Category: Obituaries

Erlinda C. Lillich

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Erlinda (Linda) Canare Lillich, 76, passed away peacefully on the evening of September 22, 2024 at her family home in Lawrence, Kansas, with family by her side, following complications
from lymphoma.

Born April 22, 1948 in Abucay, Bataan, Philippines, Erlinda was the fifth of nine children of Epifanio De La Cruz Canare (1909-1980) and Antonia Buensuceso Canare (1917-2008). While working as a maid, she met Robert Lillich, a Peace Corp volunteer teaching in Balanga, Philippines. She fondly recalled thinking he resembled Sean Connery’s James Bond. They were married in Manila in 1968.

The couple moved to the United States, traveling before settling in Lake Jackson, Texas, where they had their first three children. They later moved to Derby, Kansas, where they sponsored several family members to immigrate. In 1979, they relocated to Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia, for Robert’s work, where they welcomed two more children into the family. They remained in Saudi Arabia until Robert’s retirement in 1999. Afterwards, they split their time between Derby, Kansas and Angeles City, Philippines, before moving to Lawrence, Kansas in 2015 to be closer to their children.

Erlinda approached everything with determination and skill. Introduced to bowling in Saudi Arabia by her husband, she excelled in tournaments. She also loved bingo, cross-stitch, and crochet. An exceptional cook, she delighted in preparing her children’s favorite meals. Erlinda was resilient and a hard worker who had numerous roles in the family and the community, she was always active and dedicated. In her later years, she cherished the time spent watching her grandchildren grow.

Erlinda is survived by her children: Arnold, Stewart, Scott (Alicia), and Crystal (Erick); grandchildren: Salvatore, Elliott, and Enzo; brothers: Lumbing, Domingo, and Lorenzo; and sister: Felicia; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Robert, son Jeffery, her parents Epifanio, Antonia, sisters Feliciana, Gloria, Loleng, and brother Manuel.

A visitation will take place on Thursday, October 3rd, 2024 from 5:00-7:00PM at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home: 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044. A graveside service will take place the following day, Friday, October 4th, 2024 at 10:00AM at Oak Hill Cemetery: 1605 Oak Hill Avenue, Lawrence, Kansas 66044, in Section 20.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association at 200 Maine Street Suite C, Lawrence, KS 66044, or online at https://www.kansasvna.org/make-a-donation.

Sone Lavongsa

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Sone Lavongsa, 72, Services will be at at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home Sunday, September 29, 2024, at 1 pm.

Mr. Lavongsa died Sunday, September 22, 2024, at KU Medical Center, surrounded by his family.

He was married to Boune Naleb on February 1, 1980, in the refugee camp in Thailand in 1980. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include three sons, Sinh (Rathana) Lavongsa of Lawrence, KS, Khomphay (Doungchay) Lavongsa and Phonesay Lavongsa; 4 grandchildren, Calvin, Davon, Kayden and Khloe;

He was an avid American Football fan. His favorite team was the Chiefs. He loved following the NFL with friends and family every Sunday during the season. He loved going fishing spending time with his grandkids. When he loves dearly to his heart.

Funeral service will take place Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 1 p.m. at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St, Lawrence KS 66044.

Brad Allen Parker

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Brad Allen Parker, age 67, a beloved carpenter, metal and woodworker, musician, and friend to many, passed away on September 21, 2024. Born in Coffeyville, Kansas on August 1, 1957, to Dolores Richardson Parker and Ediston Lindley Parker. Brad moved to Lawrence, Kansas, shortly after his birth. Although he lived in various states over the years with his sister, brother-in-law, and mother, Dolores Parker, Lawrence remained his true home—a place he always returned to.

Life presented its challenges for Brad, including bouts with cancer that ultimately claimed his life. Through it all, he embodied kindness, generosity, and a profound faith in God. He deeply missed his mother, Dolores, who passed away a few years ago. He is survived by his sister, Lindy Parker Cady, her husband Ed, and their children Madeline, Aileen, Jessi, and Kyle, as well as his grandniece Bryn, all of whom were always in his thoughts and prayers.

Brad was a gifted metal artist and woodworker, traveling across the country to showcase his craft at art fairs. His intricate ironwork and carpentry reflected his exceptional skill and passion. An accomplished guitarist, he loved making music with friends and refurbishing guitars in his spare time.

Throughout his life, Brad cultivated deep friendships, grounded in his strong work ethic and genuine warmth. He was a familiar face at local coffee shops, where he delighted in sharing stories. He worked with Steve and Cheryl Standing, helping to renovate old houses, and was remembered by Steve as someone who had “a willingness to work on anything” with a positive outlook. As an independent contractor for his dear friend Stephen Ruttinger, both Stephen and Eunice praised his dedication, noting, “Everything Brad did was to the highest standard. It might have taken a little longer, but it was always done well. He could fix anything.”

Brad never met a stranger, easily forming friendships with neighbors wherever he lived. He cherished the Old West Lawrence community in recent years and was known for his special affection for all creatures, especially squirrels, birds, and rabbits. He would often spoil them with their favorite treats, including bakery cookies, and fed them daily when his health allowed. They, too, will miss him dearly.

Brad’s legacy of kindness, artistry, and community will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His big heart touched countless lives, and he leaves behind a world that is better for having had him in it.

His resting place will be Oak Hill Cemetery. There will not be a service at this time. In his memory, notice creatures in nature, enjoy homemade artful objects and show kindness and generosity of spirit to the people you meet.

Khamphaeng Kongkindavong

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Services for Khamphaeng Kongkindavong, 74, of Lawrence, will be held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home on Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.

Khamphaeng peacefully passed away at home on September 21, 2024. She was married to Pilot Lieutenant Bouathong Kongkindavong and was the proud mother of seven: Seang, Mik, Sisouk, Moukda, Phanith, Julie, and Disadaphon. A devoted grandmother to eleven and a great-grandmother to seven, she moved to the United States from Laos with her family during the Vietnam War. Khamphaeng cherished fishing with her husband and treasured moments with her grandchildren. Her Laotian name, meaning “adorn,” reflects the love and admiration she inspired in those around her. May she rest in peace.

Mary Anne Schreck

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A Visitation for Mary Anne Keenan Schreck will be held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence, Kansas on Wednesday, September 25th from 6:00-7:30 pm. A graveside service will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery on Thursday, September 26th at 10:00 am.

Mary, aka Mimi, tap danced her way into Heaven on Friday, September 20, 2024 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. She was 88 years old. She was surrounded by the love of her husband of sixty-two years, Joe (aka Peeps), her children, and treasured grandchildren.

Mary and Joe moved from Bethlehem Twp, New Jersey to Lawrence in 2019. Mimi may have lived in Kansas these past five years, but she was always a “Jersey Girl” at heart.

She was born August 16,1936 in Teaneck, New Jersey. She was the baby of the family and was loved well by her parents Anne and Tony Keenan. She was greeted in Heaven by her parents and three siblings; Patsy, Irene, and Bobby. There is no doubt that she was also greeted by their many furry friends whom she loved and spoiled with ice cream and custom dog beds.

Mary graduated from St. Cecilia’s High School in Englewood, NJ which she had attended with her classmate, and future husband, Joseph Schreck. Mary loved her time in High School and often talked about her days as a cheerleader, football games, her many friends and becoming Homecoming Queen. After graduation, she earned her degree at Holy Name Hospital School of Nursing. She worked as a registered nurse and loved to tell us about the many babies she cared for in the newborn nursery.

While Mary and Joseph were not high school sweethearts, fate would bring them together several years later through a chance meeting in St. Louis. Despite her misgivings about “Joe Schreck from High School”, she agreed to a first date and the rest is history. He likes to say that she couldn’t resist him in his Army uniform. They married on June 8, 1963 and were blessed with their four children, Tim, Karin, David, and Allison.

Mary was a talented tap dancer and even appeared on the Ted Mack Amateur Hour at age eleven (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeWjThJtoog She’s the 5th in from the right ). She never forgot her tap routines and would often break into dance in the middle of her kitchen or the aisle of a grocery store. She loved her family, friends, shopping, giving unsolicited advice and sharing her never-ending medical knowledge. Her pocketbook always contained a hairbrush just in case your hair happened to look like a “rats nest”. She was famous for her version of the Mysterious Ingredients Chocolate Chip Cookie and her “Mother Mary’s Stew”. She was Mimi to everyone she loved and everyone loved her.

Mary is survived by her devoted husband, Joe. Born just one day before her in 1936, they are the couple that was truly a match made in Heaven. They enjoyed many summers spent at the Jersey shore and annual trips to Hilton Head. Most recently, they found great pleasure in just sitting together in their backyard watching the birds. Their love and commitment to each other was an inspiration to us all.

Mary is also survived by her son Tim and daughter-in-law Beth, daughter Karin and former son-in-law Lance, son David and daughter-in-law Patti, daughter Allison and son-in-law Mace, and her very spoiled fur child, Maizy. She is Mimi to eleven grandchildren and a great-grandson; Kerian, Heidi, Quinn, Mason, Tierney, Holly, Andie, Taylor, Gavin, Abbie, Joey and Liam. Also left to remember Mary are her extended family, many friends both from New Jersey and Kansas, and all the ladies at Hobby Lobby and Walmart. She treasured each and every one.

Rarely does one meet a woman with such dignity, principles, grace, common sense, and a joyful spirit. Mary was all that and more simply because her heart was filled with true faith and love. She will live on in all of us and will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place • Memphis, TN 38105.

Carl “Dick” Levin

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Carl “Dick” Levin, born 5-26-38 in Los Angeles, California, was son of Jake Levin and Helen (Gardner) Levin, father of Kira Levin, grandfather of Jake and Sarah, great-grandfather of Kairi.  He was a life-long learner, earned a bachelor’s degree from Reed College in Portland, Oregon, was in a Human Development master’s degree program at the University of Kansas, and studied modern dance under Martha Graham.  A long-time resident of Lawrence, Kansas, he was an innovative thinker and an avid outdoorsman.

Sallie Thompson (Phillips) Lipscomb

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Sallie Thompson (Phillips) Lipscomb died peacefully in her Lawrence, Kansas home on September 13, 2024. She was 83 years old.

She was born on June 7, 1941, in Alexandria, Virginia, the daughter of Dr. Alonzo Lafayette Phillips and Mary Gascoyne Howell Phillips. Her husband, Richard Henry “Dick” Lipscomb, Jr., as well as her father and mother preceded her in death.

Sallie married Dick, her high school sweetheart, in 1961. They lived in Richmond, Virginia, until Dick’s career relocated them to Lawrence in 1976. They had three children and lived a beautiful life together until Dick’s passing in 2020.

She fulfilled her life’s mission as a caregiver and helper through her personal and family relationships as well as her career. She worked as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant in the Lawrence, Topeka, and Kansas City area for years after earning her Associate’s Degree from the University of Kansas.

Sallie served customers at JCPenney in Lawrence for over 10 years and was the talented seamstress behind many wedding and prom dresses in her role at Karen’s Bridal Shop. She was a caregiver for her parents and mother-in-law in her home in Lawrence until their passing.

She had a true zest for life and laughs, enjoyed a variety of music genres, and truly loved her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She and Dick attended many sporting events to support their grandchildren, always repping with the appropriate team swag.

Sallie made a mean Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings, especially her stuffing. She loved hosting the whole family, and many special memories were made Black Friday shopping and playing poker (with Sallie’s cheat sheet in front of her).

She was an avid collector of Schoenhut dolls and figures, and she was a master at bringing new life to neglected antiques. She loved nature and all animals (well, maybe not the pack rat who built a nest in the motor of her van at her country home), and had a special affinity for cats. Her father instilled a passion for trains in her that spanned her lifetime. She loved her Kansas Jayhawks and Kansas City Chiefs, especially Patrick Mahomes.

Sallie is survived by three children: Sallie Knetzke and her husband, Jerry, of Springfield, Missouri; Rick Lipscomb of Lawrence; Mary Clark and her husband, Kevin, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; five grandchildren: Taylor Lipscomb, Jack Clark, Kaitlin Knetzke, Sarah Knetzke, and Courtney Clark; two great grandchildren, Ryker and Renleigh Keifer; her sister: Mary Arden (Phillips) Grimm of Waynesboro, Virginia; and her beloved cat, Miss Kitty.

The family expresses our sincere gratitude to Sallie’s doctors as well as the nurses, aide, and social worker from the Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association, whose support in ensuring Sallie’s comfort in her home during her final days was truly invaluable to us.

A visitation to honor Sallie will be October 19, 2024, 1-3 pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association or Lawrence Humane Society.

Donna Jo “Jody” Ebeling

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Memorial Services for Donna Ebeling will be held at 2pm, Monday, September 23rd at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence.

Donna Jo “Jody” Ebeling (née Sparks), aged 89, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away in her apartment at Arbor Court in Lawrence on September 9, 2024 in the presence of family. She had been well cared for in a brief illness by Arbor Court and Ascend Hospice services.  Jody was born on March 17, 1935, in Shattuck, Oklahoma  during the dustbowl and the great depression.  Jody was a bit of a maverick and wasn’t interested in meeting the expectations of others and fiercely maintained her independence throughout her life.  Jody’s grandparents had a significant role in raising her, they were a hugely stabilizing force in her life. She attended 18 schools in numerous states when living with her mother but May, Oklahoma and then Laverne, Oklahoma were always a grounding ‘homebase’.

Tornado Rider

She had the unique distinction of having lived through two devastating tornadoes, one in Woodward, Oklahoma in 1947 and later in Greensburg, Kansas in 2007.

Family

Jody married Donald Ebeling in January 1956. They had three sons and were later divorced.  She never remarried. Jody was immensely proud of her sons and her 4 grandchildren. She enjoyed spending time with family as much as possible, which was difficult as family members ended up in far-flung places. She made the long trip to New Zealand 4 times to visit and support her family there.

She loved animals and often had several at a time, many of whom she rescued. She would often stretch the rules of her retirement community and feed stray cats and dogs, birds and squirrels. She reckoned she’d had 18 pets over her lifetime!

Jody is survived by her brother, J Ben Sparks, her sons, Terry (Kate Vercoe) Billy and Timmy Ebeling (Josanye Ebeling), 4 grandchildren, Cole, Landon, Cydney Ebeling and  Cameron Vercoe Groenen, foster-son, John Lingenfelser, niece, Lindsay Gamboa; nephews, Kirk Sparks, Mike Sparks, Steve Sparks, and Scott Weeks. Jody was predeceased by her parents Oma (née Long ) Sparks and Gerald Sparks. As mentioned before, Jody lived in several different states as a child and attended many different primary schools. She graduated High School in Laverne, Oklahoma where she was Drum Major of the Marching Band.  She attended the University of Oklahoma for one year, she didn’t find that a good fit, so trained as a hairdresser and then as a dance instructor at The Arthur Murray School of Dance where she met her husband, Don. They would move to Lawrence Kansas in 1963 and operated The Gaslight Tavern and Carriage Lamp Restaurant.

Aside from being a business owner, hairdresser and dance instructor, Jody would later work in Doctors’ offices as a bookkeeper and receptionist.  She would later work for and eventually retire from ARCO pipeline gas company in Southwestern Kansas.

Jody was a devout member of Unity Spiritual Organization where she deepened her spirituality through affirmative prayer and education. She took her family on many summer retreats to Unity Village in Lee’s Summit, Missouri and was an occasional attendee at the Unity Church, both here in Lawrence and also at the main campus in Lee’s Summit.

Her diverse interests were reflected in her hobbies. Over her lifetime Jody pursued many different activities which included golf, bowling, trap shooting, painting, writing poetry, bridge, BINGO and singing. She made a recording “Never Too Late” in 2010 and had occasional live performances on stage with her 3 sons.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jody’s memory can be made to the Lawrence Humane Society, an organization that reflects her love for animals. Jody’s vibrant spirit and legacy of love, kindness and generosity will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all who knew her.

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

Livestream will be at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcyNjcxMzA0NjMyODg4NyZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==

Aristeo Anthony Ramirez

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Aristeo Anthony Ramirez, aged 75, passed away on September 9, 2024, in Lawrence, Kansas. Born on July 22, 1949, in Horton, Kansas, to Aristeo R. Ramirez and Augustina Ramirez. Artie graduated from Horton High School, the class of 1967, serving as senior class president. Following graduation, he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from July 1967 to July 1971, dedicating four years of his life to serving his country during a pivotal time. He served with the 3rd Marines in Vietnam in 1968. He was a lifetime member of The Veteran’s of Foreign Wars. He married Sharon Caplinger in Topeka, Kansas, together they had two children, and later divorced. Artie retired as a member of Bricklayers Local Union 15.

Artie will always be remembered for his kind heart. He had a soft spot for his cats that loved him dearly. He was always there to help family, friends, or anyone that needed uplifting and words of wisdom. He had a great smile and infectious laugh.

Artie was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his children, Jennifer and Gabriel. Brothers and sister, Marcus (Monica) Ramirez, Val Howland, George (Rogena) Ramirez, Rosalind (Joe) Jennings, Emil (Billie) Ramirez, Ronnie (Teresa) Ramirez, Anna (Rick) Schroeder, and Paul (Marie) Ramirez. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place • Memphis, TN 38105.

Judith Kay Gilges Sieg

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Funeral Services for Judith Kay Sieg, 81, Lawrence,  will be 2 pm, Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. A Visitation will start at 1 pm.  Burial will follow the service at Worden Cemetery.

She died September 10, 2024, at LMH Health.

Judy was born, October 21, 1942, in Worden, Kansas, the daughter of Hazel (Gilliland) and Gilbert Gilges.

She Attended school in the Baldwin area graduating from Baldwin High School in 1960. Then later Attended Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia for Business with an emphasis in Accounting. Her first job was with T. Murl Beal Accounting Firm in Lawrence, Kansas. The firm was sold to Harry McClure and Judy continued employment there. In 1976, Judy took a position with USD 497 at Lawrence High School in the financial office, where she stayed until her retirement in 2004. Judy was also the manager of the school district (USD 497) credit union for many years and taught Accounting courses to adults for the Adult Education program in Lawrence. Judy was known to keep the books for several businesses in Lawrence and continued that service for many years.

Judy was united in marriage to Darrell Sieg in 1963 and to that union a daughter, Darla Denise, was born in 1964. They later divorced.

She was involved with the Lawrence Knife & Fork club, holding several leadership positions, including president. She was involved with the calling tree for the retired teachers association and also involved in the Lawrence Christian Women’s group. Judy was a faithful member of the Central United Methodist Church in Lawrence being involved with the Women’s Circle. Judy was an avid Lawrence High Chesty Lion fan; plus she enjoyed following KU football and basketball games.

Judy is survived by her daughter, Darla of the home, sisters Glenda McDaniels (James) Baldwin City; Nancy Stephany (Norman) Avon Lake, Ohio; and Carolyn Hicks (Joe) Lawrence; an Aunt Patricia Gilges (Worden); several close nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family requests any donations to be made to the Lawrence Humane Society in lieu of flowers.