Arrangements are pending for Kathryn A. Olden, age 93 of Lawrence, who passed away on Jan. 27, 2024. Arrangements are by Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
Category: Obituaries
Kenneth “Jimmy” James Kuester
A Celebration of Life for Jimmy Kuester, 57, of Lawrence, will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence KS 66044. Inurnment will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery.
He died Friday, January 26, 2024 at his residence that he shared with his mom.
Kenneth James Kuester was born October 16, 1966 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital the son of Jeanette (Jan) Stoebener Kuester and Kenneth Calvin Kuester. After Jan and Kenny divorced, she went on to marry Emil J. Trybom who passed April 19, 2016.Jimmy graduated from Lawrence High School in 1985 and from Topeka Technical College a few years later, earning a degree as Computer Programmer.
He was employed at Fleetwood Mower and Rental for over 30 years and did everything related to small engine repair and sales. He tried putting his computer skills to use but just needed more interaction with people. He also tried his hand at auto sales and service as well as selling insurance for American Family, but always felt the pull back to Fleetwood. His sales work earned him a trip or two to white sandy beaches.
He married Tiffany Wingert on January 8, 2000 in Lawrence. They divorced fifteen years later but remained good friends up until his death.
Other survivors include his sister, Mona Trybom, brother Jake Trybom, his half-sister, Gretchen Skinner, his half-brother, Jedediah Kuester, his step-brother Gene, and Rhonda Helm who passed away on June 16, 2023. Her husband, Bobby Helm, resides in Lawrence.
Friends may visit Friday after the service at Cornerstone Community Church, 2500 O’Connell Rd., Lawrence, where a light lunch will be served.
The family suggests memorials to Cornerstone Community Church or Rumsey-Yost as help in offsetting funeral expenses, sent in care of the funeral home.
Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com.
Margaret (Maggie) McNulty Benefiel
Margaret “Maggie” Ann McNulty Benefiel, 83, Lawrence, died January 27, 2024, at LMH Health following a short battle with cancer.
Maggie was born February 6, 1940, on the family farm outside of Coffeyville, Kansas, the daughter of Joseph Frederick and Mildred Louise (Wynns) McNulty. She graduated from Field Kindley High School, Coffeyville, in 1958, the University of Kansas with a degree in education in 1962 and later a master’s degree in education from Cleveland State University.
Maggie lived in Cleveland, Ohio for many years and taught high school English in the Cleveland public schools for 33 years. After retirement she moved to Wichita where she resided until moving to Lawrence in 2022 to be closer to family.
She married Donald Solocier in 1964. They divorced. Maggie married Tom Benefiel at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Coffeyville, Kansas on November 6, 2003. He survives at the home.
Besides her husband, Maggie is survived by her brother Joe (Shirley) McNulty, Gardner, Kansas, three step-children, Greg (Helen) Benefiel, Lawrence, Kansas, Mike Benefiel, Osage Beach, Missouri, and Julie Benefiel, Aurora, Colorado, five step-grandchildren, David Benefiel, Lawrence, Rachel Benefiel (Alex Garcia), London, England, Taylor Benefiel, Overland Park, Kansas, Kyle Benefiel, Kansas City, Missouri, and Katie Benefiel, Overland Park, Kansas, and nieces and nephews, Celeste (Clif) Harden, McKinney, Texas, Michael McNulty, Gardner, Kansas, Diane Scott, Lawrence, Kansas, David (Marilynn) McNulty, Gilberts, Illinois, Tamela (David) Eitle, Indianapolis, Indiana, Elizabeth McNulty (Larry Abel), Lenoir City, Tennessee, Fred Tauz, Bentleyville, Ohio, and Paul (Christine) Brooks, Paradise, Michigan.
Maggie was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Mildred “Louise” McNulty Cole, a brother, Robert “Francis” McNulty, and two nephews, Doug Cole and Daniel McNulty.
Maggie was a beloved wife, sister, aunt, great aunt, and a devoted friend and neighbor who will be terribly missed. As an English teacher she positively impacted thousands of students in the Cleveland Public Schools. Her interests also included the arts, reading, travel, volunteering, and education. Maggie was a generous patron of the arts and a longtime member and supporter of the Episcopal church.
Friends may call from noon to 7 p.m. Friday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence. The family will meet with friends at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 613 S. Elm St., Coffeyville, Kansas, beginning on Saturday, February 3rd, beginning at 10:00 prior to the service.
Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 613 S. Elm St., Coffeyville with burial following at Restlawn Cemetery, Coffeyville.
The family suggests memorials to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Coffeyville, sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.
Betty Lee Wapp
Betty Lee (Eden) Wapp, 78, passed away January 27, 2024, at her home in Lawrence, KS.
She was born April 24, 1945, in Frankfort, KS and later adopted by William T. and Viola P. (Pilant) Eden. She was raised in a loving home with two other children for which the Eden’s were court appointed guardians. They were all fortunate to travel the United States for two weeks each summer. Betty graduated from Marysville High School in 1963. She graduated from the Lincoln School of Commerce, Lincoln, NE in 1964 with a degree as an executive secretary. She was employed as secretary for the manager at Nemaha-Marshall Electric, Axtell, KS until 1969.
In September 1965, she met the love of her life, William Anthony Wapp of Frankfort, KS. They were married on November 26, 1966, at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Marysville, KS. They had three children: son, Cory Anthony Wapp, and daughters, Crystal Lynne Herschell and Charity Monae’ Wapp, all of Lawrence, KS. She was blessed with two loving grandsons, Matthew Meseke, Manhattan, KS, and Nathan Herschell, Lawrence, KS.
Betty helped William on the family farm until 1970 when they opened the Variety Boutique in Frankfort, KS, the store closed in 1979. In 1980, Betty and her family moved to Saudia Arabia, where she taught painting classes at the rec center, and was a girl scout troop leader. The family’s time in Saudia Arabia provided them with the opportunity to travel to other countries such as Italy and Thailand. The family returned to Frankfort in 1984, to the family farm. In about 1985, Betty started working at the Frankfort Community Care Home until 1987 when she started with Sallie Mae Loan Servicing and the family relocated to Lawrence, KS. Through her career she was employeed with Hall-Kimbrell Environmental Services as a data entry supervisor, TFH & then Shaw Environmental until retirement, then Lawrence Memorial Hospital to stay busy.
Betty enjoyed life; family and friends were especially important to Betty. She showed her children and grandsons how to be caring people, to love life and to cherish each other. Betty enjoyed planning and going on family vacations, game nights and dinners. She enjoyed the holidays because they always brought the family together. Betty touched lots of lives over the years. She was always available to anyone to help or just someone to talk to. Betty treated her friends as family. She shared lots of memories with many people during her life. Her family remembers how so used to get extremely tickled at a funny card or situation that she would end up crying.
Betty was a thirty-two-year survivor of breast cancer. Her faith in God never wavered. She believed God never gave us more than we could manage.
Betty built a strong legacy for her family to cherish forever. She taught us to love and treasure our family and friends. May she rest in peace beside her husband, William. Betty’s love will light our way, her memory will be with us forever.
Preceding her in death were her husband, William Wapp; her parents William & Viola Eden; her sister Joan Davis and her brother James Richardson; and niece Heather Dills.
Betty is survived by her loving children, grandsons, and many nieces and nephews.
A prayer service will be held on February 24, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Annunciation Catholic Church, Frankfort, KS with a luncheon to follow at the Cigna Center. Cremation is planned.
The family suggest memorials in Betty’s honor be made to Susan G. Komen in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, PO Box 1260, Lawrence, KS. 6644.
Janet Louise Daniels
Celebration of Life for Janet L. Daniels, 75, Lawrence, will be at 2pm Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Family Church of Lawrence.
Mrs. Daniels died Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Heritage Gardens in Oskaloosa, Kansas.
She was born June 20, 1948 in Lawrence, the daughter of Pearl and Marie Craig. She lived most of her life in Lawrence helping others and living for God.
Janet was previously married to Gene Adkins and later they divorced. She then married Randall Daniels, who died in 2003. Janet later had a small ceremony with Rick Cook, in which they later separated.
Janet is survived by two sons, Bobby and Billy Daniels, three daughters, Wendy Jenkins, LaWanda Houp, and Randie Daniels. A granddaughter/adopted daughter Jessica Holding, two nieces Angie Albin and Cindy Williams, one nephew Floyd Craig Jr, one adopted daughter MJ Hill, two stepsons Dan Cook and Homer Daniels-Poor, and two stepdaughters Debbie Eads and Elaine Nicholson. She is also survived by twenty grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren.
A great grandson, Jacob Saunders, died at the age of 16 on June 12, 2022.
Craig William Crane
COL (R) Craig William Crane, 73 of Lawrence Kansas, passed away on January 23rd due to complications from Leukemia. Craig was born on July 23rd, 1950, to Claude and Helen Crane in Iola, KS. Craig graduated from Iola High School in 1968. In 1969 he enlisted into the Army and completed two tours in Vietnam. Upon his return he finished his studies at the University of Kansas. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in science in 1975, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Marine Corps.
After 3 years in the Marine Corps., he joined the Kansas Army National Guard in the AGR program serving in varied positions. COL Crane’s awards included Combat Infantryman Badge, Purple Heart, Bronze Star with ‘V’ Device and Oak Leaf Cluster, Legion of Merit, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and many other citations for outstanding achievements. In 1995, he retired from active military service from the KSARNG and one year later was promoted to the rank of COLONEL. Post-retirement years found him to be the Safety Director for Amarr Garage Door.
In 1972 in Iola, KS, Craig met Jeryl Bain, and they were wed August 3rd, 1974. Craig and Jeryl went on to have three children: Casey, Christyn, and Joseph. While raising his children Craig was actively involved in coaching, officiating, and various sports organizations including being president of the local baseball association. Craig dedicated over 20 years to youth athletics.
After retirement his hobbies included traveling, watching his grandchildren in their activities, and walking his dog, Gus.
Craig was predeceased in death by his father Claude Crane and mother Helen Whitworth. He is survived by his brother John Crane (Sherry), wife Jeryl, son Casey Crane (Christal), daughter Christyn Haberly (Brett) and Joseph Crane (Krisha). Grandchildren include Bryden Crane, Bain Haberly, Stella Haberly, Hadley Crane, Nora Haberly, Layna Crane, Baylor Crane and awaiting the arrival of granddaughter Bosley Crane.
His family has organized a visitation at Rumsey-Yost, Lawrence, KS from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Monday January 29th, 2024.
Services will be held at Rumsey-Yost, Lawrence, KS at 10:00 am on Tuesday January 30th, 2024.
Graveside services on January 30th, 2024, will be at Highland Cemetery in Iola, KS at 2:00 pm.
Brianna Rachell Higgins
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Brianna Rachell Higgins 3/17/2008 – 1/19/2024.
- A Private Family Viewing will take place on Saturday, February 3rd, 2024 from 10:15am – 10:45am at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.
- Wake will be held on Saturday, February 3rd, 2024 from 12:00pm – 1:00pm at:
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- The First United Methodist Church (West Campus)
- 867 US-40 Highway Lawrence, KS 66049
- The First United Methodist Church (West Campus)
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- Funeral Services will follow at 1pm.
- Brianna’s Final Ride Procession will follow to Oak Hill Cemetery for graveside services and burial.
- A private dinner will be held for family and close friends only. The dinner will be held at Lawrence Indian Methodist Church at 5:00pm.
The family of Brianna Higgins wishes to express sincere thanks for donations, flowers, and other expressions of love during our time of bereavement. If donations are made on Brianna’s behalf, the family requests they be made to Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home to assist with her final expenses.
We ask everyone to respect Brianna, her family, and especially each other during this time of bereavement. Pictures and videotaping are not permitted during the visitation, wake, funeral services, or burial.
Eric Burgen
Eric Burgen ended his battle with cancer January 19th, 2024 in the loving home of his daughter and mother of his children in Lawrence, Ks.
He was born on January 5th 1965 in Fresno, California, and that same year moved to Kansas. Son of Jerry and Jo Ann Burgen, and the youngest of six children.
Eric is a Lawrence High School graduate and a veteran of the United States Army, serving in Operation Desert Storm in 1990, and a patriot of this great country.
He spent his time outside of work fishing, working on anything with an engine, gardening, and spending time with his family.
He is survived by both of his daughters, Amanda Mae Wear and Chilsea Nicole Burgen; his grandchildren Cadence, Melody, and Evelyn Wear; the mother of his children Patricia Mae Burgen; his father Jerry Burgen, Sister Michelle Countess, Brothers Ron, Don and Kirk Burgen, along with several nieces, nephews, and extended family.
He is preceded in death by his loving mother, Jo Ann Burgen, his sister Jo Dena Cron, his nephew Zachary Countess, and his son Cody Burgen.
He will be missed greatly by many, may he rest easy.
Funeral Services will be at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, January 27, 2024 at the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. also on Saturday. Arrangements are under the direction of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, Kansas.
Emmett Tuckel
Emmett H. Tuckel of rural Lecompton, Ks. passed peacefully at home
with the ones that loved him most on January 16, 2024. A Celebration of Life is scheduled at Kanwaka Hall, 776 US-40, February 10, 2024. 11am-3pm
Emmett was born in Richmond, Kansas February 21st ,1940 to Harry and Matilda(Bahnmaier)Tuckel. He grew up in the Clinton area and attended Belvoir elementary school.
He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1958 and then worked locally farming before enlisting in the Army from 1962-1965. Stationed in Kaiserslautern, Germany,
Emmett specialized in Wheel and Track providing maintenance for trucks and tanks
On returning home from the military, Emmett took a position at FMC in north Lawrence. He retired as maintenance foreman after 41 years of service.
He met his wife, the love of his life, Sherry(Warren) at Allens Drive-in, a popular local hangout. They were married April 16, 1966.
Emmett was a thoughtful quiet man, kind hearted and patient with a gift for fixing things. He loved spending time with his wife and family. He enjoyed working on cars and going to car shows.
He loved animals and was a lifetime member of the Lecompton Historical Society.
He is preceded by his parents Harry and Matilda Tuckel, sister Marjorie Schmitt, brothers Lester Tuckel and Kerwin Tuckel, and countless beloved animals and pets. He is survived by his loving wife, Sherry of 57years, daughters Angela, Lisa(Jeff), Michelle(Roy), brother Glenn(Delores)Tuckel, 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Due to Emmetts love of animals and his interest in Lecompton,
Memorials are:
Lawrence Humane Society
1805 E. 19th Street
Lawrence, KS 66046
Lecompton Historical Society
PO Box 68
Lecompton, Kansas 66050
Joan (Joanie) Alice Anderson
April 16 1944 – November 29, 2023
Joanie Anderson, age 79, from Lawrence, Kansas, died peacefully at the University of Kansas Hospital after suffering a head injury because of a fall.
Here was a woman who was never, ever neutral.
Joanie was one of three children born to Paul and Frances (Hahn) Anderson. She was born in California but moved to Osage City, Kansas, shortly after. Her father had been a labor organizer, but a back injury caused him to return to the Midwest to help run the family’s dry goods store.
Union solidarity and small-town independence influenced her at an early age, and the traits remained with her throughout her life.
Joanie had a large family born to Swedish immigrants. Her grandfather, Johan Aldolf Anderson worked in the coal mines in Osage City and, along with his wife Josephine Anderson, raised a family of five. As a young girl, Joanie developed an appreciation of Swedish food, delight in the majesty of elm trees, and joy in a well-told story.
After graduating from Osage City High School, Joanie attended KU in Lawrence, KS before deciding to move to Kansas City for what she described as a hiatus from responsibility.
In KC, Joanie became a founding member of The Foolkiller, a cultural center managed by volunteers to host and produce one-act plays, weekend folk opry events, concerts, and open mic walk-ons. Parties generally followed every event held at a nearby communal house. Joanie gravitated toward political conversation in the dining room and the freestyling acoustic jam sessions in the living room.
Joanie collected a wide circle of friends in KC, most of whom she kept throughout her life. She was active in the civil rights movement and stood for social justice. She continued to honor those beliefs when she left KC to live closer to her family. She began work in health care in Topeka providing administrative support at a hospital.
Joanie’s last move was to Lawrence, Kansas, where she became happily involved with her sister, brother, and their families. She shared a house with her mother and enjoyed learning gardening from a master. She had a long and satisfying career at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, serving as a Utilization Reviewer. She brought to her job the same close attention to detail that she used to create intricate bead accessories. And she would never hesitate to stop and start over to get a better result.
Joanie was generous, loyal, and hilarious. She liked bees, trees, books, and Dorothy Parker quotes. She listened to Steppenwolf’s Born to Be Wild on repeat, slayed crossword puzzles, and loved Babe, a rescue wonder dog. She could recite The Shooting of Dan McGrew from start to finish from memory. She made killer rice pudding but not much else.
She believed the youngest members of her family were beautiful, handsome, intelligent, and destined for great things. Her biggest regret may be that she cannot cheer them on in person. She will be sorely missed in the grandstands.
Joanie was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Sondra Pence, and brother, Joe Anderson. She is survived by her nephew, Jason Bogard, and his husband, Demond; niece Cindi Long, and her husband, Dennis; grand nephews, Nicolas and Carter Long, along with many close cousins, their families, and friends.
