Category: Obituaries

John Edward Hays

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John Edward Hays, 72, passed away peacefully in his home in Lawrence, KS on June 27th, after a long battle with progressive multiple sclerosis.

John was born in 1951 in Sublette, KS to John and Charlotte Hays. He was an outstanding student and athlete at Sublette High School, excelling in football, basketball, and track. He enrolled at the University of Kansas in 1970 and joined the Delta Upsilon fraternity, where he made lifelong friends. John was very charismatic, creative, and extremely adventurous. In his early 20s, when he started feeling the beginning symptoms of MS, he decided to start traveling. He traveled many times to South America and Europe accompanied by friends and family, making many memories and new friends along the way. Eventually John returned to Sublette to help on the family farm, continuing his education at the local community college and also continuing his adventures. After his father passed, John took over the operation of the farm until he physically was unable to do so. He then returned to Lawrence where he lived at his home in North Lawrence until his passing.

John rarely complained about his predicament and fought his disease with tremendous strength, stubbornness, and grace. He was loved and admired by many friends and caregivers. As one of his friends said, “John was someone that you met once and wanted to be his best friend.”

Many thanks must be given to the wonderful folks at Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association for all the help, love, and care given to John and for the help from their wonderful hospice team. Also many thanks to all of John’s caregivers over the years with special thanks to Rachel, who cared for him this past year, and to Trish, who was able to spend the last few weeks with John helping him to stay in his home, which was his greatest wish.

Graveside services will be Saturday, August 3rd at 11:00 am in Sublette, Kansas, with Weeks Funeral Home in charge of local arrangements. There will also be a Celebration of Life gathering in Lawrence for John that will be held at Union Depot, North Lawrence, Sunday, September 8, from 1:30 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local visiting nurses association/hospice organization or a charity of your choice.

William Allan “Bill” Hadl Sr.

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William Allan “Bill” Hadl Sr. age 77 of Eudora, passed away June 26, 2024. Bill was born October 7, 1946 in Lawrence, Kansas to parents Allan E. and Viola Hadl. He was a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps and very proud of his service. Bill went on to work for the City of Eudora where he worked for many years in the Water Department as a Plant Operator and as a volunteer Firefighter.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Jim Hadl and one sister, Jeanie Hadl. He is survived by his daughter, Roxene Findley and husband Chris of Princeton, Kansas; son, William A. Hadl of Ottawa, Kansas; sisters, Betty Lou Miller of Lenexa, Kansas, Marilyn Weeks of Garnett, Kansas, Nancy Higbie of Wellsville, Kansas, Lorie Hadl of Gardner, Kansas, Patty Gifford and Connie Larson of Eudora, Kansas; three grandchildren, Megan and husband Bryan Stadler, Alison and Emalane; a great-grandson, Atlas and a host of other relatives and friends.
Graveside Services with full military honors are set for 10:00 A.M. Friday, July 5, 2024 at the Holy Family Cemetery of Eudora. Arrangements are with Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence.

Shirley Jene Freeman (Higgins)

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Shirley Jene Freeman (Higgins) passed away on June 25, 2024 in McMinnville, Oregon.

She was born on January 9, 1941 to Richard and Theda (Oaks) Higgins; she was one of 8 children.

Shirley moved to Oregon in 1982. She enjoyed crocheting and knitting.

Shirley was proceded in death by her husband, Herschel H. Freeman, son, Ricky D. Freeman, grandson, Joshua W. Freeman, father, Richard Higgins, mother, Theda Higgins, sister, Barbara Wiggins, brother, Charles Higgins and Donald Higgins.

She is survived by her daughter, Sherry Freeman-Wherry, TX, son, Gary Gann, MO, sisters; Betty Roberts, OR, and Sylvia Bigsby, KS, brothers; David Higgins, KS, and Darrell Higgins, KS. grandchildren; Amber Cook, CT, Jessica Freeman, KS, Abby Gann, MO, great grandchildren; Soren H. Cook, CT, Caitlynn and Colby Lash, KS.

May Shirley Rest in God’s Eternal Love and Peace! Inurnment will be 2:00 P.M. Friday, July 12, 2024 at Oak Hill Cemetery of Lawrence.

Mary Ann Canfield

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Mary Ann Canfield, born August 13, 1935, died peacefully on June 26, 2024, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Canfield; stepdaughter, Mary Caroline Canfield; sisters, Dorothy Smith, Ruth Heyenbrock, and Ruby (Cliff) Eller. She is survived by stepson Mark Canfield of Columbia, MO; nieces Carol Ohrenberg of Concordia, Missouri, and Beverly Carlton of Prim, Arkansas; and a number of great-nieces and nephews.

Mary Ann was born in Concordia, Missouri, to Ida Wilhelm Heyenbrock White and John Louis White, who preceded her in death in 1935. She was raised by her paternal aunt and uncle, Bertha and Burney White.

She attended Central Missouri State University, graduating with a B.A. in Education and a Master’s Degree in Counseling. She enjoyed reading mysteries, traveling, and was a self-taught pianist.

She taught school for forty-one years in Ft. Carson, Colorado; Concordia and Odessa, Missouri; Ft. Osage and Kansas City, Missouri; and Lawrence, Kansas. Later in life, she worked in many Lawrence-area grocery stores, conducting food demonstrations, and enjoyed meeting many people in the process. She volunteered with Douglas County Hospice and was an active member of First Christian Church for many years. She was a resident of Pioneer Ridge Independent Living for the last seven years, enjoying many friends and activities.

Mary Ann had many friends, a charming zest for life, and people were drawn to her energy and attitude. She was the 4-H Queen in 1953 and showed cattle at the American Royal and Missouri State Fair.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Christian Church of Lawrence, Lawrence hospice organizations, or Douglas County Humane Society, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home: P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Memorial services will be Wednesday, July 24th, 2024 at 11:00AM at First Christian Church, 1000 Kentucky Street, Lawrence, Kansas, 66044, followed by a light luncheon at the church. An inurnment will follow at 2:30PM at Zion Hill Cemetery in Concordia, Missouri.

Joanne Jean Batterman

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Joanne Jean Batterman, age 82, formerly of Ogallala, Nebraska passed away Saturday, June 22, 2024 at Pioneer Ridge Nursing Facility, in Lawrence KS.

Joanne was born May 18, 1942 in Dalton, NE, to Arthur Gustavo, “Art” and Ida Dorothy (Ewert) Hadwiger. She was a Nebraska farm girl until the age of 18. Joanne graduated from Curtis High School, Curtis NE, in 1960. She attended classes at Mid Plains Community College in North Platte, NE. After moving to Ogallala in 1965, Joanne was a childcare provider, worked as a librarian for the Ogallala library, and office manager at Rodech School Supply. She was also a representative for Vanda and Avon beauty products. Joanne served as both a 4-H leader and a Girl Scout leader for her daughter’s clubs. She was very dedicated to her family.

Joanne was an avid reader, expert Scrabble player and crossword puzzle solver. She thoroughly enjoyed flower gardening, tending her plants, and crafting, especially miniatures. Joanne was exceptionally skilled at identifying a vast number of plants and flowers. She had an uncanny rapport with babies and children. Spending time with her grandkids, who knew her affectionately as Granny Jo, was her greatest pleasure. Joanne had a sweet tooth with an affinity for ice cream and cherry delight.She was known for her delicious homemade fried chicken, chocolate chip cookies, and pizza!

Joanne is survived by her children Debbie Batterman of Lawrence KS, Chet (Jill) Batterman of Lawrence, KS, Grandchildren, Jacob Batterman, Jimmy Batterman, Quinten Batterman, Zachary Batterman and Olivia Batterman all of Lawrence KS. Daniella Fiani, Andrea Fiani, and Alexander Fiani, all of Cincinnati, OH. Her siblings Allen (Rose) Hadwiger of Golden, CO, Linda Lee of Overland Park, KS, Patricia (Kurt) Zahner, of Gardner, KS, Cindy Hadwiger of Sunol, NE, along with numerous nieces, and nephews.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Art and Ida Hadwiger, daughter, Roxanne Batterman, brothers, Dennis Hadwiger, and Billy Hadwiger. A service will be held on Sunday, July 7 th at 11:00 a.m. at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home located at 601 Indiana St. Lawrence, KS 66044. The service will also be live streamed via the Funeral Home’s website.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, or the International Rett Syndrome Foundation, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home: P.O Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Online streaming at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcxOTg4MzQ2MzMxNjcyOCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==

Carolyn Sue Babinski

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Carolyn Sue Babinski, 77, passed away Sunday, June 23, 2024, at home surrounded by family.

She was born January 29th, 1947, in Holcomb, Missouri, the daughter of Luther J. and Wanda Holloway. She graduated from Westfield High School in Westfield, Massachusetts in 1965.

She married Michael Babinski on June 7th, 1966, and had just celebrated their 58th anniversary.

She was preceded in death by her parents Luther and Wanda Holloway, brothers Luther J. Holloway Jr., Gary Holloway, and Richard Holloway.

She is survived by husband Michael, Son Jeffrey (Joesph) of Lawrence, brother Ronn Holloway (Brenda) of Haysville, Ks., Sister-in-law Beth Holloway of Wichita, Ks., Sister-in-law Shirley Lucas of Westfield, Mass., and Nicky Holloway of Westfield, Mass., Sister-in-law Jane Holloway of Wichita, Ks.

She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 27 from 5-7 pm at Rumsey- Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence, followed by a Visitation at Resthaven Funeral Home in Wichita from 2-4pm on Monday, July 1st.

Reta L. Heine

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Funeral services for Reta L. Heine, 92, Lawrence, will be at 11 am Monday, June 24, 2024, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home with Michael Readinger and David Scott officiating. The family will greet friends prior to the service at 10 a.m. A private burial will take place following the service. Reta died Thursday, June 13th at KU Medical Center.

Reta was born on January 7, 1932, in Lawrence, KS, the daughter of Leonard and Ada (Kurtz) Bagby. Reta married Otis L. ‘Lud’ Heine on July 6, 1952, at Danforth Chapel in Lawrence.

Reta graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in 1950. Where she was a member of Glee Club. She worked until her retirement at Standard Mutual Life Insurance Company in Lawrence. In retirement she enjoyed working in the cafeteria of Quail Run Elementary School. Reta enjoyed gardening, oil painting, crocheting, sewing, and cooking. She used her handiwork skills to create many beautiful paintings, quilts, scarves, lap robes, etc. Many of these items were donated in service to area care facilities and to Lutheran World Relief. She was a founding, and current member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. She dedicated many years in service to the church and to the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML).

Survivors include a son, Rodney C. Heine and wife Lanaea, Lawrence; a daughter, Rhonda E. Bingaman and husband Brian, Okla. City; grandchildren: Kirstyn Spieth and her husband James; Tyler Bingaman and his wife Shelby, and Hayden Bingaman; great grandchildren: Reagan and Holland Bingaman, Kessler and Callan Spieth; niece, Valerie Earhart and her husband Darrin; nephew Kyle Peaslee, who provided much love and support in recent years; many other nieces and nephews. Reta was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brothers Laverne Bagby and Leon ‘Bob” Bagby, her twin sister Ruby Peaslee, and a granddaughter, Kahlyn Heine.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kahlyn E. Heine Legacy Foundation, the LWML at Redeemer Lutheran Church, or a charity of the donor’s choice, in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Glenn Rodney (Rod) Hinkle

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Glenn Rodney Hinkle, known lately as Rod, was born April 28, 1935, to Loren W. and Emily (Ramsey) Hinkle in Ridge Township, Hope, Kansas. He died on June 12, 2024, at the Lawrence Memorial Hospital at the age of 89.

Rod was baptized into Christ at the Christian Church of Hope, Kansas. He graduated from Hope Rural High School in 1953. He went on to Manhattan Bible College in Manhattan, Kansas, from which he graduated in 1957. He also took some graduate studies at Kansas State University.

On August 17, 1958, Rod married Margie Ann Moore in Indianapolis, Indiana. He entered the ministry serving full time at The First Christian Church in El Dorado Springs, Missouri. He served there 1958-1963, where his first two sons, Thaddeus and Bradford, were born. Next he served at the First Christian Church in Harrisburg, Illinois, 1963-1968, where his third son, Chadwick, was born. Subsequent ministries included at Sheldon, Illinois (1968-1973), Maple Avenue Christian Church in Macomb, Illinois (1973-1979). He served for 21 years at the Lawrence Heights Christian Church in Lawrence, Kansas. Following “retirement,” Rod served in interim ministries at First Christian Church in Hugoton, Kansas, Park Street Christian Church in El Dorado Springs, Missouri, and Community Christian Church in Council Grove, Kansas. Lastly, he served as a “part time” pastor at North Lawrence Christian Church. He also worked as a paraprofessional at Perry-Lecompton Jr/Sr High even into the fall of 2023.

Rod was looking forward to being home with the Lord! He was thankful for 65 years and 9 months with his wife and wonderful, faithful family.

Rod is survived by his wife, Margie Ann, of the home, by three sons, Thaddeus Hinkle of Mankato, Kansas, Bradford (Lisa) Hinkle of Abilene, Kansas, and Chadwick (Teresa) of Lawrence, Kansas, by sisters Marge Geisert of Osceola, Missouri, Marilyn Holcomb of California, by brothers Loren D. (Gertrude) Hinkle of Herington, Kansas, William Hinkle of Texas, Max (Ardith) of California by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and many, many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Loren and Emily Hinkle, by his brothers Tom and Jim, by sister Jane, by daughter-in-law Elizabeth, and by nieces Tara, Brenda, and Michelle, and by nephew Bart.

Visitation for the Hinkle family will take place Sunday, June 16, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, Kansas, 66044. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, June 17, 2024 at the Lawrence Heights Christian Church, 2321 Peterson Road, Lawrence, Kansas 66049. Graveside services will be held at Pilgrim Home Cemetery north of Hope, Kansas.

The family requests that memorials be made to Manhattan Christian College in Manhattan, Kansas, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.