Category: Obituaries

Brian Bradley Killen

Posted on by RumseyYost
Brian Bradley Killen, age 62, of Lawrence, KS, died on April 11, 2026.

Brian was born on November 18, 1963, in Belleville, KS to Bradley Killen and Deanna (Douglas) Killen. He grew up in and around Assaria, KS, where he attended Southeast of Saline Schools.

He went on to earn a B.S. in Computer Science from the best university in the state of Kansas, and despite his love of Lawrence, he remained a loyal Kansas State Wildcat throughout his life.

In 1985, Brian married Lori Wetzel, and they shared 40 years together. They had two children, Andrew Killen (Rebecca) and Eric Killen (Jason Steliga) of whom he was endlessly proud. Brian was especially known for his loving relationship with his grandchildren, JJ and Etta.

Brian worked in the software industry and his passion for technology was matched only by his commitment to nurturing the talents of others. His professional and personal generosity will live on through everyone lucky enough to know him.

Brian is survived by his mother, his siblings Darren Killen (Dustin Swartz), Jill Shields (Mark), Jon Killen (Christine) and in-laws Doug Wetzel (Jill Lindeman), Lyla Holt, Chad Hendrich (Joy), Barb Fahrenbruch (Larry), Amy Robinson and Adylaide Crocker. Brian cherished his role as uncle to Sydney Shields, Cole Killen (Clair), Sam Shields (Katelyn) and Jacob Wetzel.

He was preceded in death by his father; his father-in-law, Wayne Wetzel; grandparents Kenneth and Clara Killen, and Ward and Verneal Douglas; as well as numerous aunts and uncles.

All are welcome to gather for a visitation on Saturday April 18, 2026, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence from 10AM to 12PM.

A private graveside burial at Oak Hill Natural Cemetery will follow.

Lunch will be provided from 12PM to 2PM at a location to be announced.

If you wish to remember Brian with a gift, the family recommends supporting Just Food.  (https://secure.qgiv.com/for/onlingivi/)

Rodney Eklund

Posted on by RumseyYost

Rodney Eklund, 69, died Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his family.

He was born September 30, 1956, in Coffeyville, Kansas, the son of Ervin and Enid Elaine Eklund. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 1979 with a bachelor’s of science in business.

Rodney served in the U.S Navy in San Diego, California from 1980 to 1984 on the USS Tarawa. He worked for the Lawrence Public School District for over 10 years as a paraeducator and was a coach for numerous Lawrence Parks and Rec sports teams for 15 continuous years.

He married Melissa Eiler on May 10, 2001, in Lawrence, Kansas. He is survived by sons, Skylar Eklund and wife Samantha Eklund, Elijah Eklund, Alex Eklund, and Erik Eklund; grandson, Axel Eklund; nephews, Nathaniel Demby, Chris Demby, and Jordan Platt.

His father, Ervin Eklund, mother, Enid Eklund, and sister, Jane Platt, all preceded him in death.

Rodney was an avid sports fan who loved playing in his youth, collecting cards, going to games, and coaching all of his son’s teams. He had numerous pet dogs throughout his life, all of which he loved and cared for dearly. He loved to travel, encompassing a majority of the United States, Western Europe, and Canada. He will be remembered as a role model and loving father to his four boys.

No Services are planned at this time.

Mary Catherine Valus Zapala

Posted on by RumseyYost

Mary Catherine Valus Zapala, age 90, died on April 11, 2026 in Lawrence KS. She was born on November 21, 1935 in Bridgeport CT to Mary (Phillips) and Stephen Valus. Mary, affectionately known as Cookie, was married to Edward J. Zapala, they had no children. They resided in Milford CT and she retired from Sikorsky Aircraft after 37 years of service. They retired to Bradenton FL, where they lived for 15 years until Ed’s death in 2004. Mary then moved to Kansas to be closer to family. She is also predeceased by a brother, Thomas A. Valus and brother-in-law, Richard L. Jacobs. Survivors include a sister, Carol D’Andrea Jacobs of Lawrence KS; a nephew, Marc D’Andrea (Lisa) and two great-nieces, Sydney and Adrianna D’Andrea, all of Shawnee KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10306; or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675; or Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 6001 Bob Billings Pkwy, Lawrence, Kansas 66049.

A Memorial Mass is set for 10:00 A.M. Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lawrence.  Inurnment will take place at a later date at St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Cemetery in Stratford, Ct.   Arrangements are with Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence.

Sharon Lynn Frye

Posted on by RumseyYost

Sharon Lynn Frye (née Simons), age 86, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026, in Lawrence, Kansas.

Sharon was born on July 16, 1939, in Bismarck, North Dakota. She lived a life defined by devotion to her family, a lifelong passion for learning, and an enduring love of music.

She was a concert‑trained pianist, a talent that brought beauty and meaning to her life and to those fortunate enough to hear her play. Her intellect, curiosity, and appreciation for learning remained with her throughout her life and were evident in all that she did.

Beyond music, Sharon enjoyed a variety of hobbies that reflected both her creativity and practicality. She had a fondness for cars and took pride in her interest and knowledge of them. She also loved knitting and sewing, finding joy and purpose in creating things by hand for those she loved.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Frye, and her grandson, Joshua Wallace.

Sharon is survived by her children, Deanna (Steve) Thomas and Kendall (Lindsey) Frye. She was a proud grandmother to Alyssa (Chris) Chambers and a cherished great‑grandmother to Carver and Levi Chambers, who brought her great joy.

Those who knew Sharon will remember her for her quiet strength, her love of family, her sharp mind, her creativity, and the grace she expressed through music. She touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on April 17, 2026, at Clinton Presbyterian Church, Clinton, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Breast Cancer Care Fund at The University of Kansas Health System: https://giving.kansashealthsystem.com/fundraiser/7112458

Ronald Joseph Wolf

Posted on by RumseyYost

Ronald Joseph Wolf, age 90 of Lawrence, passed away April 8, 2026.  There will be a Mass of Christian Burial for Ronald at 2:00 PM, Friday, April 17, 2026 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church of Lawrence.  Visitation will from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM on Thursday evening at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence.  Interment will take place at a later date at St. James Catholic Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Arrangements are with Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence.

Frederick Earl “Fred” McCreary, Jr.

Posted on by RumseyYost

Frederick “Fred” Earl McCreary, Jr., 82, of Baldwin City, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. A celebration of his life will be held on April 11, 2026, at New Life Assembly in Baldwin City, KS. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., with services following at 11:00 a.m.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 13, 2026 at Norton City Cemetery in Norton, Kansas.

Fred was born on April 25, 1943, in Norton, Kansas, to Frederick Earl McCreary, Sr. and Ivalee (Miller) McCreary. A lifelong student, he graduated from Kansas State University, earned his teaching certificate from Kansas Wesleyan University, and completed several military NCO schools.

In May 1966, Fred answered the call to serve his country by joining the National Guard. He served honorably for more than 24 years. During his final six years, he worked full-time as a retention sergeant with the National Guard in Ottawa, KS, retiring in December 1990 with the rank of Sergeant First Class (SFC). Fred also served his community as “Education’s Sixth Man,” enjoying his years as a substitute teacher in the Lawrence, Gardner, and Baldwin school districts.

On May 23, 1969, Fred married the love of his life, Mary Seusy, in Salina, Kansas. They shared more than 56 years of marriage. Fred and Mary made music together with local choirs, participated in melodramas, community plays and musicals. Together they danced with the Ottawa Promenaders. He also enjoyed supporting local sports teams, woodworking, traveling, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He remained an active member of American Legion Post 228 in Baldwin City.

Fred is survived by his wife, Mary Seusy; three children: son Bryce McCreary, his wife, Julie, and their children Alec, Emma, and Maya of Lakeland, Tennessee; daughter Sarah McCune and her children Grady and Marley of Lawrence, Kansas; daughter Ruthanne Smith, her husband, Chad, and their son Bryce of Kansas City, Missouri; sister-in-law Noelle Schechter, her husband, Orvis, and their children Brent Schechter, Suzanne Schechter, Joshua Schecter, and Bonnie Longnecker of Joshua, Texas; sister-in-law Karen McCreary-Alderman, her husband, Kent, and their children David and Andrew of Salt Lake City, Utah; and brother William McCreary of Salt Lake City, Utah.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Abba House or New Life Assembly.