A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date and will be announced by Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home for Linda Kay Patterson, 75, of Lawrence. She died April 23, 2024.
A full obituary will appear here at a later time.
Category: Obituaries
Grace Elizabeth Cooper
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.
Dr. Paul Kendall Kincaid Jr
Memorial Services for Dr. Paul Kendall Kincaid Jr, 79, Lawrence, will be 2 pm, Sunday, April 28, 2024 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
In 1945, Paul Sr. and Mary moved with little Paul Jr. to a house down from the old Turner Hall on Rhode Island Street. It was a great place to be at the age of 3, as you had protective neighbors, lots of alleys to explore, and all the popcorn (that was swept up from the floors of the Granada and Varsity Theater) you could eat.
After moving to 50 Winona, all of Haskell became Paul’s playground. With many steam tunnels to explore, tons of army surplus sitting around outside, and a working dairy farm all the way to the Wakarusa River. While at Cordley Elementary, Paul and his little brother Charles could have been the poster children for ADHD, but it was Paul’s sense of humor that would keep them out of trouble…most of the time.
After graduating from LHS, Paul got lucky and married Nancy Altic. He worked nights, went to Baker University, and he and Nancy were blessed with a little boy, David. After graduating from Baker, Paul sold real estate for 10 years before deciding to become a chiropractor. As a chiropractor, Paul worked in Oskaloosa for thirty happy years. His ability to diagnose and his willingness to refer patients to the right place saved many lives.
Paul’s true passion has always been to fix things. Whether it was rebuilding a 1966 Mini Cooper, a Volkswagen “Bug,” or a truck, the finished product was always immaculate. Paul would be upset if Don, Bob and Tim Baxter weren’t given credit for showing him the right way to do things and where to go to get things done right.
The last few years of Paul’s life were filled with cancer, “defective” body parts, and atrial fibrillation, but it never stopped Paul from donning his signature headband and making sure he got his steps in for the day. Paul’s resilience was partly due to his unwinding ritual that had to be done at 6:00 p.m. sharp, where he would drink his “libation” (usually a cold IPA), followed by reading a book (his favorite being Moby Dick, which he had read about nine times). Saturday nights were a special occasion where Paul would watch Svengoolie until it was time for bed.
Paul’s son David Kincaid, his wife Sherrie, and their daughter Clarus would like to thank some of the many people who helped Paul to the finish line: the Baxters, David Griffith, Paul Claypool, and especially Jane Getto. We would also like to thank Zen Zero for all the good times Paul spent sitting at their bar, Lawrence Memorial Hospital, for always being there for Paul. We would also like to thank Meals on Wheels and Lawrence Presbyterian Manor for being his home as he made the pass to heaven. For all these people and institutions, we are grateful.
Paul Jr. is preceded in death by his parents, Paul Sr. and Mary Kincaid. He is survived by his son David, David’s wife Sherrie, and his granddaughter Clarus. Paul Jr. also leaves behind his younger brother, Charles, a sister-in-law, Claudia, and six nieces and nephews: Jeff, Elizabeth, Benjamin, Ivan, Aurora, and Charles Jr., as well as a grandnephew, Owen.
The family suggests memorials instead of flowers go to his granddaughter, Clarus Kincaid’s 529 Education Fund.
Anne L. Locke
Graveside inurnment for Anne L. Locke, 87, of Lawrence will be 1 pm, April 1, 2025 at Sunset Memory Gardens—10254 K-7, Atchison, KS 66002.
Mrs. Locke died April 22nd, 2024 surrounded by loved ones, including her husband, Arden Kay Locke.
She was born August 19th, 1936, in Atchison, Kansas, the daughter of Lloyd Norman Cooley and Dorothy Louise Cooley (Harris).
Survivors include her husband, Arden Kay Locke, her son, Michael Locke, her sister, Evelyn Burkheart, her brother, Ralph Cooley, her brother-in-law, Tom Locke (wife Linda), her sister-in-law, Twyla Arlington, and many nieces and nephews.
Keith Michael “Mike” Shoemaker
Keith Michael “Mike” Shoemaker, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend, died April 22, 2024, in Lawrence, KS, of complications from pancreatic cancer at the age of 68.
Mike was born Oct. 4, 1955 in Webb City, MO, to Howard and Joan Clyma Shoemaker. He grew up in Kansas City and graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a bachelor’s in education. He received a master’s and a doctorate in pharmaceutical science from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he met his future wife, Kelley Schafer, a fellow pharmacy student. Mike and Kelley were married in 1985 in Salem, MO. They lived in Lee’s Summit, MO, until 1996, when they and their two sons moved to Long Valley, NJ.
Mike had a 35-year career in the pharmaceutical industry before retiring from Sanofi Pharmaceuticals, where he was a team leader in clinical quality and compliance. Mike’s career took him all over the world, including frequent trips to Japan, France, and Germany.
He belonged to Valley View Chapel in Long Valley, where he played guitar in the church’s praise band. He was an avid golfer who enjoyed fishing and grilling. His barbecued brisket, ribs, and pork belly were legendary. After retiring, Mike and Kelley moved to Lawrence in 2021 to be closer to family.
Survivors include sons, John (Casey Boyles) of Alexandria, VA, and Joe of Philadelphia, PA; a granddaughter, June Kelley; a sister, Karen Goodell of Lawrence; two nieces; seven nephews; four great-nieces; four great nephews; and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kelley; his parents; and a sister, Kathy.
After cremation, a memorial service will be held 3 p.m. April 27 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Douglas County Visiting Nurses, 200 Maine Street, Suite C, Lawrence, KS, 66044 or donated directly at https://www.kansasvna.org/donate
Grace Elizabeth Cooper
Inurnment for Grace Elizabeth Cooper, 96, of Lawrence, will be at Salisbury National Historic Cemetery in Salisbury, North Carolina. She died April 18, 2024.
A full obituary will appear here at a later time.
Joann Robertson Wiley
Joann Robertson Wiley died on April 19th, 2024 in Lawrence, Kansas with family nearby.
Funeral services will be held on April 27th at 1PM at the Garnand Funeral Chapel in Lakin, Kansas, 508 N Main St. A graveside will follow at the Lakin Cemetery.
Joann was born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma on June 6th, 1924 to Arthur Evans Robertson and Jane (Jennie Lind) Bailey Robertson.
At the age of 9 her family moved to Hulbert, OK when her father became an administrator in the local school district. She graduated first in her high school class at the age of 16. Joann attended Northeastern State College where she graduated in 1945 with a degree in Business Education. She also worked at Camp Gruber Training Base in 1943 during the war effort. Joann took a teaching job in Lakin, KS in 1945 teaching Business Education, Typing and Shorthand. Here she met her future husband Clyde Coder Wiley Jr. They made their home in Lakin with their two children Linda Sue and Rob Conard.
At age 65 Joann retired from the Dept of Social and Rehabilitation Services, moving to Lawrence, KS to be closer to her family.
She became active in the Lawrence community joining multiple clubs including the Lions and Kiwanis, Town and Country Republican Women, the New Horizons Band, and became a Silver Haired Legislator. Joann remained physically active, enjoying bowling and golf into her 90’s. She was an avid supporter of all things Jayhawk.
Joann was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Arthur Evans and Don Alfred as well as her husband Clyde and their son Rob.
Joann is survived by her daughter Linda Wiley Hasler and her three grandsons Robb Ryan and Edmee, Travis Evan and Sami, and Chad Aaron and Heather. She adored her three great grandchildren Kaelum Robb, Henry Howard and Georgia Josephine.
She is also survived by her brother Wade Hampton and Alice, nephews Mark and Bruce, and nieces Melanie, Donna and Nancy. Joann is also survived by her Lakin family the Hayzletts and the Coders.
Joann embraced her life to the fullest and her mantra at the end was ‘Live Life’.
A Special thank you to the wonderful caregivers at both Brandon Woods and Monterey Village.
Memorials can be made to Douglas County VNA & Hospice (in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044) or the GoFundMe that touches your heart.
Joann was a haiku master, with one of her last poems reading:
In Red Feathered Robe
The Cardinal Brings a Gift
Nature’s Ornament
Harry L. Sinclair
Graveside Services with Military Honors for Harry L. Sinclair, 82, lifelong resident of Iola, Kansas, will be at Highland Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 27th, 2024.
He transitioned Thursday morning, April 18th, 2024, peacefully at home surrounded by his loving grandchildren Kerstin, Chance, Castin and great-grandson Isaiah Sinclair.
Born 2nd child, of six, December 15th, 1941, one week before Pearl Harbor, as he liked to say, to Jodie and Verna ‘Irene’ Malloy Sinclair, in Iola.
He Graduated from Iola High School in 1959. At 4’11”, 98 lbs. After High School he enlisted in the Navy for years 1960-64. After being with the SeaBees in the Navy, He came back 5’9”, 210lbs, graduated, and taught a Masonry class at, Allen County Community College and graduated from Emporia State University with a Bachelor’s degree.
He retired, after 21 years combined Military service, of the Navy and Iola Armory National Guard. He has been a member of and was currently the Commander for the Iola American Legion.
Harry enjoyed his many years with the Nuclear Plant work and the friends he made through there and the friends in Iola. His family is important to him, taking care of them financially and to the best of his ability, taught us that family comes first.
He was married to our mother, Carol Lynn Ostrander Sinclair, for 44 years, before transitioning to Heaven July 2010.
Survivors include: a son Todd Sinclair, grandchildren Halye, Todd Jr. and Grant Sinclair, great-grandchildren Kayden, Kytalynn and Kendole; A daughter Traci Sinclair grandson’s Castin, Chance and granddaughter Kerstin Sinclair, great-grandchildren Isaiah, Gentry, Gensen and Zoe May. A son Tim Sinclair, daughter-in-law Heather and four grandchildren, Emma, Sarah, Harley and Easton. Other survivors include siblings Grace (Ray) Wools, Jim (Donna) and Artie Ray Sinclair.
Preceded in Heaven by parents; wife, Carol; daughter-in-law Gina; grand niece Mitia Marie; Brothers, Joe (Alberta) and Paul Sinclair (sister-in-law Roberta survives).
In lieu of flowers, a `Harry Sinclair Memorial fund’ is being set up with contributions going to the American Legion.
Again, HIGHLAND CEMETERY, 1:00 p.m. SATURDAY, April 27th.
We’ll meet afterwards for food, drinks and stories of our dad, granddad, brother, uncle and friend. Hope to see you there.
William “Bill” Dale Bunce
Services for William “Bill” Dale Bunce, 90, will be on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence, Kansas with family visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. and memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Bill passed peacefully in his home on April 17, 2024 with his children by his side. Born February 4, 1934 in Lawrence, KS, Bill was the son of Ralph Jay Bunce and Lillian Fern Avey Bunce.
Bill’s father worked heavy construction, which led the family to move frequently. Bill attended various schools in Lawrence, rural Lawrence, and McLouth, and he graduated from McLouth High School in 1954 where he excelled in football, basketball, and track. He then attended Pittsburg State University where he played a short stint on the football team before joining the workforce. Bill married Sandra Stevens and together they had three children: Lynn, Dale, and Kathie Bunce. Bill and Sandra later divorced.
In 1954, Bill worked as an employee of Bennett Construction—the general contractor that built Allen Fieldhouse. As a laborer, Bill poured concrete in all levels of Allen Fieldhouse except the first floor, and he was given the responsibility of working with a crew to install the original roof on Allen Fieldhouse. In December of 2022, Bill was honored at a University of Kansas men’s basketball halftime show with a standing ovation from Jayhawk fans celebrating 70 years since construction crews broke ground on Allen Fieldhouse. As one of the original laborers who helped build the greatest basketball arena in the country, this was a true honor for Bill to experience.
In 1955 Bill went to work on the construction of the Kansas Turnpike where he worked as an oiler on a crane. He then followed his father to Elkhart, Indiana where they worked together with a crew of the Western Construction Company on the Indiana turnpike. In 1958 Bill and his father started working on the new (at that time) Kansas City International airport—Bill ran a scraper while his father ran a grader. There are many roads and projects in the surrounding Lawrence area and in Kansas that Bill worked on, including the Missile Silos in Wichita, KS in 1961, the oil and gas fields for City Service in Kansas and Oklahoma, and the building of the Perry Reservoir.
Bill worked as a highly skilled heavy construction operating engineer and was a talented craftsman, a member of the Lawrence Regional Antique Auto Club Association, a skilled welder, a member of Operators Union Local 101 for 42 years, and a witty, creative, conversationalist. He was a volunteer in the Lawrence High School auto tech shop for ten years, and many former students still refer to him as “Grandpa.” Bill worked at Holiday Sand and Gravel/Lawrence Sand and Gravel for 22 years, and he finished his career working for LRM.
On August 1st, 1970 Bill married Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Skinner and created a family with Betty’s children: Connie Hadl Kamp, Patricia “Patty” Hadl, Michelle “Shelly” Miller Thornton, and Mike Miller. Together, Bill and Betty blended a family of seven children, which ultimately blessed Bill with 22 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Bill and Betty were married for 48 years before Betty’s passing in 2019. During that time, Bill would showcase his craftsmanship every Valentine’s Day by gifting a unique, handcrafted Valentine to Betty—each year was different from the last,
some pieces were carved in wood while others were welded metal, but they all marked Bill’s love for Betty with a heart shape and “BB + BB” carved carefully within.
For approximately 12 years, Bill and Betty owned and operated Bunce Appliance in Tonganoxie, KS and were in partnership at The Home Center in Oskaloosa, KS. With a passion for antiquing and repurposing, Bill and Betty spent over 20 years selling antique treasures from their shop, Country Place Antiques, in Linwood, KS. Bill often wore his polka dotted hat and bib overalls while he enjoyed spending time in his shops, designing, welding, carving, and creating unique pieces, both for sale and as gifts for his friends and family: old bed frames turned into beautiful, ornate benches; an old lawn mower turned into a functional golf cart; an idea for a Christmas wedding turned into a full-size sleigh for his granddaughter’s wedding; wood and metal scraps turned into a base and mount for an excavated triceratops skull currently located in Martha’s Vineyard; a huge hackberry tree on his property turned into an amazing treehouse for his great-grandchildren, equipped with a full set of stairs and a pulley system and bucket for delivering snacks, rocks, leaves, or whatever other treasures they might find…Bill created thousands of one-of-a-kind, incredible structures and pieces of art. He had a wonderful ability to take worn antiques or pieces of furniture and refurnish them into new treasures—he would visualize the potential in the wood and metal and turn them into a keepsake. He was well-known for his talents and assisted many neighbors, friends, and family with whatever welding or fabrication project they needed—if people had an idea for a project, they could always count on Bill to assist.
Bill was a collector and craftsman of extraordinary talents. At any given time, Bill was surrounded by friends and family; he loved to talk antiques and projects from his shops, and he loved to share stories from his life. After celebrating his most recent birthday, Bill declared the only thing he didn’t like about being 90 was that his “tough was wearing off.” Bill was a true patriarch; he had a heart of gold, and he loved fiercely.
Bill is survived by a family that was blessed with his patience, his wisdom, his talents, and his love: Lynn and husband, Gary Heiserman, Shelly and husband, Larry Thornton, all of Lawrence; Dale and wife, Julie, of Ottawa, KS; Kathie and husband, Wayne Butler, of Temple, TX; and Mike and wife, Janice, of The Colony, TX; his 22 grandchildren; 36 of his great-grandchildren; and his two great-great-grandchildren. Bill was preceded in death by his wife Betty, his parents, brother Harold Bunce, daughters Patty Hadl and Connie Kamp, son-in-law Roy Kamp, and great-grandson William Meade.
Memorial contributions can be made to North Lawrence Christian Church, First Christian Church of Lawrence or Douglas County Visiting Nurses, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.
Lauren Kaye Benitez
Lauren Kaye Benitez was born January 14, 1999, in Hinsdale, Illinois, to Anthony and Jennifer Benitez. Lauren died April 4, 2024 in Lawrence, Kansas.
Lauren moved from the Chicago area to Lawrence at age 6. She attended Langston Hughes Elementary, Southwest Middle School and Lawrence High School, where she graduated in 2017 and earned honor roll recognition.
Lauren grew up with dreams of working in healthcare and earning a nursing degree. She loved animals and played softball throughout her childhood and into her teens. She also enjoyed drawing, cooking, music and vacationing in Florida. Those who spent time with Lauren always looked forward to seeing the colors she had chosen for her hair and nails and to hear about her newest favorite bands – usually heavy metal and rock. Like the owl tattooed on her arm, Lauren observed and listened much more than she spoke.
Lauren loved family gatherings, especially events filled with food. She was a loving big sister to Eric and Maleah, and she had a very close and special relationship with her grandma Linda Marie Benitez, who died in 2017.
Lauren became a mother to her beautiful daughter, Mia, in January 2023. As an at-home mom, Lauren spent as much time as possible with Mia. She loved sharing photos and news about her daughter’s developmental milestones with family members. Lauren was a proud mom.
Throughout her life, Lauren demonstrated a talent for taking care of others. At the time of her death, Lauren worked as a certified nursing assistant at Neuvant House on weekends, where she helped provide memory care for residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Her coworkers described Lauren as a quiet person who was very nice, a hard worker, and a team player. Lauren’s coworkers and the residents she cared for enjoyed the gifts she shared. Previously Lauren had worked at Pioneer Ridge and Brandon Woods.
Lauren will forever be loved by her family members and friends. Her kind and gentle presence will be missed during every family event and holiday and every day in between.
Lauren was cremated. Family members will hold a private memorial service.
Graveside inurnment will take place at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 1600 Oak Hill Ave., Lawrence.
The family suggests memorial contributions in Lauren’s name to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.
