Category: Obituaries

Ralph E. Reschke

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Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Ralph Eugene Reschke, 88, at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 30, 2023, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lawrence, KS. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Ralph passed away Sunday, November 19, 2023, at Star Living Assisted Living Facility in Lawrence.

Ralph was born August 27, 1935, in Preston, NE, the son of William G. Reschke and Sophia E. Santo Reschke. Ralph grew up on farms in Preston, NE and Fairview, KS.

Ralph met his future wife, Mary Alice Ramsey, at the skating rink in Sycamore Springs, KS. They married on December 29th, 1956, in Dawson, NE, and moved to Lawrence, KS.

Ralph attended Kansas University for six years on a part-time basis and studied engineering. Ralph worked various jobs, including repairing autos at Lawrence service stations. Ralph was hired by Hallmark Cards at the Lawrence plant in 1959 as a maintenance engineer. While working for Hallmark, Ralph enjoyed traveling the world to install, repair, modify and transfer machinery in places such as Mexico, Europe, Africa, and Australia. Ralph retired from Hallmark in 2000.

Post-retirement, Ralph enjoyed fully restoring a 1930 Model A, a 2 door 1955 Plymouth Belvedere hardtop – the car of his youth, and a convertible 1955 Plymouth Belvedere. Ralph served as president of the Lawrence Region Antique Automobile Club of America for numerous years.

Ralph was active in the church throughout his time in Lawrence. Ralph was a long-time member of the St. John’s school board, and also served as its Athletic Director. He was on the parish council for many years and spent a large part of his life as an usher at both St. John’s and Corpus Christi.

Survivors include his children, Ralph Reschke, Jr. (Eradio Beltran), Arvada, CO, Christine Marie Reschke, Topeka, KS, Cynthia Ann Aldridge, Lawrence, Thomas William Reschke, Lawrence; eight grandchildren, Kathryn (Jay) VanBlaricum, Diana Spencer, Suzanne (Jay) Facer, Valerie (Dennison) Cox, Cameron Reschke, Natalie Reschke (Christopher Coffey), Toby (Bryanna) Aldridge, Ty Albright (Charles); six great grandchildren, Violet VanBlaricum, James and Michael Aldridge, Ryker and Mary Jo Coffey, Shipley Cox; his sister Joan Jurgensmeier of Salina, KS; his brother John’s wife Mary Ann Reschke of Valley Falls, KS, and a large extended family of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, William, Robert, John and Henry; two sisters, Mary Cashman and Ruth Ann; and his wife, Mary, who passed on October 13, 2019.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Daughter’s of Isabella – Corpus Christi or the Lawrence Region Antique Automobile Club and may be sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, PO Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.

A Rosary will be recited at 10 a.m. prior to the service on Thursday, November 30th at Corpus Christi Catholic Church.

Joyce Ann Massey

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Joyce A. Massey, 83, formerly of Eudora, joined her Heavenly Father on November 17, 2023.  She passed away in Ottawa at her daughter’s home surrounded by her loved ones.

Joyce was born January 4, 1940 to Francis and Betha (Sharp) McConkey in Milan, Missouri. She moved to Sunflower Village when she was 5 years old. She graduated from Desoto High School in 1957.

She married Harold Massey on June 8, 1958 at Southern Baptist Church in Eudora. They met while she was working at A&W Root Beer in Lawrence while Harold was having a flat tire fixed across the street. They resided in Eudora with their two children, Mitch and Shari.

When her children were in grade school, she worked in the school cafeteria.  She later worked at Food 4 Less, Weaver’s Department Store, and retired while working for Farm Bureau Insurance Company.

In her retirement, she enjoyed traveling to disaster areas with her husband, Harold, who worked for FEMA. She also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and two generations of nieces and nephews.  She was proud to be a Christian.  Over the years, she was involved in many bible studies and prayer groups with close friends.

Joyce is survived by her daughter, Shari Eichenberger of Ottawa; daughter-in-law, Cathy Massey of Eudora; grandson, David Massey of Eudora; granddaughters- Shelby (Cody) McCarty of Leawood and Lauren Massey of Longmont, CO; great grandsons- Isayah Green of Bonner Springs, William Steinberger of Overland Park, and Breck McCarty of Leawood; sisters- Frances “Loudie” (Dave) Macey of Lees Summit, MO, and Patricia (Patrick) Dardis of Eudora; many nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her parents Francis & Betha, husband Harold Massey, son Mitchell Massey, sister Brenda Long, and brother Mike McConkey.

Funeral services will be Saturday, November 25th at 2:00pm. There will be a visitation on Friday, November 24th from 6:00pm-7:30pm. Both funeral and visitation will be held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence. Burial will be at Eudora City Cemetery following funeral. Memorial contributions can be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Leona Eva (Schmalz) Maxon

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Leona Eva (Schmalz) Maxon, 103, of Baldwin City, Kansas, died on November 15, 2023. She was born to John and Elizabeth Schmalz on January 14, 1920 in Paris, Arkansas. She was the fifth of 15 children.

She married Thomas L. Maxon on April 28, 1940. Together they owned a moving company in Kansas City, Maxon Transfer and Delivery. He preceded her in death in 1980.

Leona spent many years on the Maxon family farm near LaCygne, Kansas. In her later years she lived in Paola. Her final years were spent at Vintage Park in Baldwin City, Kansas where she got the nickname “Smiley”.

Leona had 3 sons; Ron (Joyce) Maxon, Kevin Maxon, and Tim (Diane) Maxon. She also raised three stepchildren; Tom, Carol, and Don. Her son Ron preceded her in death as have all three of her stepchildren. She is survived by a brother, Robert Schmalz (Peggy) and a sister, Betty Gravenstein.

Twelve siblings have preceded her in death. Two great granddaughters, Heather Maxon and Sandra Moore, have also preceded her.

Surviving are many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Leona enjoyed cooking, quilting, church functions, and spending time with friends and family.

Funeral Mass will be 10am, Monday, November 20, 2023, at Annunciation Catholic Church, 740 N 6th St, Baldwin City, KS 66006. Visitation to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Catholic Charities in care of the funeral home.

Richard “Dick” Leines

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Dick Leines was born in Willmar, MN, on July 8, 1937, to Arthur and Hattie Leines. He was baptized on August 8, 1937, and confirmed on July 16, 1950, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Atwater, MN. Dick graduated from Willmar High School in 1955, and attended college at St. Olaf in Northfield, MN, St. Cloud State and Mankato State. He was a member of bands and orchestras throughout his college days, playing tuba and drums.

Dick worked at many jobs throughout his life starting in grade school as a farm hand, and then working at gas stations, fuel-oil-bulk plants, a grocery store, a residential dairy route, a soft ice cream business, a music store, helping to repair band instruments, a cafeteria (in college), as well as painting houses, doing highway construction and driving a taxi.Through working at a Nursing Home in college, he ended up leasing and operating a Nursing Home in Madelia, MN, where he met and married the love of his life, Janis Madson, in 1959. He went on with Health Care Administration in a small hospital in Minnesota and later opened several new Nursing Homes in Kansas, the last being a Medicare-approved facility in the mid-60s.

Dick was in sales for 15 years. He then worked for Cottonwood, Inc. in Lawrence, for 24 years, the last 20 of which he was the Human Resources Director. He retired in 2011. During retirement, Dick spent many hours transporting handicapped individuals to church, doctor appointments, etc.

Dick and Jan raised three children who were their pride and joy. He is survived by his wife, Jan: three children – daughter Terry (Greg) Burris, Garland, TX, son Rick (Shirl), Lenexa, KS, and son Jon (Elyce), Colorado Springs, CO: and six grandchildren – Amy Leines, Parker, CO, Eric Leines, Overland Park, KS, Bryan Leines, Ashburn, VA, Elle and Matthew Leines, Colorado Springs, CO, and Zane Burris, State College, PA. Dick is also survived by his sister, Beatrice Devereaux of Litchfield, MN, and several nieces and nephews.

Dick enjoyed spending time with his family. He enjoyed music, driving, traveling, woodworking, and reading. Other interests and hobbies included involvement with his church, Immanuel Lutheran, where he held several positions over the years. He also served as the first president of the Haskell LIGHT Board of Directors in Lawrence. He was a charter member of the Salina Barbershop Chorus, and after moving to Lawrence, sang with the Heart of America Barbershop Chorus in Kansas City for several years.

Additionally, the family of Dick Leines would like to send a special thank you to A Helping Hand and Visiting Nurses for the care and assistance they gave Richard.

Memorial services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, December 2, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2104 Bob Billings Parkway, Lawrence. Visitation 10-11 am at the church, prior to the service. Inurnment will be at Rosendale Lutheran Church, Madelia, MN, at a later date.The family suggests memorials in Dick’s name to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Cottonwood,Inc., or Haskell LIGHT, in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Jon William Gaines

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Memorial services for Jon William Gaines, 68, Overbrook, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 18 at Worden Cornerstone Church in Baldwin City, KS. Burial will immediately follow at Twin Mound Cemetery in Overbrook, KS. A visitation for family and friends is being held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home on Friday, November 17 from 5-7 p.m.

Jon William Gaines was born on July 17, 1955, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Floyd and Lois (Downing) Gaines. He passed from this life surrounded by his family on Monday, November 13, 2023, at KU Medical Center after a courageous battle with esophagus cancer.

Jon grew up in rural Douglas County as the fifth generation on the Gaines 3M family farm. His childhood was spent enjoying the best of country living with a tight-knit family within the communities of Richland and Clinton.

He attended Wakarusa Valley Elementary, South Junior High, and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1973. Jon graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelors Degree in Environmental Studies. Many treasured friendships that were formed during his school years were carried through the remaining decades of his life. He dedicated 26 years as an employee of Life Span Institute at the University of Kansas.

On June 13, 1981, he was joined in marriage with Elizabeth (Betty) Marie Ryan in Colby, KS. He was a nurturing and supportive father to their children, Jeremy Lawrence and Stephanie Rose. His favorite past times in life involved caring for his herd of Hereford cattle, spending the summers in the hay fields, family time around a fire in his beloved Gaines Walnut Grove, deer hunting, pheasant hunting at the Ryan family farm, watching KU Jayhawks, and smoking meats for countless gatherings. Those who knew him have described him as a kind, caring friend to all, always willing to help in any way, and an all-around great man. He was a man of principle who valued respect, honesty and man’s word.

Jon was an active member of the Albert Neese Masonic Lodge where he served several terms as Grand Master. He also served many years as the President of the Twin Mound Cemetery.

Jon will be greatly missed by his wife, Betty and son Jeremy Gaines, daughter Stephanie McNish and son-in-law Earl. He was a proud and loving Papa to his grandchildren: Asher Gaines, Baret Barquist, Savannah, Henry, and Evan McNish. Other survivors include his siblings: Linda (Bernie) Faust, Saundra (Paul) Hiller, Diana Skinner, Tom Gaines. He is also survived by sisters-in-law: Margaret (Don) Spangler, Rosie Schell, Mary Woydziak, Patricia Ryan, Lois Ryan and brothers-in-law: Larry (Linda) Ryan, Bill (Kathy) Ryan, Terry Ryan, Donald Ryan, and Jerry Ryan and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws H.L. and Ethel (Bailey) Ryan. Brothers-in-law: Delbert Skinner, Thomas Ryan, Jim Ryan, Jerome Schell, and Jim Woydziak.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Wakarusa River Valley Heritage Museum sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Sarah Simpson Dean

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Sarah Simpson Dean was born April 10, 1937, in Salina, Kansas, the daughter of Irene and Grover Simpson. She died of heart failure at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, in the presence of family, on Thursday, November 2, 2023.

In grade school she sold home-grown asparagus to neighbors from a little red wagon. She graduated from Salina High School in 1955, as the President of her senior class and near the top of her class academically. The following fall she entered the University of Kansas, joined the Pi Beta Phi sorority, and began the study of Occupational Therapy.

On November 15, 1958 she married Ensign Raymond H. Dean and spent the first two years of her married life with him at Sandia Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. There, she gave birth to their first son Stanley. In August 1960, they moved to Brighton, Massachusetts where Ray pursued graduate education. They lived there for a year, Sarah raising their young son.

In August 1961 they returned to the Midwest and bought a small home in Fairway, Kansas. There she gave birth to, and began raising, two more children, John and Katherine.

In 1964, the family moved back east to Lawrenceville, New Jersey, so Ray could pursue additional graduate education. As she raised her family, Sarah served as a deacon in the Lawrenceville Presbyterian Church. With a committed group of local community leaders, she helped develop a children’s day-care center for underprivileged children.

In 1974, the family returned to the Midwest and settled in Mission Hills, Kansas, where they joined the Prairie Village Presbyterian Church. While the children finished grade school and matriculated through high school, she earned an MBA in business Administration and worked with other community members to promote women’s rights in the Greater Kansas City area. She also began to manage a family ranch near Junction City, and started working with several Kansas farmers to reduce chemical use.

Sarah was a deep supporter of numerous environmental non-profits, including the Land Institute in Salina, founded by their friends Wes and Dana Jackson. She was Board President of the Kansas Rural Center, and with her brother John Simpson, a founding Board member of the Kansas Land Trust.

In 1989, she and Ray moved into their final home on the north side of a 40-acre hay meadow in Southern Jefferson County. The house they built has a ground-source heat pump and hot-water and photovoltaic solar panels. They grew vegetables, tended sheep for awhile, and later raised chickens. Sarah continued her work with non-profits, including helping to organize a local food event featuring Alice Waters in 1994. She remained interested in local food and spent her grocery budget with farmers she had come to know. She was a great cook and a wonderful hostess.

Sarah’s survivors include her husband Ray, their three children Stan, John, and Kate and grandchildren Shelly and Jack Dean, Jordan and Caiden Dean, and Max and Kelsey Dunn. She also is survived by her brother, John Simpson.

In lieu of gifts or cards, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Land Institute, Lawrence Public Library, American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, Plymouth Congregational Church, Douglas County Community Foundation, or any other charity that fits Sarah’s values.

Services will be 11:00 AM Friday December 1 at the Plymouth Congregational church in Lawrence. Sarah’s ashes will be buried later at a private family gathering at her family’s plot in the Gypsum Hill Cemetery in Salina, KS.  Arrangements are with Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence.

Anita Jean Schaal

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Anita Jean Schaal, age 77 of Lawrence, died November 5, 2023.  Anita was born June 13, 1946 in Wood River, Illinois. She worked for many years as a housekeeper at Naismith Hall in Lawrence and especially enjoyed spending time with her family.  She will be greatly missed.

Anita was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin Schoenleber and Madeline Doyle Schoenleber; husband, Joe Schaal; son, Marvin Schaal and grandson, Grant Stone.  She is survived by children; Terri Schaal of Blue Springs, Missouri, Tammy Clark and Husband Tim of Garnett, Kansas, Michelle Moon and husband Andy of Lawrence, Angie Schaal and her partner Julie of Lawrence, Jackie Stone of Lawrence; daughter in law, Mindy Schaal of Lawrence; brother, John Schoenleber and wife Sallie of Mesa, Arizona; sisters, Linda Hadley of Springfield, Illinois and Cindy Goff of Wood River, Illinois; 20 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Memorial Services are scheduled for 2:00 P.M. Sunday, December 3, 2023 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence.  Online condolences may be sent at www.rumsey-yost.com.

Maria Dulcinea Ridinger

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Marie (Mary) Ridinger was born November 17, 1939 in San Miguel, New Mexico to Joseph and Fedalina Cisneros. She passed away at her home on November 8, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. 

Mary grew up in Monte Vista, Colorado where she helped raise several brothers and sisters. She went on to have children of her own, Corrine Torneden of Wellington KS, Leroy Archuleta of Lawrence KS, Valerie Cheek of Lawrence KS, Sharon Ridinger of Lawrence KS, and Charles Ridinger Jr. of Lawrence KS. She was married to Charles Ridinger Sr. They were happily married for 39 years. 

Mary was a production supervisor for many years at Cottonwood Inc. where she retired from. After retirement, Mary would continue on to help raise and care for many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When she wasn’t caring for them, she often enjoyed playing bingo and going to the casinos. But her favorite pleasure was going back home to Colorado to visit with her family. 

Mary was preceded in death by husband Charles Ridinger Sr., daughter Corrine Torneden, and Granddaughter Crystal Torneden.

Mark S. Thacker

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On November 4, 2023, Mark S. Thacker, age 70, died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Lawrence, Kansas.

Mark was born October 19, 1953, in Detroit, Michigan, to Fonso and Dolores Thacker, as the fifth of six children in the family. As a youth, Mark participated in Boy Scouts and earned the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Western High School, Detroit, Michigan, in 1971 and from Cleary University, Ypsilanti, Michigan, in 1997.

From 1977 to 1981, Mark served in the U.S. Air Force as a satellite and microwave communication specialist, stationed in Germany. Following his term of service, for over 20 years, he was employed by MCI/WorldCom as a Network Technician and Network Operations Manager in Michigan, Colorado and Texas. For the remainder of his career, 2003 until his retirement in 2021, he worked as a government contractor in Network Engineering for various companies including AT&T Government Solutions.

Through the matchmaking efforts of his sister Nanci, Mark met his beloved wife, Carolyn Mertz. They were married on May 26, 1990, at Saint Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church in West Bend, Iowa. In 1994, Mark and Carolyn joyfully welcomed the birth of their son, Luke, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Most of the years of their married life were spent in San Antonio, Texas, until they moved to Lawrence, KS, in the spring of 2023.

Mark was a loyal, life-long Detroit Lions fan. He enjoyed golfing, reading, sailing, and watching Michigan college sports. He also loved watching college baseball, and for many years, travelled to the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, always accompanied by his childhood friend, Steve Boyle, from Michigan. Mark was a self-educated, first-rate war historian who could easily recall dates and events, place them in a historical context and capture the attention and respect of his family and friends as a gifted storyteller. His passion and knowledge of history eventually evolved into his enjoyable hobby of constructing and collecting sophisticated model warships and tanks. Since his retirement, Mark worked steadfastly to master the art of Texas BBQ.

Mark is survived by his wife, Carolyn and son, Luke, both of Lawrence, Kansas; sisters Cheryl Guadagnio (Chuck) of Macomb, MI; Nanci Webb of Scottsdale, AZ; brother Ron Thacker (Karen) of Dearborn Heights, MI; many nieces, nephews and their families. Mark also leaves behind his two beloved dogs, Milo and Monty. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Rick Thacker and sister Cindy Emerson.

In respecting Mark’s wishes, a private memorial celebration of his life will be held in Michigan, at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Just Food, a local food bank in Lawrence, KS. Donations can be submitted by mail (1000 E. 11th Street, Lawrence, Kansas, 66046) or online (www.justfoodks.org).

Connie Jo (Reiling) Daniels

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Celebration of Life services for Connie Jo Reiling Daniels, 74, Lawrence, will be Friday , December 8, 2023, at RBar & Patio from 2-5pm.

Connie Reiling Daniels passed away surrounded by her son, Scott, her forever partner Brad and grandson, Connor and his partner Dawn on November 6, 2023 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. Connie was born on December 10, 1948 in Leavenworth, KS to parents Carl and Wilma (Dryden) Reiling.

Connie grew up in Oskaloosa, KS and was a 1966 graduate of Oskaloosa High School. She lived in a few prior locations in Kansas before settling in Lawrence. Connie had a large friend base in Lawrence and surrounding area. Her friends were an important part of her life. Connie was an avid Kansas Jayhawk and could “Rock Chalk” loud and proud with many of these friends.

Connie had a varied career as a Sheriff’s Dispatcher in Hill City, KS. She also was a hairstylist. Prior to her retirement, Connie was most recently involved in the banking industry.

Connie was married to Randy Daniels and they were blessed with two sons, Jeff and Scott Daniels both of Lawrence. She was preceded in death by her son Jeff in November, 2005. Connie was also blessed with two grandchildren, Connor Daniels and Morgan Daniels both of Lawrence. Connie deeply loved her kids and grandkids.

Connie also found the love of her life, Brad Bartlett. Connie and Brad thoroughly enjoyed spending time together. They made their home in Lawrence. They could often be found around Lawrence cheering on their Jayhawks with family and friends. Connie also has two brothers, Dennis (Linda) Reiling of Oskaloosa and Terry (Angie) Reiling of McLouth.

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