Category: Obituaries

Karen Yvonne Pauli

Posted on by RumseyYost

Funeral services for Karen Yvonne Pauli, 82, Stull, will be at 1 pm, Friday, November 3, 2023, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.  A short visitation will take place after the service. Burial will follow at Stull Cemetery.

She died October 28, 2023, in Baldwin City.

Karen was born in Yuma, CO to Albert and Edna Deinert on September 25, 1941, and passed in Baldwin City, KS peacefully surrounded by family on October 28, 2023.

She was blessed with two younger siblings, Judeen and Dale. As a young girl, she attended a one-room schoolhouse a few miles from their farm. At age 11, Karen’s father and grandfather tragically lost their lives in a wheat field fire. Several months later the family moved to town. While attending high school she worked at the local drug store.

On November 23, 1957, she married James D Pauli of Joes, CO. The couple took residence and started managing his family’s farm. In 1967 they moved to Goodland, KS where they reared three children, Marcy, Diane and Jeff. Karen served as deputy at the Sherman County Courthouse from 1978 to 1986.

Jim and Karen moved to Stull, KS the summer of 1986. She worked at Wright Chiropractic in Lawrence, KS and then at Lord’s Financial Planning in Topeka from 1992 until retirement.

She enjoyed sewing, scrapbooking, gardening, and attending Bible study. She was supportive of others and kind to all.

Preceding her in death: Her parents, Albert and Edna Deinert, stepfather, Fred Ernst. Her sister-in-law, Cheryl Deinert.

She is survived by: Husband, Jim Pauli of Baldwin City, KS.

Daughter, Marcy (Gary) Rust of Topeka, KS and grandchildren/great grandchildren: Landon (Paula) Rust, Parker and Landon of Montgomery, AL; Grant Rust of Charlotte, NC; Graydon Rust of Birmingham, AL and Sydney (Troy) Weakland, Josie of Topeka, KS.

Daughter, Diane (Randy) Haeffner of Baldwin City, KS and grandchildren/great grandchildren: Matt (Chelsey) Haeffner, Audrianne, Ashton, Haven, and Henley of Houston, TX; Zach (Kelli) Haeffner, Harrison, Hadley, Hunter of Baldwin City, KS; Josh Haeffner, Dax, Ryker and Jase of Houston, TX; Lesley (Jake) Nellor, Lauren of Baldwin City, KS.

Son, Jeff (Liana) Pauli of Derby, KS and grandchildren/great grandchildren: Leah (Kody) Barger of Moore, OK; Luke (Grace) Pauli, Lucy of Olathe, KS.

Sister, Judeen (Bob) Berry of Castle Rock, CO and brother, Dale Deinert of Yuma, CO. Nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to Morningstar Care Homes, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Robert (Bob) E. Herschell

Posted on by RumseyYost

A Celebration of Life for Robert (Bob) E. Herschell, Sr. age 85, Lawrence, KS will be held from 11am – 2pm on Sunday, November 12, 2023, at Union Pacific Depot located at 402 N. 2nd Street in North Lawrence.

Bob lived at Oakley Place in Rossville, KS since January 2023.  He recently had an extended hospital stay.  Bob then passed away at Oakley Place in Topeka, KS on Tuesday, October 24, 2023.  His step-daughter, Mandy Tinch owns and operates Oakley Places.

Bob was born on June 15, 1938, in Overbrook, KS, the son of Kenneth and Cecil (Ewing) Herschell.

In 1956 he graduated from Baldwin High School in Baldwin City, KS before he joined the Navy later that summer. On the day he returned home in 1959, his dad surprised him with a 1959 Red Chevy Impala that he instantly named “Cherry Pie.” He said it was the perfect car except that it had a V6 not a V8!

Bob not only loved fast cars but motorcycles especially. He rode one for more than 60 years of his life. His son, Robert Jr., began riding with him in 2015; they went on to enjoy many day trips together. Some of his days were spent with his daughter going to Dairy Queen for his weekly ice cream and french fry cravings. He lived life to the fullest and loved spending time with family and friends – especially those periodic visits from his children going through pictures and reminiscing about the good ol’ days. The pictures gave proof that Bob certainly never shied away from having a good time!

Survivors include his spouse of 23 years, Terry Herschell.  They met in Lawrence, KS 31 years ago.  By this marriage Bob had three adult step-children; Travis Wales, Meredith Mazza and Mandy Tinch.  He also had nine step-grandchildren and three step great-grandchildren.

Other survivors include younger sisters; Louise (Bob) Howard and Wanda (Joe) Gaggero; two children, Robert (Terra) and Tammy Herschell, five grandchildren, Michael and Josh Herschell, Dylan Warrington, Mikayla (Cameron) Bruns, Nathan Herschell and one great-grandchild, Ian.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Steve Herschell.

The family suggests memorials in Bob’s name to Lawrence Humane Society and may be sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory, 601 Indiana St, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Larry Dean Beerbower

Posted on by RumseyYost

Larry Dean Beerbower, 47, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away on October 16, 2023, in his hometown. Born on February 29, 1976, in Lawrence, Kansas, Larry was a beloved son, brother, and friend.

Larry was known for his free-spirited nature and his unwavering determination. He never shied away from speaking his mind and was admired for his strong-willed personality. Larry had a zest for life that was reflected in his hobbies and interests.

One of Larry’s greatest passions was attending rock concerts. He found solace and joy in the energy and music of live performances, and he cherished the memories he made at these events. In addition, Larry was an avid video game enthusiast. He would spend countless hours immersed in virtual worlds, honing his skills and finding excitement in the digital realm. When he wasn’t going to concerts or playing video games, Larry was a Kansas City Chiefs fan and would watch all their games on TV.

Larry will be deeply missed by his loved ones. He is survived by his mother, Helen M. Evans, daughter Mercedes Thomas and 2 grandchildren, his brothers Billie L. Beerbower Jr and Chester J. Beerbower, his sister-in-law Lisa D. Beerbower, his sister Debra M. Slifer, his brother-in-law Johnny A. Slifer, his brother Gary E. Beerbower and his sister-in-law Jennifer L. Beerbower. Larry had many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, great great nieces and great great nephews. Larry was preceded in death by his father, Billie L. Beerbower Sr.

The loss of Larry leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him. His memory will forever be cherished, and his spirit will live on through the countless lives he touched.

May he rest in peace.

Grace Marie (Cron) Allen aka Twiggy

Posted on by RumseyYost

Graveside Inurnment for Grace Marie (Cron) Allen aka Twiggy, will be held at 11 am, Friday, October 20, 2023, at Oak Hill Cemetery, Lawrence Kansas.  A Celebration of Life is to be set for a later date.

Grace died Tuesday October 10, 2023 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. She was born January 9, 1935 in Welda, Kansas to Agnes & Guy Cron.  She moved to Lawrence in the late 1940’s, there she met and married Orval E. Allen on 7/15/1949.  He preceded her in death.  Also preceding her in death includes her mother Agnes Huskey of Iola, Kansas, her brothers Orval J. Cron of Baldwin, Kansas, Charlie Ogle of Washington State, Lawrence Ogle of Harrison, Arkansas.  A daughter Janet Decker-Spangler of Pittsburg, Kansas and a grandson Henry E. Wilks Jr. of Lawrence.

Grace is survived by 7 of her 8 children.

Steve Allen of Kansas City, Kansas

Margie Wilks (Henry) of Moran, Kansas

Betty Oshel-Clawson (John) of Lawrence, Kansas

Wanda Allen-Oshel (Jackie Creel) of Lawrence, Kansas

Barbara Wilson of Marysville, Kansas

David Allen (Amanda) of Oklahoma State

Orval E. Allen Jr. Of Lawrence, Kansas

22 Grandchildren

53 Great Grandchildren

35 Great-Great Grandchildren

Grace worked at Kansas University, Naismith Hall for many years and at age 72 started working at Anschutz Library in snack services.

She loved to read and do genealogy research into family history.  She also spent a lot of time embroidery, and making quilts for the younger generations.

The family suggests memorials go to Cron/Allen Genealogy Research.  Memorials can be sent to Rumsey–Yost Funeral Home P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Rebecca Elizabeth (Beci) Stubbs

Posted on by RumseyYost

Celebration of Life services for Rebecca Elizabeth Stubbs, 52, Lawrence, will be from 2-5 pm, Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Set’em Up Jack’s Mezzanine Level.

Rebecca Elizabeth (Beci) Stubbs, of Lawrence KS, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 13th at NorthCare Hospice House in North Kansas City, MO. Rebecca was 52 and had been battling Stage 4 Liver Disease.

Rebecca was born May 19th, 1971 to William and Nancy Stubbs in Tucson, Arizona. Her parents moved to Perry, Kansas after years in service. She was the middle child of 3. After her father’s passing in 1979, they moved to Lawrence, Kansas where she went to school and  graduated from Lawrence High School in 1989.

Rebecca worked a few small jobs until she eventually started at E&E Display Group. She worked as a shipping clerk and forklift driver among other things. E&E is where she met some of the most impactful people in her life and came to call them family. She later worked at Amarr garage doors as a forklift driver. After her time at Amarr she eventually found her way to the Lawrence Paper Company and worked there up until she got diagnosed.

To say she was a strong, hardworking woman is an understatement. Rebecca never married, but she did find love for a time and had 3 beautiful children who she loved dearly.

Rebecca was a hardworking, prideful, and caring woman who knew how to be the life of the party. She made it her job to see everyone laugh and made an impact on everyone around her. She loved a good romance novel when she wasn’t working or tending to her jungle of plants. Rebecca is predeceased by her parents William and Nancy Stubbs, and her brother Garrett (Gary) Stubbs. She is survived by a brother John Stubbs (Pelican Rapids, MN), half sister Rhonda Zelepuza (Aberdeen, WA), her sons Damon Stephens (Liberty, MO), Nicholas Crowe (Lawrence, KS), daughter Alexia Crowe (Lawrence, KS). She is also survived by grandsons Nicholas Crowe Jr and Ryker Wilson and nephews Roscoe Stubbs, Charles Stubbs, and William Stubbs.

Alyson Ann Pickens

Posted on by RumseyYost

Alyson Ann Pickens, 71, of Lawrence, passed away on September 2, 2023, after a brief battle with cancer.

Ally was born on September 12, 1951 to John and Mildred Pickens in Lawrence. She graduated with a master’s degree in education from the University of Kansas. She was a jayhawker through and through.

Ally loved all things outdoors, traveling, her family, including her dog Rocky and seeing to the needs of the less fortunate.

Ally was preceded in death by her father John. She is survived by her mother “Mickey”, and her brother Mike.

Graveside services will be held on October 21, 2023 at 11am at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Special Olympics, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, PO Box 1260 Lawrence, KS 66044. This was an organization she held near and dear to her heart.

Dennis Leroy Smith

Posted on by RumseyYost

Dennis Leroy Smith ,75, lost his battle with cancer on Friday, October 6th, 2023.

Dennis was born September 22, 1948 in Lawrence, KS the son of Leland and Eunice Smith.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war and was stationed in Germany. He was a man of many skills including singing, hunting, playing poker, and coaching baseball. His longest job was as a maintenance and grounds worker for USD 497. He was also a welder, construction work, and limo driver, just to name a few.
He married Eloise Montgomery on October 25th, 1969. They later divorced. He never remarried.
Survivors include his daughter, Mischa Bell (Chris), Lawrence; a son Richard McCart (Shari), Garner, North Carolina; a brother Eric Smith (Judy), Lawrence; 5 grandchildren Allison, Aeron, Aspen, Jackson and Alexandria; his nephews and niece, Dustin, Cory, Brett, Patrick and Lori whom he loved like they were his own.
Dennis was a fierce KU Basketball fan, he loved his hot rods, his motorcycle, hunting, fishing and playing cards. Dennis never met a karaoke night he didn’t like, you could find him singing anything- Oldies, Doo Wop and especially anything Motown.
Dennis was a friend to everyone, if you were lucky to call him friend, you knew it was for life. He was a gentle giant, a big teddy bear with a huge heart. He loved his friends and family with everything he had.
A graveside inurnment will take place on Thursday, October 12th at 11:00 AM at Maple Grove Cemetery in North Lawrence. Memorial contributions can be sent to Douglas County VNA- Hospice.

Debra Ann Smith-Baker

Posted on by RumseyYost

Debra Ann Baker, 61, of Baldwin City, Kansas, passed away on October 5, 2023. She was born on March 20, 1962, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Sandra and John Caswell. Debra was a kind and loving mother and wife who enjoyed dancing and listening to soul music. She had a playful spirit and always went out of her way to do things for the people she cared about. Debra also loved card games and having a good time.

Debra is survived by her husband Richard Baker. Her children, Christopher Smith, Merry Cabrera and her husband Roberto, Josh Smith and his wife Kendra, Dustin Baker, Ricky Baker, and Melissa Baker. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren. Debra was preceded in death by her mother, Sandra Caswell, and her father, John Caswell.

Debra attended Lees Summit High School.

Please join us in celebrating Debra’s life at her Memorial Services at 6:30 pm, Monday, October 16, 2023, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.