly Norton Hatch of Lawrence, Tammy Ireland Pike (Charlie) of Warner Robins, GA and a son Lloyd Dean Wampler of Lawrence, 4 sisters Martha LaRue (Glen), Bonnie Hughes, Della Osburn (Bobby), and Rosemary Munger all of Lawrence.

Margaret has 9 grandchildren Brandy Coble (Lester), Amy Doudna (Lee), Justin Hatch (Mindy), James Hatch (Crystina), Mandy Patterson (Scott), Devon Pike (Nadia), Whitney Pringle (Shaun), Kylie Robson (Brock) and Travis Wampler (Katherine), 20 great grandchildren and 2 on the way and 3 great great grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to Visiting Nurses (Hospice) in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Carolyn Diane Jones

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Carolyn Diane Jones, 74 years of age, of Lawrence, Kansas passed away on April 25, 2024. Carolyn was born on October 15, 1949 to Richard C. and Delores R. Miller in Lawrence. After graduating from Lawrence High School in 1968, she went on to marry Charles L. Jones, Jr. on December 24, 1969 and worked primarily as a homemaker.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Charles; children, Jason (Jessica) and Justin and grandchildren, Calvin and Adelaide. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Pioneer Ridge Activity Department in memory of Carolyn Jones.

The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the staff of Pioneer Ridge and Elara Caring Hospice for their dedicated care and support. A Graveside Service will be 2:00 P.M. Thursday, May 2, 2024 at Memorial Park Cemetery in Lawrence. Arrangements are with Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence.

Morris Faiman

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Morris Faiman, 91, passed away on April 23rd, 2024. He was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and was the son of Beatrice and Samuel Faiman. While growing up in Winnipeg, he braved the winters, played ice hockey, and curled with his many cousins.

Morris received his Master of Science and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota and began his career in 1965 as a Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Kansas. He had the privilege of teaching thousands of students over the years and continued his tenure until 2024. In addition to teaching, he also conducted research at the Life Span Institute where he was a recognized leader in the fields of pharmaceutical chemistry and pharmacology. His research programs focused on the development of drugs to treat alcohol abuse and drug addiction, and he holds several patents related to his research.

During his professional career, Morris served on many committees including the Board of Directors of DCCCA (a non-profit organization that provides social and community services to improve the well-being of the local community), the National Institute of Health, and the Center for Disease Control, and was a visiting professor at Duke and the University of North Carolina. He was the recipient of several awards and honors and received numerous grants for his research from the National Institute of Health.

Beyond his academic and professional accomplishments, Morris’ greatest joys in life were spending time with his wife of 62 years, Lynne, his children, Jeff and Janis, and his grandchildren, Leah, Carson, and Abby. He was a master magician and loved to perform his illusions for his family at countless holiday gatherings. He had a love for hamburgers, peach cobbler, his book clubs and magic club, ROMEO club (Retired Old Men Eating Out), the Kansas City Chiefs, and of course, his beloved Kansas Jayhawks. He loved visiting Napa Valley, where he enjoyed sitting in the sunshine in his backyard, watching his peach tree and roses grow, chatting with his neighbors, and sipping very small glasses of wine.

Survivors include his wife, Lynne, (Overland Park, Kansas), son, Jeff Faiman, and daughter- in- law, Christine, (Vienna, Virginia), daughter, Janis Condon, son- in- law, Brian Condon, (Napa, California), and grandchildren, Carson Faiman and Leah and Abby Condon.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 1st, at 10:00 a.m. at Temple Beth Torah, 6100 W. 127th Street in Overland Park, Kansas.

May his memory be for a blessing.

“This experiment is over. It’s time to go home.” – Morris Faiman, April 21st, 2024

If you care to donate in Morris’ memory, please consider a contribution to DCCCA @ www.dccca.org.

Grace Elizabeth Cooper

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Grace Elizabeth Cooper died Thursday, April 18, 2024 at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living in Lawrence, Kansas.

Grace was born February 27, 1928 in New York City, New York, the daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth (Cimszak) Peto.

Grace graduated from Walton high School in 1945. She attended Catawba College in Salisbury North Carolina where she met and married Peter Penn Cooper II on September 28, 1947 at St Luke’s Episcopal Church in Salisbury. She and Pete raised three children.

Grace worked as a credit manager for Zimmerman’s Department Stores, served as the executive director of the American Freedom Association, executive director of H.S. World Peace Study and Speaking program, and taught at Salisbury Business College. She studied business courses and management skills with New York University School of Business, Wake Forest University, and the American Management Association. She earned her BA in English from Catawba College in 1977.

She joined Ingersoll Rand in 1975 as Executive Secretary/Editor. In 1981 she was awarded the Ingersoll Rand Davidson Management Award of Excellence for her outstanding work as a published writer, structuring the Ingersoll Rand newsletter, the Rand-O-Rama, into one of the finest publications in the Ingersoll Rand network. She retired in 1986.

Grace’s husband Pete preceded her in death November 3, 1982. Upon retiring from Ingersoll Rand she moved to Lawrence Kansas where she worked as an Administrative Aide to Senator Wint Winter Jr. of the Kansas Legislature.

Grace was active in the Kansas Authors club, Lawrence Men and Women Widowed Group, Lawrence Community Theatre, Women’s Transitional Care Services Advisory Board, American Association of University Women, Kaw Valley Quilter’s Guild, Plymouth Congregational Church Peace Committee, and St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church.

Grace was a talented seamstress, quilter, and cook. She loved and appreciated classical and jazz music, fine art, thought-provoking literature, world-wide travel, photography, spirited debates concerning world events, politics, education, and religion. She loved the outdoors and animals, especially horses and dogs. She was the best horse groomer her horse-crazy daughter could ever wish for, and bravely pulled a rented two-horse trailer behind her Chevy station wagon so they could attend local horse shows. She loved her dogs, who lived royally under her love and care. She was a member of the National Arbor Day Foundation and loved growing things. She was a master at maintaining a beautiful yard and happy house plants.

Grace’s brother, Walter Peto, also preceded her in death. Survivors include her daughter, Alexis Chambers (Dean) of Kansas, sons Peter P. Cooper III of North Carolina, Mark R. Cooper (Cindy) of North Carolina, grandson Dylan P. Cooper of North Carolina, and her beloved nieces and nephews and their families.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Pioneer Ridge Independent Living, Rapid Recovery, and Assisted Living, Dr. Gregory Schnose and his staff, Cardiovascular Specialists of Lawrence, the angels of Ascend Health Lawrence, and our friends, acquaintances, and extended family whose friendships, compassion, and support is deeply appreciated.

Grace will be interred in the National Cemetery in Salisbury North Carolina with her late husband.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Lawrence Humane Society or Prairie Paws Animal Shelter in Ottawa, Kansas, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence KS 66044 or, to contribute to “A Tree To Remember” at www.memorialtree.com where trees are planted in national forests as a living memorial to loved ones. Online condolences may be sent as www.rumsey-yost.com. Cards may be sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.