Category: Obituaries

Dr. Dick Blaylock Tracy

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Services for Dick Blaylock Tracy will be held on Saturday March 23, 2024 at 10:00am at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1011 Vermont St., in Lawrence with a reception to follow. Inurnment will be in the Columbarium located in the Matthews Chapel following the service. Dr. Tracy died on February 13, 2024 at Menorah Medical Center.

He was born on October 9, 1936, in Rice County, Kansas, the second son of Henry Franklin and Lucy Irene Tracy. He graduated from Bushton Rural High School in Bushton, Kansas, in 1954. In 1958 he graduated from Kansas University with a BS degree in education. In 1966 he graduated with a Pd.D degree from Kansas University in Educational Measurement and Evaluation.

Dick married Rita Vanessa Schreiber in Leavenworth, Kansas on May 29, 1964. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Rita, his parents, Buck and Lucy Tracy, his brother, the Rev. Max Thomas Tracy, his sister-in-law, Judith Tracy, and his niece, Mary Tracy Slusser (husband Christopher Slusser also deceased). Survivors include his daughter, Vanessa Milota (husband Barry), his grandson, Joshua Milota, and his niece Ellen Tracy.

Dr. Tracy was a public school teacher in Shawnee County from 1958 to 1963. He joined the faculty of the College of Education at The Ohio University in 1966. He subsequently served on the faculty of the Department of Educational Psychology and Research at the University of Kansas from 1970 until his retirement in 2000. He was a member of The American Educational Research Association and the America Psychological Association. In 1993 he received the Chancellor’s Award for service on behalf of the University.

Dr. Tracy was a members of Trinity Episcopal Church in Lawrence for many years and served in many ministries. He and his wife Rita were both ordained by The Right Reverend William E. Smalley to the Sacred Order of Deacons on September 9, 2000. He has served as an active deacon at Trinity Episcopal Church in Lawrence since his ordination.

The family suggests memorials to Trinity Episcopal Church or to the Lawrence Community Shelter, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. P.O box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Michael William Hegeman

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Services for Michael W. Hegeman, 61, Lawrence will be Friday Feb. 16, 2024, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m, the funeral service will be from 11-12. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery with Military Honors.

Mr. Hegeman died Monday Feb. 12, 2024, peacefully at his home with his wife by his side.

He was born March 6th 1962 in Lawrence, the son of William (Bill) Wallace Hegeman Jr. and Georgina (Jean) Hegeman. He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1980.

Michael Served in the Navy from 1980-1984. He worked for the City of Lawrence for 32 years before he retired. Mike was a huge outdoors man who loved fishing, hunting and trapping. Learning about history and doing genealogy. He was a huge Chiefs fan.

Michael married Vicki Lane on March 5, 1997. They were married 27 years and together 30. She survives in the home.

Other survivors include his daughter Sara (Matt) Hegeman, Chris (Julia) Lane, and Brandon Hegeman. Grandson Corbin Michael, his dog Charlotte. Michael’s dad William Hegeman, sisters Becky (Steve) Grammer, Annette (Tom) Glahn, Lisa Zwiener and brother Mark (Melinda) Hegeman. Michael also had several nieces and nephews.

The family suggests memorials be made to Kansas Wildlife Association, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Frederick F Lehman

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Services for Frederick F. Lehman Jr., 92, Lawrence, will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 17th, 2024 at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Lawrence, KS.  Mr. Lehman died Sunday, February 11th, 2024 in Hospice care at Pioneer Ridge Care Facility.  He was born November 7th, 1931, in Westphalia, KS, the son of Frederick F. and Ida Rahmier Lehman. He attended Coffey County rural school and graduated from the 8th grade in 1945.  Fred served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Europe. Mr. Lehman worked for The Daily Republican in Burlington, KS after serving in the military. He also played baseball for the local traveling team from Aliceville, KS. Fred spent 45 years at Allen Press in Lawrence, KS as a pressman and foreman, retiring in 2005. Fred was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church.
He married Jo Ann Williams on July 13th, 1952, in Aliceville, KS. Fred and Jo moved to Lawrence, KS in 1961. She preceded him in death in 2015. Other survivors include a son, Andy (wife Brandi), Kansas City; a daughter Michelle Thacker (husband Rodney), Hays, KS; a daughter Jessica Harris (husband Tom), Lawrence; a son, Christopher Umbernower, Lawrence; three sisters and five grandchildren. Fred and Jo opened their home to foster care for over twenty years providing shelter, care and love to dozens of children in need.  Fred was blessed with 92 active years. He enjoyed his grandchildren, going to baseball games and estate sales. Fred was an avid follower of Jayhawk sports. He was the best dad, respected friend, loving husband and truly the nicest man you would ever meet.  The family suggests memorials to the church, sent in care of the funeral home.  Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com.

Jean Alice Gould

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Jean Alice Gould, 69, was born in Reading, KS on February 18th, 1954 and passed peacefully in her sleep at home on February 6th, 2024 in Lawrence, KS.

Jean’s parents, George and Ruth Ford, gave her a quintessential rural upbringing along with her three brothers, Tom, Pat, and Mike on a farm outside of Reading. They regularly attended the Baptist church and were active members of the community. When she was old enough, Jean was often the church accompanist. Her talent for piano was also called upon at school where she accompanied the school choir.

After she graduated in 1972, she continued her music education when she attended Southwestern College in Winfield, KS. In addition to piano, she considered a degree in Home Economics but eventually settled on Education with an emphasis in English Language Arts.

While student teaching in downtown Wichita–a shock for Jean, who was accustomed to small town people and wide open spaces–she learned of the Baha’i Faith. The Faith would go on to shape every aspect of her life. She became an enthusiastic, highly devout believer, and she made it her life’s mission to be an exemplary Baha’i and to share this great blessing with everyone.

After surviving student teaching, Jean took a job at the Youth Center, a school for delinquent boys, in Topeka. In her words, “[…] the classes were small, the discipline strict, and I soon discovered that after growing up wild on the prairie with my three brothers, teaching at the youth center didn’t feel that much different from home” (Gould 8).

While there she met Ron, who was a cottage parent not an inmate as they liked to joke. After a brief courtship, Ron and Jean wed on December 29th, 1977. They would go on to stand by each other’s sides for the next 46 years. Soon after marrying, Ron and Jean decided that city life wasn’t for them, so they relocated to Winfield. There they welcomed their children, Elizabeth, Jon, and Ellen, whom Jean stayed home with until they were school aged. At that point she returned
to her teaching career, but in a new capacity, as the English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher for the Winfield school district. During their 17 years in Winfield, Jean was part of the bedrock of the community both in the Baha’i community and in welcoming and caring for her students’ families, many of whom were Laotian immigrants.

In 1996, Ron’s career took the Goulds to Halstead, KS. At that time, Jean decided that she was ready for a career change herself and began teaching piano. As was her way, she built yet another beloved community around her piano families, and she created a fledgling Baha’i community as well. As she would tell you herself, she was always teaching the Faith.

In 2006, Ron and Jean left Halstead for an unexpected adventure in Chicago. Both of them took jobs with the Baha’i National Center, and Jean experienced her first office job, which, after the restrictive experience of public school, in her words was “a revelation” in its flexibility. During that time she deepened even more in the Faith and became an expert in Baha’i law.

However, in 2013, Jean was called back to Kansas to care for her grandchildren. Care and support of her children and grandchildren was always her first priority in life. She was so dedicated to them that she was willing to spend a year and a half living separately from Ron until he returned to his previous career in Kansas and came home.

Over the next eleven years, Ron and Jean tried a few different homes in a few different towns: Bel Aire, Halstead, Hesston, and then Lawrence. During that time, Jean poured her love over her family right up until the moment she passed.

All through her life, Jean put her whole self into every activity she did. She continued to play piano, she created beautiful quilts and embroidery, she was an avid cook, she was a writer, and she likely could have had degrees in natural medicine and the art of Feng Shui. Bridge was an important pastime for her off and on, especially in the last five years.

Jean was passionate, stalwart and full of life. She was the ultimate hostess and wanted everyone to feel welcomed.

Jean leaves behind her husband, Ron, their children: daughter, Elizabeth; son Jon and wife, Sarah; and daughter Ellen and husband, Matt. As well as her grandchildren: Ethan, Beau, Ava, Piper, and Xander. Additionally, she’s survived by her two brothers, Tom and Pat and their families, in addition to numerous cousins. And finally all of the friends that she made in every place that she lived.

Jean is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Mike.

Jean’s family held an intimate graveside service on Thursday, February 8th, 2024 at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence, KS. A family memorial service will be held later this month.

Jean adored fresh flowers. If loved ones would like, they can send arrangements to 1603 Brandon Woods Ct, Lawrence, KS 66047, by Saturday, February 17th, 2024 which the family will enjoy at her memorial service the following day. Cards would also be welcomed, especially if they share their favorite memory of Jean.

Betty Jane Mitscher

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Betty Jane Mitscher, of Shawnee and a longtime Lawrence resident and devoted mother, died peacefully following a brief illness on Thursday at her home with her family by her side.

She is survived by her sons, Kurt and his spouse, Karen of Olathe, KS, Mark, and his spouse Janet, of Shawnee, KS, and her grandchildren Mary Mitscher and Pat McKenney, Trevor Mitscher, and Shayla and Steven Clark. She had multiple nieces, Micki Tugenburg, Linda Fleming, Katherine Beach, Suzanne McRoberts, and Jill Roberts, of whom she was very fond. She was proceeded in death by her husband of over 60 years, Dr. Lester A. Mitscher, her daughter Katrina, her parents and her two brothers, Louis and Alan McRoberts.

Betty was born on November 3, 1931, in Ferndale, MI. She was the first child of Louise (Thomas) and John McRoberts. She excelled in Academics and Athletics at Ferndale High School and completed her teaching degree at Wayne State University. She met her future husband during her Freshman year, and they married upon graduation. After graduation she taught in the Detroit School District, until pregnancy forced her to resign. She then joined her husband in the labs at Wayne State University specializing in chemical analytics. Throughout the years, she assisted Les in his work, especially internationally.

Betty was a consummate host, often hosting University parties and graduate students both as a chef and pastry maker. Her Christmas cookie trays were legendary, and she shared that passion with Janet, Mary, and Shayla. She loved skiing and annual trips were highlights of the year, as were canoeing adventures in the Ozarks. Les and Betty loved to travel the world, often on month long adventures and they were most happy on Safari’s in Africa. Betty excelled at Needlepoint and was very generous in gifting her work.

More than anything else in life, she maintained exacting standards for herself, her family and her friends, which led to countless lifelong friendships. Those who knew her best cared greatly for her. She had a great love for the University of Kansas and established Scholarships for the band, pharmacy, and engineering. She also greatly admired the Kansas Rugby Team and her donations helped build locker rooms and other facilities for the team.

Visitation will be at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home from 6PM-8PM on Wednesday, February 14th . Private graveside services for the family and close friends will take place the following day at Oak Hill Cemetery. The family requests that donations be made via Rumsey-Yost to Monarch Hospice, which provided her with dignity and love in her last days.

Monte Lewis Rose

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Monte Lewis Rose, 72, of Lawrence, KS, died at Lawrence Memorial Hospital on February 8, 2024, ten months after receiving a cancer diagnosis.

Monte was born in Topeka, Kansas, in 1951, to Bob and Leda (Ridlon) Rose, the second of five children. The family moved to the Clinton area, and Monte attended Wakarusa Valley Elementary before moving to Lawrence, where he attended Central Junior High and Lawrence High.

Monte was an athlete who excelled at multiple sports, most notably baseball, wrestling, and basketball. He took classes at Butler County Junior College and the University of Kansas before joining the workforce. Monte was a skilled carpenter and later became an electrician. In 2014, he retired as the Facilities Manager after more than 30 years working at the Kmart Distribution Center in Lawrence.

Monte met Sharon Engle in 1971 at The Stables, a Lawrence bar, and the two were married in 1973. They would have celebrated their 51st anniversary two weeks after Monte’s death. Though life was hardscrabble in the early years, Monte and Sharon enjoyed road trips, live music, and camping. After their kids were grown, the couple made annual visits to Yellowstone National Park and the Scottish-Irish Highland Festival in Estes Park, CO. Monte helped orchestrate extended family reunions in Yellowstone for both his family and Sharon’s family, introducing everyone he could to that special place.

Monte and Sharon had two daughters, Kelle and Laura. Monte was a loving father who would do anything for his girls. He passed along his love and skill for cooking to Laura and his love for camping and road trips to Kelle. Both inherited his passion for reading and tendency for being a know-it-all.

Intelligent with varied interests, Monte dabbled in many hobbies over the years. He continued to play sports, primarily racquetball and softball, until his knees gave out. In his younger years, he hunted and taught gun safety courses. He always loved being outdoors, whether camping, driving aimlessly, or puttering around in the yard. An avid reader, he devoured science fiction and fantasy novels, American Rifleman and Popular Mechanics magazines, and the local newspaper. As the primary chef in the family, he liked to read a recipe and then make up his own version of it—but his specialty was chili and other stews. He enjoyed researching his Scottish heritage and partaking in some of its primary cultural outputs: listening to bagpipe music and drinking Scotch. Even with his illness, he was his family’s go-to source for advice on home and car repair, cooking, and gardening.

In his later years, being grandfather to Penelope was his favorite role. Grandpa and Penny loved to plant flowers, hunt for interesting rocks, and stroll downtown. He never left a store without a trinket for Penny, whether she was with him or not.

Monte will always be remembered for his love for his family and friends, his intelligence, and his generosity. He is loved and missed, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.

Monte was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Leda Rose. He is survived by his wife Sharon (Engle) Rose of Lawrence; daughters Kelle Rose of Seattle, WA, and Laura Rose Clawson (Chris) of Lawrence; granddaughter Penelope Clawson of Lawrence; sister Becky; brothers Randy, Bob (Wendy), and Joe (Diane); and many nieces and nephews whom he loved.

Never one to be the center of attention, Monte did not want a formal memorial service. The family looks forward to receiving visitors and sharing stories to remember Monte on Friday, February 23, 5:00-7:00 PM, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence. Memorial donations in Monte’s name may be made to Lawrence Humane Society and the National Park Foundation.

Gary Paul Davis

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Graveside Services for Gary Paul Davis, age 86, of Lawrence, will be at 9:00 A.M. Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at the Leavenworth National Cemetery. Arrangements are with Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence.

Mr. Davis died at home Tuesday, February 6th 2024.

He was born January 13th, 1938 in Milan, Missouri, the son of Paul I. Davis and Frances M. Mc Ewen.

He graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1955 and enlisted in the United States Navy. In the Navy he was selected for Radioman school where he learned radio communications and Morse Code. He carried a love for these skills throughout his life and operated a ham radio as a hobby. During his time in the Navy he served aboard the destroyer U.S.S. Glennon.

He married Hazel Frances Davis on March 14, 1956. She was the love of his life, and they remained married until her passing in 2019.

He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal, and was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1959. He was then hired into the Central Intelligence Agency where he served in a variety of foreign and domestic assignments within the Office of Communications. He retired from the Agency in 1989.

He went back to school to study Microcomputer Technology and earned an Associates in Applied Science from New Mexico State University in 1995.

In his spare time, he often enjoyed being outdoors fishing and hunting.

Survivors include four daughters, Kathyrn Heaton married to Alden (deceased), Van Horn, Texas; Christine Pennewell married to James, Lawrence; Jennifer Davis, Lawrence; Paula Bradley married to Damon, Eudora; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife Hazel, and a brother Harold Eugene Davis.

Robert (Joseph) Pilgrim

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Robert (Joseph) Pilgrim left his family and loved ones suddenly on Sunday, February 4th. He is survived by his wife, Sarah, his mother, father, brothers, sister and his wife’s brothers and family.

(Joe) served his country faithfully on the USS Nimitz during the Iraq war, was an outstanding law student at Washburn Law instrumental in initiating a veteran’s court, and was currently serving as an Assistant DA in Shawnee County.

He leaves behind the love of his life, Sarah, his beloved rescue pets, and family and friends that dearly loved him.

Memorials in his name may be made to “Pawsitive Tails Dog Rescue” (in care of 913-626-0950 – www.pawsitivetailskc.org) Contact is Crystal Paugh Tucker

John David Gates

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John David Gates, 41, born December 12,1982 in Chillicothe, MO; currently of Lawrence, KS; died Friday January 12, 2024, in the presence of his wife and family in the compassionate care of KU Medical Center.

John began his education at St. John’s in Lawrence Kansas, and was formally raised in Edgerton Missouri, where he donned his first uniform as a Cub Scout.  He later put on the altar-boy vestments and served mass without fail alongside his sister at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Smithville, MO. John graduated from North Platte in the class of 2001, having already chosen his next endeavor.  Following in the footsteps of his Grandpa Quigley, he enlisted in yet another uniformed service and departed for the Naval Recruit Training Center at Great Lakes, IL. Over the course of 6 years, John was stationed along the East, West, and Gulf Coasts, most notably in Charleston, SC, Pensacola, FL, and Virginia Beach, VA; and sailed two major cruises during the Iraq War on the carriers USS John F. Kennedy and USS Abraham Lincoln.

After discharge he decided to complete the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design at KU. During that time, he met his beloved and soon-to-be wife, Yi.  After they graduated in 2013, John and Yi moved to Beijing China and were wed May 20, 2014. Upon returning to Lawrence in 2016, they started their family and John became the proud Baba to a new generation of Gateses: Mya, Henry, and Julian. 

He was employed by Fashion Inc. in Ottawa, KS where he got to practice his craft in industrial design.

John is preceded in death by his Grandma Gates (Kathryn Gates 2023); Grandma and Grandpa Quigley (Connie and Eugene Quigley 2016/1993). 

John leaves behind his beloved wife Yi, three children Mya, Henry, and Julian; his parents David and Constance Gates; siblings Amanda Parkhill and Whitney Zoubek; Robert Gates, grandfather, 7 aunts and uncles, 7 cousins, and 5 nieces and nephews; as well as many other relatives and friends around the globe. 

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, February 26th at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street Lawrence, KS; followed by inurnment at Oak Hill Cemetery, 1605 Oak Hill Avenue, Lawrence, KS.  Please consider donations supporting any of the following organizations: your local American Legion, AMVETS, Habitat for Humanity, and the Lawrence Humane Society.

Jeanine Rose Tiemann

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Jeanine Rose (Taylor) Tiemann, 82, of Lawrence, Kansas, entered God’s Kingdom on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at home surrounded by family following a short battle with cancer.

She was born to Willard and Lorna (Gier) Taylor on January 16, 1942 in Salina, Kansas. She was their only child. As a youth, Jeanine attended schools in Ada, Kansas, Burwell, Nebraska, and Lincoln, Kansas, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1960. She attended Fort Hays State and Kansas Wesleyan Universities, working toward a degree in Music. An avid learner, Jeanine took organ and voice lessons throughout her lifetime. She also attended classes and read books on religion, history, music, viticulture, and many other topics that piqued her curiosity.

In 1961, Jeanine married Robert E. (Bob) Tiemann in Lincoln, Kansas. Jeanine and Bob went on to have three children, Wendy, Dale, and Gail. The couple were married 46 years, residing in Lincoln and Salina, before Bob’s passing on January 31, 2008. Jeanine retired to Lawrence in 2014, spending time with family and making fast friends with neighbors and fellow church members.

Jeanine’s faith was foremost in her life, and she served God through playing the organ, singing in and accompanying choirs, helping with Sunday and vacation Bible schools, and serving her community. She also worked in several different fields, including long-term care, bookkeeping, retail, and education.

Jeanine loved to cook and was known for her incredible home-cooked meals, cookies, and cinnamon rolls. She was also passionate about connecting with others and could visit with anyone, friend or stranger, swapping stories about their interests and lives.

She is survived by daughter Wendy Picking and husband Bill; son Dale Tiemann and wife Deneen; daughter Gail Tiemann and husband Blair Strawderman; grandchildren Matthew Tiemann and wife Taylor; Lydia Picking; Daniel Picking and wife Elizabeth; Malorie (Tiemann) Elliott and husband Clint; great-grandchildren Ryleigh and Hudson Elliott; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Jeanine was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and stepmother, Clara O. (Kline) Pearce Taylor.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 10, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church, 2415 Clinton Parkway, Lawrence. Lunch will follow in the parish hall. Interment will be at 3:00 p.m. Saturday at St. John’s Lutheran Church Cemetery, Lincoln, with refreshments afterward at the church.

Friends may visit the family from 6:00–7:00 p.m. February 9th at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, the American Cancer Society, or the Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

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