Category: Obituaries

Robert Ellis Jones

Posted on by nms3

Robert E. Jones, aka “Bob, Jonesy, Buck” joined his predeceased wife, Joanne Jones on July 10th at Lawrence Memorial Hospital with his children, Steve, and Deb by his side after a brief illness.

He was born January 18, 1932, to Vivian and Melvin Jones and sibling, Donald Jones. He spent his years in both Lawrence and Alhambra California. Robert served in the Army of the Korean War and upon returning to Lawrence, he married Eleanor Joanne Lady on October 26, 1952. He was a lithographer with the Journal World for over a quarter century. He filled his leisure time with photography, boating and working at the “farm” near Signal Oak.

He will always be remembered for his gentle spirit, his humor, and his everlasting tenacity to live his life to the fullest.

A special thanks to the LMH staff who supported him on his last days and the Pioneer Ridge community who welcomed him with open arms.

No services are planned at this time.

Michael Lloyd Cone

Posted on by RumseyYost

Mr. Michael Lloyd Cone left us peacefully Tuesday, June 27, 2023 surrounded by his family in his home in Lawrence, Kansas.

He was born January 20, 1947 in San Antonio, Texas the son of Harold Herbert Cone and Lila Lorraine Evans. He graduated from Wichita High School South in 1965 where he was a member of the golf team.

He married Connie (Strand) Walden August 31st, 1968, and had a daughter, Kelly (Cone) McReynolds in 1969. They divorced, and Mike later married Audrey (Dean) Cone on October 1st, 1977. They were married for 45 adventure-filled years.

Mike began his career in sales, working originally for David’s, Macy’s, and General Electric. He later owned and operated his own business called Safeguard Business Systems.

Mike was an avid golfer, dancer, ski bum, charmer, and lover of beaches and classic country music. He and his wife Audrey were active members of Rolling Hills Country Club in Wichita, Kansas from 1987 to 2009 where Mike served as President in 1993. Mike had the best classic country music soundtrack for his life and the perfect drink to pair it with, inviting all to join.

A self-taught historian, geographer, and traveler, Mike was known for his jovial spirit, quick wit, and candid conversation. A friend to many, a Cone to all.

Mike is preceded by his mother Lila Lorraine Evans, father Harold Herbert Cone, sister Sandy (Cone) Smith, brother Richard Cone, brother James Cone, wife Audrey (Dean) Cone, and stepdaughter Sandy Hurlbutt. He is survived by his daughter Kelly (Cone) McReynolds, son-in-law Michael McReynolds, three grandchildren – Matthew McReynolds, Megan (McReynolds) Reinardy, and Morgan McReynolds – sister Leisa (Cone) Milford, and beloved dog, Pepper.

Please follow the links below to enjoy some of our favorite memories of our dear Daddy, Grandpa Mike, and friend.

If you would like add a memory or share a story of your days with Mike (we bet there are some great ones out there) please add them in the comments section at rumsey-yost.com. We would love to hear them!

https://video214.com/play/ttbLlMfADYlPOOB8DSMZYA/s/dark

Robert Stephan (Steve) Dick

Posted on by RumseyYost

Robert Stephan (Steve) Dick, 76, passed away suddenly on July 6, 2023 at his home near Perry, with his wife by his side.

Steve was born in Great Bend Kansas on June 23, 1947. He was the son of Robert A. and Betty Nowlin Dick. Steve attend Ellinwood Schools which he was a proud graduate of the Class of 1965 Ellinwood High School. Steve was a member of the Argonne Rebels Drum and Bugle Corp, Great Bend. He is a veteran of the US Army serving in the Southern Command Network, Panama. He had been an active member of several Corvette Clubs in which he and his wife enjoyed auto crossing Steve’s 1970 Chevy Corvette. He also was an active and charter member of the Free State Fly Fishers in Lawrence. He is a graduate of Fort Hays State University and Kansas University.

He married Margaret Bergin on August 29, 1976 in Emporia, Kansas. She survives of the home. He is also survived by his two children, Amy (Lance) Hoover and Matthew (Ashley) Dick, three granddaughters Addison Hoover, Brynlynn Hoover and Harper Dick all of Lawrence. He is also survived by his lifelong friend, Larry Griffin, of Overland Park.

Steve was a photojournalist for the University of Kansas for 3 decades. He loved photographing the Jayhawks. He was an avid fly fisherman, loved reading, and following his Jayhawks, no matter what sport was playing.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at Johnny’s West, 721 Wakarusa, Lawrence, Kansas from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Everyone encouraged to wear their favorite KU clothing. Memorial services will be at 6:30pm, July 21, 2023 at Danforth Chapel on KU campus.

In lieu of flowers family suggests your local Human Society, Jefferson County Historical Society, Oskaloosa, or Ellinwood Historical Society, Ellinwood.

David Lee Dopp

Posted on by RumseyYost

Services for David Dopp, 66, Lecompton, will be at Freedom Church: Viewing is Friday July 14 @ 5:30pm-6:30pm Funeral Saturday July 15 @ 3:30pm.

Mr. Dopp died Thurs. July 6, 2023, at home in Lecompton.

He was born May 3, 1957 in Hannibal, MO, the son of Charles Dopp and Bonnie Fuqua. Walter Puvogel and Bonnie raised him together in Sabetha, KS. He graduated from Sabetha High School in 1976. He grew up with a brother John, three sisters Teressa, Lisa, and Lori. One story he and his siblings liked to tell us girls growing up when we would visit his parents house is about pancakes. He and his siblings would tells us stories about how many stacks of pancakes he would eat when growing up and it was a lot at least 2-3 stacks.

He served briefly in the Air Force. Shortly after that he worked at Dillons for three decades and retired.

David met Catherine Hernandez in Topeka, KS and they married in 8/23/1986. They had three girls Mariposa Martin, Mirasol Wooster, and Mariquita Dopp. They later separated in 09/09/2013 after 27 years of marriage. The greatest memory us girls all had of our dad growing up is our fishing trips, never on the water, but on the shores or at our pond on the 18 acres we grew up on. Everytime we would go my dad would talk the most, but when us girls would talk we would scare the fish. It was great times and great memories then for us.

David later met Linda through a tinder app. She says she was in a dentist chair and had a little help from the doctor picking him out. She and my dad both liked the tinder app. They decided to meet in early June halfway between where they both lived in Baldwin at a Mexican restaurant. They hit it off right away they both had a lot in common like motorcycles and the love of God in their hearts. So come labor day they made their announcement of their engagement and wedding 10/06/2018. Since they both had a love for motorcycles David joined the Christian Motorcyclists Association with Linda in March 2019. They were married 4 years and 9 months.

Other survivors include his wife Linda Ottinger-Dopp,  3 daughters Mariposa Martin significant other Zachary Smith and her son Marcus residing in Ottawa, KS, Mirasol Wooster married to Rob and 2 children Isabella and Catalina, residing in Indiana. Mariquita Dopp spouse Kyle Rash and daughter Ashlyn Rash Hiawatha, KS. His 2 sisters Teressa Plank and husband Jim, Lisa Werth and husband Kevin. John Dopp’s children Caleb his spouse and children, Jerib his spouse and children, his dad Walter Puvogel.He was proceeded in death by sister Lori Puvogel and his brother John Dopp.

The family suggests memorials to the V.A. or CMA, sent in care of the funeral home.

 

Shari Kunde Brush

Posted on by RumseyYost

Shari Kay Brush, 69, died from cancer on April 19, 2023, in Lawrence, Kansas. Shari was born on July 20, 1953, in Appleton, Wisconsin, to Clifton A. Kunde and Isla Mae (Becker) Kunde. When she was an infant, the family moved to Madison, Wisconsin, where she and her sister Kathleen had an idyllic childhood.

Shari attended Stout State University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. For most of her adult life, she worked in retail management. She was married to and divorced from Timothy Liebmann and Edward Brush. Shari’s sons were born in Oakley, California. Edward Clifton Brush was born on November 29, 1984, and died on November 30, 1984. Daniel Ryne Brush was born on September 14, 1989. Shortly after Danny was born, the family moved to Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.

Shari was a stay at home mom until Danny started school. When she returned to work, she combined her management skills and her passion for gardening. She ran a garden center in Twin Lakes until 2009 when she and Danny moved to Madison to take care of her parents. Shari and Danny were devoted to each other. They met the joys and challenges of life as a team until Danny died suddenly of natural causes on July 9, 2011. After Danny and her parents passed, Shari remained in Madison until 2021 when she moved to Lawrence, Kansas, to be near Kathleen and her family.

In addition to her sons and her parents, Shari was preceded in death by her nephew Benjamin Kunde Levy, friend and cousin Susan Heimlich, and special pets Dickins, Kipson, and Birdie. She is survived by her sister Kathleen Kunde Levy, brother-in-law Richard Levy, niece Erin Kunde Levy, her beloved cats Mew and Gracie, and many cousins and friends.

In the face of much loss during her life, Shari demonstrated great perseverance and resilience. She treated everyone with respect and loving kindness. She took care of all those around her—Danny, her parents, her friends and family, customers and co-workers, all animals who crossed her path, thousands of plants. She was a positive presence in the world every day.

May her memory be for a blessing.

Norma Ann Henley

Posted on by RumseyYost

Norma Ann Henley died Tuesday, July 4, 2023, in her home in Lawrence, KS.

She was born December 30, 1942 to Ina (Failor) and Charles Arnett and was raised on a farm near Waverly, Kansas. She graduated from Melvern High School and then attended Emporia State University and Ottawa University, graduating with a BS in Business. During the summers, she would work at Hallmark Cards in Emporia and Lawrence.

In 1964 she married John “Don” North and was married for four years until his death in 1968. At that time she started her long-term employment with The University of Kansas. For over 50 years Norma helped many students with their admission process to the university; starting in the Department of Admissions and ending her tenure in the school of Medicinal Chemistry. She was well known at The University of Kansas and received several awards for her service at the university: Honorary Membership to the Kansas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Appreciation Plaque from the KU Department of Athletics, and the Student Service Award from the KU Department of Athletics. She officially retired from the University of Kansas in April 2021.

In 1973 she married Jerome “Jerry” Henley. He survives of the home. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at home with a large card shower from family and friends. Norma and Jerry had one child together (Tamara Heishman), but she also helped raise two stepchildren (Debbie Husted and Joanie Pearson).

Norma was known for being involved in the community and keeping busy with many activities. She was a foods project leader for 4-H, Matron for the Pleasant View Junior Grange, helped prepare photos for the Kennedy Elementary yearbook and classroom volunteer for six years, volunteered at the Lawrence Visitor Center and Red Cross, was the Kansas State Grange Deaf Activities Director, Kansas State Grange Lecturer, a KU/Haskell Mentor, and a number of community service projects. Her hobbies included camping, crafting, square dancing, and babysitting her grand dog (Gus).

Survivors include her husband, Jerry Henley; sister, Carol Arnett of Lawrence, KS; brother, Francis Arnett (Linda) of Lenexa, KS; daughter, Tamara Heishman (Richard) of Lenexa, KS; stepdaughter, Debbie Husted (Kurt) of Lawrence, KS; stepdaughter, Joanie Pearson (Michael) of Eudora, KS. Norma had seven step-grandchildren and five step great grandchildren.

Norma was proceeded in death by her mother Ina, father Charles and first husband John “Don”.

Family will receive visitors on Monday, July 10, 2023 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home from 9:00am-10:00am. A funeral service will be held at 10:00am following the visitation. All are welcome to join the family graveside at 2:00pm at Pleasant View Cemetery in Agricola, KS.

The family asks that memorial contributions to Visiting Nurses Hospice and American Cancer Association be considered, sent in care of the funeral home. Gifts of flowers can be sent to Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Virginia (Groninger) Thomas

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Virginia (Groninger) Thomas 78, died July 1st 2023 in Topeka Kansas

Virginia was born March 7th 1945 in Lawrence Kansas to Delbert and Mary (Clark) Groninger the youngest of six children. Virginia was a homemaker and raised five children. Later in her life she was the care giver for her disabled son for 30 years.

Virginia is survived by her long time partner Rex Sterrett. Other survivors included her Daughter Kandy (Brown) Lipp and son Donald Cannon. Grandchildren David and Benjamin Pennewell. Jonathan Brown, Ashley Holding, Melissa Alejandro, Jennifer Arnold, Mindy Stroda, Alicia Buras, Cody Mizell, Caleb Torneden, Carlee Torneden. Great Grandchildren Ali and Aubrey Pennewell, Destiny Pennewell, Landen Pennewell, Emmalynne Pennewell, McKeazie Pennewell, Taiya Smart, Thiana Brown, Amelia Brown, Alila Brown, Kalia Brown, Naria Brown, Maya Holding, Heather Childers, Donald Guice, Alissa Arnold, Maci Arnold, Lexi Butler, Jordan and Landen Buras, Abby Mizell, Jacob Mizell and Henry Mizell, Lydia and Oliver Torneden, And several Nieces and Nephews.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, Brothers Delbert (Sonny) Groninger, Glen Groninger, Donald Groninger. Sisters Lois Rizzo and Dorothy Groninger. Daughters Gina (Lathrom) Gardere, Lori (Nalley) Mizell, Christine (Knippen) Torneden. Granddaughters Venessa Childers, Chasity Mizell, and grandson Delbert Holding, Great granddaughter Alexis Gardere.

Graveside Inurnment is pending and will be announced by Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home at a later date.

Danny Ray Vantuyl

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A Visitation for Danny Vantuyl, 75, Branson, MO will be 3 – 4 p.m. Sunday, July 2, 2023 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral home in Lawrence, KS.

Mr. Vantuyl died Monday, June 26, 2023, in Lawrence, KS.

He was born July 27, 1947, in Monet, MO, the son of Billy B. and Dorothy E. Vantuyl. He graduated from Lawrence High School and attended Emporia State.

Over the years, Mr. Vantuyl worked at Associated Builders, Stephens Real Estate, Turner Chevrolet, Haddock Ford and Laird Noller Ford. He then owned Dan’s Motor Village, Complete Home Repair and Linda’s Liquor.

Mr. Vantuyl lived most of his life in Lawerence, KS; then moved to Port Lavaca, TX for several years; then moved to Branson, MO. Danny Always enjoyed boating and traveling in his motorhome to Magnolia Beach, TX each winter.

He married Barbara Burk in Lawrence, KS. They divorced. He married Linda McHugh on November 14, 1990. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include a son, Danny, Lawrence; a daughter, Kristen, Lawrence; a son, William McHugh, Big Spring, TX; a son, Michael McHugh, Big Spring, TX; a brother, Mike, Topeka KS; a sister, Veda, Plano, TX; 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Mark.

The family suggests memorials to Lawrence Humane Society in care of the funeral home.

Philip (Phil) Norman Anderson

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Private family services for Philip (Phil) Norman Anderson, 81, Lawrence, will take place at a later date.

Philip Norman Anderson died Thursday June 22, 2023. He was born June 30 1941 in Tracy Minnesota, the son of Kenneth Eugene Anderson and Dorothy Woodruff Smith Anderson. Phil graduated from Lawrence High School and the University of Kansas where he met his wife, Patricia McDuffie. They were married February 2, 1963 in Lawrence KS. After receiving his Bachelor of Engineering, Phil accepted a job with IBM and they moved to Poughkeepsie, New York. He worked as an Engineer from 1963 to 1969. IBM arranged for professors from Syracuse University to fly to Poughkeepsie so Phil completed his Masters of Engineering in 1969. On a visit to Lawrence, Phil learned that the School of Engineering had Training Fellowships from NASA. He applied and got a grant which led to his doctorate in 1972. From 1969 to 1985, he served as an Instructor for the KU Electrical Engineering School where he taught 16 classes, and as a Senior Research Engineer for the University Center for Research.

In 1972 he decided not to return to IBM, but to start his own company, Kantronics where he and his team designed and built products for the amateur radio world. Products were sold world wide for decades. His designs made it possible to connect a computer to an amateur radio and display morse code in words on the computer. His entrepreneurial spirit led to many products some of which are in use today. Over the years Phil applied for and was granted U.S. patents for his various product designs.

Among his honors is the Small Business of the year award from the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce. He chaired the Entrepreneur Development Committee for the Chamber and served on the Economic Development Committee. In 2023 Phil received the Distinguished Service Award from the KU Electrical Engineer and Computer Science Department for career achievements and dedication to the department.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia of the home, daughter Rebecca Anderson Hewes (Randy) of Norman Oklahoma and son Kenneth Anderson of Lawrence as well as nephew Todd Anderson of Lawrence, cousins Mary Radloff of Rock Island Illinois and Jackie Johnson of Knoxville TN.

The family suggests memorials to Presbyterian Manor or Visiting Nurses Hospice, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Janet (Jan) Kay Girnius

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Janet (Jan) Kay Girnius, 83, passed away June 19th, 2023, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She was born January 30, 1940, in Lawrence, the daughter of Charles Riley Parker and Bessie Parker-Camp.

She served in the Navy and was a Yeoman to an Admiral in Memphis, TN and she worked at the University of Kansas as a Manager of all Resident Scholarship Halls. She later wrote for the Oskaloosa Independent.

Jan is survived by her son William (Ann) Girnius, Lawrence, KS; daughter Deborah Girnius-Hovind, Oslo, Norway; grandson Pete, granddaughters Philicia (John) and Christina (David) and 6 great grandchildren.

She was proceeded in death by her son James Michael Ingram, brother Charles R. Parker, son-in-law Kai Hovind, partner of many years Glen “Corky” Reed, her parents, and her sisters, Shirley and Darlene.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Lawrence Humane Society, sent in care of Rumsey Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

“I’m Kansas Born and Kansas bred, and when I’m gone, I’ll be Kansas Dead”

–Author Janet Kay Girnius Date: unknown–