Category: Obituaries

Lorene Margaret Proctor

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Services for Lorene Margaret Proctor, will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 16, 2023 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will be in Washington Creek Cemetery, in southwest Douglas County.

Lorene passed away Wednesday, December 13, 2023, just 42 days short of her 101st birthday, at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor.

She was born January 24, 1923 in McCune, Kansas, the daughter of Gordon and Almeda Meanor. Following the death of her father, her family moved to Parsons, Kansas in 1934. She graduated from Parsons High School in 1940 and attended Junior College in Parsons for a year and a half, before becoming a telephone operator.

Chester and Lorene were united in marriage in June 1944, in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, just before he was sent overseas during World War II. After the war, they moved to Kansas City, Kansas in 1947. Starting in 1969, Chester and Lorene started their own bookbinding business in their home. Lorene ran the oversew machine and kept the books for the business. In 1986, they built a new house in Shawnee, Kansas and moved the book bindery to that location. They retired in 2000 moving to Lawrence Presbyterian Manor in 2008.

She was active in the PTA at Mark Twain Elementary School and held various positions at the First Central Church of the Brethren, singing in the choir, deaconess, toddler Sunday School teacher and member of the ladies organization of the church.

Survivors include a daughter, Roxane Fawl (Mike) of rural Overbrook, Kansas; four grandsons, Russell (Krystal) in Topeka, Kansas, Benjamin (Ann), Jonathan (Jenna), Matthew (Ashley) all of rural Overbrook; 13 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great- grandsons.

The family will greet friends from 10:00-11:00 on Saturday at the funeral home.

The family suggests memorials to be sent in care of the funeral home to the Overbrook Bible Church or to Midland Hospice, who took care of Lorene in her final months. Online condolences may be sent to www.rumsey-yost.com

Flossie Bea Shorter

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Funeral services for Flossie Bea Shorter, 78, will be Friday, December 22nd at 11:00AM, with a visitation beginning at 10:00AM at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street Lawrence, KS 66044. A burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence, Kansas. She died Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor.

Flossie was born on May19, 1945, in Cameta, Mississippi. She was the daughter
of Florine Lane and Cephis Presswood. Flossie accepted Christ at an early age in Mississippi. She enjoyed going to church, listening to Gospel music, and fellowshipping with family and friends. Flossie was a stay-at-home mom until her youngest child was ten. She was a cook for many years at the Tri-Delta Sorority house at the University of Kansas. Later she became a cook for the City of Lawrence police department where she retired from in 2012.

Flossie had five brothers and one sister. The brothers were Rufus Barnett, Cassius Carter, Bennie L. Steel, Eddie L. Steel, and Willie R. Steel. The one sister was Virginia Steel. All siblings preceded her in death with the exception of Bennie L.Steel of Hollandale, Mississippi and Willie R. Steel of Topeka, Kansas. Flossie married Robert C. Shorter Sr. on March 9, 1964 and to this union two daughters and one son was born. Flossie’s husband and one daughter, Effie M. Presswood-Shorter preceded her in death. She is survived by one daughter Florine Jeannette Shorter of Lawrence, Kansas and by one son, Robert C. Shorter Jr. and wife Tina of Lawrence, Kansas.

Flossie also leaves behind four Grandchildren: Kendrick Shorter, Kiera Shorter,Trinity Shorter and Aleigha Green, and six Great Grandchildren: Isaiah Shorter, Nevaeh Shorter, Drennen Shorter, Braxton Shorter, Lavell Morgan, and Marvell Morgan. Flossie also had a host of nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations can be made in her honor to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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

Nancy Jean Aduddell

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Nancy Jean Aduddell, age 92 of Lawrence, died December 4, 2023 at Star Living in Lawrence. Nancy was born to Leo and Esther (Moriarty) Nicolaus on September 20, 1931 in Muscatine, Iowa and spent most of her childhood in LaGrange, IL. Nancy attended the University of Iowa and graduated from Northwestern University with a teaching degree in 1953. She was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority. Nancy earned her Master’s in Education and taught for many years. Her teaching career began at Graceland Elementary in Kansas City, and continued at Corinth Elementary and Meadowbrook Junior High, in Leawood, KS. Nancy was an excellent teacher and very popular with her students. After retirement in 1986, she moved to the Lake of the Ozarks where she was a member of the Gravois United Methodist Church. She devoted many hours to the United Methodist Women, as well as gardening, her bridge group, and line dancing. Nancy married Edward N Aduddell on June 27, 1953, in LaGrange, IL. Ed died in 2016. Other survivors include three children, David Aduddell and wife Pat, Lawrence, Jan Duffy and husband Michael, Orange Beach, AL, and Robert Aduddell and wife Pam, Gravois Mills, MO; a sister, Janet Thellman, Overland Park; six grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, sibling, Mary Madsen and one great grandson.
Memorial Services are scheduled for 10:00 A.M. Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Rumsey Yost Funeral Home. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Gravois Mills United Methodist Church, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St, Lawrence, KS 66044. Online condolences may be sent at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Betty Jeanne Allen

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Betty Jeanne Allen, age 97, passed away on November 29, 2023, at Pioneer Ridge Skilled Nursing. Betty was born on June 14 ,1926 in Lawrence Kansas to Ray and Nellie Griffeth.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband Merrill Dean Allen, her parents, and a set of infant twins. She is survived by her three children Gary Allen (Lynda), Cathy Rosebaugh (Dennis) and Tom Allen (Susan), grandchildren Justin, Nicole, Caleb, and Josh, great-grandchildren Amante, Grady, Grayson, Keaton, Jordy, Jeremiah and Andy.
Betty and Dean were active in the American Legion where they enjoyed many weekends with friends. Betty was a homemaker but had various part-time jobs. Her passion was decorating, and she took pride in her various homes. She had quite a talent for knitting. Her grandchildren benefited with gifts of handmade blankets while her daughter and daughters-in-law were given sweaters at Christmas time.
Graveside service with family will be December 13 at 1:00 at Memorial Park Cemetery followed by a celebration of life at Murf’s Pub where all friends and family are invited to attend.

Patrick Anthony “Buddy” Jones

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Patrick Anthony “Buddy” Jones 34 died Wednesday, November 15, 2023. He was a cross country driver and worked for Honey Creek Sanitation at the time of his death. He was a Demla. He is survived by his father, Michael Jones and wife Sharon, mother, Dorothy Gendron Newsom; brothers, Michael Jones II and Mathias Jones; sister, Rose-Marie Mellenbruch; grandparent’s, Joe and Donna Jones of Missouri and Jean Jones of Florida; four nieces; one nephew; aunt, Deborah Boyd and uncle, Tony Gendron.  He is further survived by numerous cousins, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents; Sgt Jake Gendron and Rose-Marie Gendron; his uncle, Mark Jones; all great grandparents and step-father Gregory Newsom. Memorial services will be held 2:00 P.M. Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Southside Funeral Home of San Antonio, Texas.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at the same location. Services will also be held at the Community Baptist Church in Greensburg, Louisiana, 1:00 P.M. Saturday, December 23, 2023.

Nicholas Adam Crowe Sr

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Celebration of Life Potluck for Nicholas Adam Crowe Sr., 29, Lawrence, will be from 2:30-6 pm, Sunday, December 3, 2023, at Wayne and Larry’s Back Room.

Nicholas Adam (Nick) Crowe Sr unexpectedly passed away at 29 years old on November 23rd, 2023.

Nick was born October 28th, 1994 to Rebecca Stubbs and Christopher Crowe in Lawrence, Kansas. He was the middle child of 3. He graduated from Free State High School in 2013. After graduation Nick worked in the construction industry for various companies such as Hunt Inc and A- Team. He came from a long family history of carpenters and woodworking was a true passion of his.

He was a hardworking, humble, compassionate, kind and hardheaded man with a sense of humor that could light up every room. No matter what he always put 110% percent into everything he did. He faced many hardships in life but that never managed to take the smile from his face.

He was a loving father, brother, son, and the most loyal of friends, that will be deeply missed. No one can replace the person he was and the impact he made on everyone around him. He loved making people smile even on his worst days. Nicholas is predeceased by his grandparents William and Nancy Stubbs, grandfather Gary Crowe, his mother Rebecca Stubbs, and his uncle Garrett Stubbs. He is survived by his son Nicholas Crowe Jr (Lawrence,KS), father Christopher Crowe (Lawrence,KS), brother Damon Stephens (Liberty,MO), sister Alexia Crowe (Lawrence,KS) and grandmother Veronica Crowe (Lawrence,KS)

Elaine Louise Blank

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Elaine Louise Blank, age 94, passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2023 at LMH.

Elaine was born on August 21, 1929 in Kansas City, KS to Robert and Lottie Modrell.  She attended KU and was a member of the Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority.  She was a finalist for KU Relay Queen.

Elaine married Robert H. Blank on June 25, 1950 and was happily married for 62 years, before Bob’s death in 2012.

She was active in Ventura Club and several Bridge groups and was an avid gardener.  Elaine worked for Allen Press for several years as a proof reader.

Elaine is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sister Ruth Modrell and brother Robert Modrell.  Elaine is survived by her daughter Sheri Robertson, sons Rob Blank and Randy (Betty) Blank, grandchildren Kimberly Carter, Madelyn Blank and Julia Blank as well as two great grandchildren Kollin Green and Rennie Carter.

Funeral services for Elaine will be held Sunday, December 3 at 3:30 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS  66044.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Elaine’s name to “Do Good for Erin”.  DoGoodForErin.com is a foundation benefiting both KU School of Social Welfare and women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

John G. VanDiest

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It is with heavy hearts that we inform you of the passing of John G. VanDiest, 85, of Lenora, Kansas, on Sunday, November 26, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born in Lenora, Kansas, on August 23, 1938, son of T.H. and Helen (Bennett) VanDiest. John grew up in Lenora, graduated from Lenora High School in 1956, and graduated with a degree in psychology from Doane College in Crete, Nebraska, where he also played football.
In June of 1964, John married Patricia Hardiek of Norton, Kansas. They built their home in Lenora and together they raised two children, Teresa and Greg. John served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, and was active in the community as president of the Jaycee, Chief of the Lenora Volunteer Fire Department, Lenora City Council member, and little league baseball coach.
He spent his life in the farming/ranching industry, fertilizer business, and owner/operator of VanDiest Grain. He remained active with his farming and cattle operation until his health declined in recent years. John never met a stranger or foe, as evidenced by his loyal customers and he treated them all with respect and fairness. Never a bad word can be associated with the name, John VanDiest.
Always an avid sports fan, John never missed a game and supported his teams 100%, even if their performance was less than stellar. We remember dad fondly sitting in his chair with his “Go Big Red” cup, and later changing it to a blue cup (for obvious reasons)!
John is survived by his wife Pat; daughter, Teresa (VanDiest) Akin and husband Danny of Thornton, Colorado; son, Greg VanDiest and special friend Denise of Eudora, Kansas; three grandsons, of whom he was tremendously proud — Ben VanDiest, Wichita, Kansas, Zakary VanDiest; Eudora, Kansas, and Chase Akin, Thornton, Colorado. Other survivors include a sister, Marian Nuernberger of Lincoln, Nebraska; two brothers-in-law, Roger Hardiek and wife Bev and Jim Frack, all of Norton, Kansas; three sisters-in-law, Lisa Hardiek, of Las Vegas, Nevada, Connie Dreyer and husband Roger, and Cathy McMillin, all of Hays, Kansas; and many nieces and nephews.John was welcomed to his heavenly home by his parents, T.H. and Helen VanDiest; his parents-in-law, Virg and Irene Hardiek; three brothers-in-law, Bill Nuernberger, Rick Hardiek, and Danny McMillin; two sisters-in-law, Kay Berls and husband Jerry, and Rhonda Frack, and many cousins and lifelong friends. There surely were hugs all around and maybe a drink or two when he arrived!
A private ceremony at the Lenora South Cemetery will be planned at a later date. The family suggests memorials be made to the Arthritis Foundation, in lieu of flowers. In honor of our dad John, and dear friend to many, we ask that you raise a glass to toast the life of this amazing man on Friday, December 15 at 7:00 p.m. We will miss his witty sense of humor and his smile that lit up the room, more than words can say! We look forward to the day we will all be together again.

David Underwood Fitzcharles

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David Underwood Fitzcharles of Brandon Woods Retirement Community, Lawrence, KS and Naples, FL entered heaven on November 22, 2023.  He was born on Feb 2, 1929 and was the son of the late James and Lucille Fitzcharles, brother of the late James Fitzcharles III, an attorney, and the late Sarah L. Fitzcharles, RN.  He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Alice Ritchie Fitzcharles of the home, and three children.  They are Michael of Naples, FL; Diane Covello and husband Timothy, of West Hartford, CT; and Eric and wife Melinda, of Edwards, CO.  He adored his five grandchildren – Allyson Covello and her fiancé Imran Cronk of New York, NY; Matthew Covello of Worcester, MA; Evan Fitzcharles of Highland Heights, KY; Adam Fitzcharles of Lawrence, KS; and Ethan Fitzcharles of Lawrence, KS.  He also is survived by a dear Sister, Carolyn Wyckoff of Trumbull CT, and many nieces and nephews.

David grew up in Lower Makefield Township, Bucks County, PA, and received a Bachelor’s Degree from Pennsylvania State University and a Master’s Degree from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.  After graduate school, David moved to Chicago, where he met Alice through a young singles group at the First Presbyterian Church in Evanston, IL.  They were married on October 10, 1959.

Mr. Fitzcharles was employed in various investment positions.  He worked as Securities Analyst with the  Northern Trust Company, Chicago; Vice President of Investments for Casualty and Life Insurance companies of  American Family Insurance Group, Madison, WI.; and Executive Director for Pension and Profit Sharing Plans of Farmland Industries, Inc. of Kansas City, MO.  He is a former member of the Philadelphia Stock Exchange, and a member and past President of the Kansas City Society of Financial Analysts.  He was a Chartered Financial Analyst,  a member of the CFA Institute, Charlottesville, VA, and served several years on its Examination Grading Staff.  He was a member of Post 14, American Legion, Lawrence, KS, having served in the US Army during the Korean War.

Mr. Fitzcharles was an avid biker, and continued taking 20-30 mile bike rides until after his 88th birthday.  He enjoyed tennis, bridge and family vacations including trips to Florida, California, England and Scotland.  He also took annual ski trips to Colorado, Utah, Wisconsin, and Michigan for many years.

Dad will be forever inspiring as a bedrock of support to everyone in his family, never wavering through all phases of life, always setting a stellar example for his children and grandchildren, putting the rest of us ahead of himself, and only asking for hugs in return.  Dad exemplified humility, delighting in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, without highlighting his own.  Grandpa will always be remembered for his witty, incisive, and occasionally comedic adages about the world around him, and his quiet ruthlessness at the bridge table.  He was a good friend and neighbor to many, and his mind ran circles around all of us to the end.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Brandon Woods Employee Recognition Fund, 1501 Inverness Ave., Lawrence, KS 66047, or First Presbyterian Church, 2415 Clinton Parkway, Lawrence, KS 66047-3723.

Details regarding a Memorial Service will be announced by Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home (rumsey-yost.com) at a later date.