Category: Obituaries

John (David) Ragan

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The Lord called John David Ragan home on August 21, 2023. A Memorial Service will be held October 3 at Christ United Methodist Church in Independence at 10 AM, with a visitation at 9:30.

David is survived by Ann Ragan, loving wife of 51 years; son Phil Bennett and wife Kirsten; grandchildren Trevor, Laurel, and Tristan Bennett and his wife Amy; niece Ellen Ragan, her husband Mark Allen, their children McKinley Allen and Ragan Archer and her husband Max; niece Janice Lopez and son Mark Lopez; and Markus Preissler.

David graduated from the University of Kansas in 1965 in Architecture, and served in the Army as a Captain in the Ordnance Corps. As an architect, David was on the design team of many projects, notably Bartle Hall, One Kansas City Place and the Folly Theater renovation in Kansas City, as well as the Seattle Seahawks football stadium.

David’s life was characterized by service to the community. He was a Boy Scout leader and Commissioner, and hosted AFS international exchange students including Markus who has been family for 43 years. He served on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity in Eastern Jackson County, and was a long-time supporter and President of the City of Independence Sister City program with Higashimurayama in Japan. David also was a volunteer docent at both the National Frontier Trails and Chicago-Alton Railroad museums in Independence, teaching hundreds of students these aspects of American History.

As a humble servant of the Lord, David took leadership roles in Trinity Presbyterian, First Presbyterian, and Christ United Methodist Churches in Independence, where he also donated architectural design to facility upgrades over a 50-year span.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations supporting School of Architecture and Design Scholarships (04831), which he supported. Donations can be made to KU Endowment, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044 or online at www.kuendowment.org/givenow.

David’s spirit lives on in his family, the people he touched, and through his works.

Janice Gail McKenzie

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Services for Janice Gail McKenzie, 83, will be on October 1st, 2023 at 10am at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Hardy Oak Cemetery in Jefferson County, KS.

Janice died Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. She was born June 12, 1940 in Corona, New Mexico, daughter of Claude and Lucille Tarpley. She graduated from Placer High School in Auburn, California.

She married Kenneth Alec McKenzie US Navy, on July 29, 1959 at the US Naval Base in San Diego, CA by the Chaplin. They had met on a blind date on a Monday, got married on a Wednesday, and he shipped out on a Friday for a year at sea. Kenneth died July 7, 2007. They were together for 48 beautiful years and had 2 daughters, Robbie and Melody.

Jan loved children and spent her life serving Jesus.

Proceeded in death were Janice’s parents, Lucille and Claude Tarpley, brothers Warren Preston Tarpley, Joe Mitchel Tarpley, and Howard Dale Tarpley.

She is survived by daughters Robbie (Rob) Fischer, Ottawa. Melody McKenzie (Michelle Gainer), Lawrence. Brother Jimmy Wade Tarpley, Dubois, Idaho and sister Amy Shirlene Tarpley, Citrus Heights, California.

Grandsons Shaun (Wanda) McKenzie, Blue Springs MO, Michael (Mischell) Peters, Philippines, Mark (Tanya) Bartling, Lecompton,  Andrew (Paige) Barrows, Olathe, and Steven Barrows, Topeka.

Great grandsons Chet Bartling, Lecompton, Tommy and Evan Barrows, Olathe, Phillip McGraw, Tonganoxie, Austin and Nicholas Asmussen, Blue Springs, and Issac Bartling, Lecompton.

Great granddaughters Lacey Barrows, Topeka, Tabitha Peters, Lawrence, Danae and Delaney McKenzie, Springfield, Illinois, Neveah Peters, Philippines, Callie Bishop, Blue Springs, Marissa Bartling, Perry, Ashlyn Henney, Perry and Kay McKenzie, KCK.

Great great grandsons Bently and Hudson Umbenhower, KCK, and Waylon Henney, Perry.

Great great granddaughters Maria Umbenhower, KCK, Brelynn Cullumber, Perry, and Haidyn Henney, Perry.

Honorary granddaughters Dorothy Ann and Mary Ann and Bobbie Lee.

To livestream the service please click the link below

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTY5NjAxNjY4MjI3NDEwNyZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==

Janice “Jan” McConnell

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Celebration of Life Visitation for Janice “Jan” McConnell, Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home on Thursday, October 5, 2023, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm.  No graveside services are planned at this time.

Jan died Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at home surrounded by family and friends.

She was born on February 20,  1947, the daughter of Alice (Mustain) Vantuyl and Warren Vantuyl.

She moved to Lawrence, KS in 1965.  She worked for Barber Emerson Law Firm from February 1992 until retirement in February 2010.  She moved to Florida to enjoy retirement before returning to Kansas.

Jan married James (Mike) McConnell on July 3, 1965,  in  Monett, MO.  Mike passed away in July 1998.

Other survivors include two daughters, Julie Bond, Lawrence, and Jill Lavin (Russell) Perry.  Two sisters Jeanie Douthitt (Florida) and Kerri Morgison (Lawrence).  Jan has three grandsons, Justin (Justine) Bond, Bradly Lavin, Austin (Amber) Lavin.  Three great grandchildren Ryleigh Bond, Tanner Chapin, and Justin (JT) Lavin,  several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Midland Hospice in Topeka, KS, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

 

Bret Allen Coleman

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Funeral services for Bret Allen Coleman, 63, will be 2pm, Friday, October 6 at the American Legion Post 142, 410 Perry Pl, Perry, KS. A visitation will be from 1pm to service time. Burial will follow the funeral services at the Mount Calvary and Rose Hill Cemetery, 2374 Ellsworth Rd, Perry, KS.

Bret passed away on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital following a six-year battle with cancer. He was born April 30, 1960, in Topeka, KS, the son of Harold and Margaret (Barton) Coleman. He graduated from Perry-Lecompton High School in 1978. Bret married Kelly Warren in 1990 and moved to the Lecompton area in 1992.

He worked at Hallmark Cards in Lawrence, Walmart Distribution in Ottawa, Hamm’s in Perry and Brown Cargo in Lawrence.

Bret is survived by his wife, Kelly Coleman, of the home, three children, Kyle Coleman (Liz), Lecompton, KS, Cameron Coleman (Montana), Topeka, KS, Cory Coleman, Lecompton, KS, and five grandchildren. He is also survived by his four brothers, Kent Coleman, Overbrook, Kevin Coleman (Judy), Ozawkie, David Coleman (Michelle), Overbrook, and Michael Coleman (Kim), Williamstown. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Margaret.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman, which he passed his love for hunting and fishing to his three boys. He also enjoyed repairing cars, working in the yard, kayaking, and building things out of wood. He loved attending the NHRA drag races at Heartland Park and especially enjoyed watching the funny cars.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The American Legion Post 142, Perry, KS, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Susan Elaine Mango

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Surrounded by her loving family Sue passed on September 22, 2023, at home. Her family, especially her husband Joe and dear daughter Tara, were the bright lights of her life and she cherished every day with them.

Susan was born April 1, 1963, in Lawrence, Kansas. She is survived by her husband Joseph Mango; daughter Tara Mango; sisters Cathy Daicoff and Julie Daicoff (Maurice Stack Jr); her sister in spirit Bobbie Perry Flory (Scott); niece Jessica Stack; and nephew Joseph Stack (Laurie). She was proceeded in death by her parents, Margaret and Darwin Daicoff.

Sue’s hallmark was her passion for communicating and drawing others into conversations. She learned these skills at The University of Kansas where she earned a degree in communication in 1985. Susan used her people skills as event director in the hospitality industry at exclusive country clubs and the hotels in Dallas, Texas and Chester County, Pennsylvania. Ten years ago, Susan returned to Lawrence and became the Director of Development for KU’s Lied Performing Art Center. Susan’s relationships with patrons, audience, and staff were engaging and she achieved record-breaking contributions.

Susan was an avid reader who once challenged herself to read one book every week for an entire year. This interest expanded as she became involved in University Women’s Club as an event coordinator. Sue was a woman of faith that treated everyone with love and respect.

Susan’s other hobbies include gardening, home decorating and her peloton. Her decorating skills inspired her to start Sewing for the Home and Décor where she made custom draperies. She had a knack for taking something mundane and seeing its possibilities.

We all knew Sue’s love of chocolate. Every Sunday night for 50 weeks she tried new recipes in search of the perfect brownie recipe. She enjoyed cooking for her family, but baking was her specialty.

Memorials in honor of Sue can be made to Kansas University Endowment – Sue Mango Patio and Garden at the Lied, and may be sent to the Lied Center, 1600 Stewart Drive, Lawrence, Kansas 66045.

Friends of Susan are invited to join the family for a reception at Arterra, 2161 Quail Creek Drive, Lawrence, Kansas, on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, from 5 to 8 pm.

A private inurnment will be held at a later date

Jay Owen Wagner

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Jay Owen Wagner, 77, passed away on September 21, 2023 at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. He was born June 10, 1946 in Emporia, Kansas to John O. and Margaret (Sattler) Wagner.

In 1963, the family moved to Lawrence when his mother’s job with Hallmark Cards was relocated. Due to being only one year away from graduating, Jay stayed behind and lived with his grandparents his senior year. He graduated from Emporia High School in 1964. After graduation he joined his family in Lawrence. There he worked for Hallmark Cards and attended KU until he was drafted in to the Army serving one year in Vietnam.

Jay married his wife, Betty Curl on May 28, 1971. His job took them to the Chicago suburb of Wheeling, Illinois, where their first son Christopher was born. After a year, they returned to Lawrence where their sons Erick and Dustin were born. Lawrence became home for the rest of his life.

Jay was employed by E&E Specialties as a building manager until it closed in 2004. He then joined his son Dustin in farming on his wife’s family farm in Jefferson County. With the help of his sons he raised corn, soybeans, and his favorite; cattle. Other than the farm, he enjoyed watching KU sports and the Kansas City Chiefs. One time refusing to go to the hospital because the Chiefs were on TV. He had his priorities!

He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Linda Jones and Dale Ann Fabriz, brother Johnny Wagner and brother-in-law Eugene Curl.

He is survived by his wife Betty and sons Chris (Brooke Raasch), Erick and Dustin Wagner of Lawrence, brother and sister-in-law Paul and Mary (Curl) Runyon, Raleigh, North Carolina, and many nieces and nephews, and their children.

No services were requested. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

Donations may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in memory of Jay, a two time cancer survivor, and as a gratitude for the care his great nephew, Tucker Wagner, has received there.

Theodore Allen Wilson PhD

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Theodore Allen Wilson, 82, died peacefully at Pioneer Ridge, Lawrence, Kansas, on May 6, 2023.

Ted was born September 27, 1940, in Evansville, Indiana, the son of Benjamin Wilson and Anna Basham Wilson, the youngest of five children. He graduated from Reitz High School, and received a Bachelor’s degree, Masters degree, and PhD in History from Indiana University, specializing in World War II history and foreign policy after the war. Ted was a Phi Beta Kappa and won a Fulbright scholarship to study in Britain. His dissertation, The First Summit, was published shortly after he was granted his Ph.D, winning the Francis Parkman prize in 1970 from the Society of American Historians for best book in American history that year. Additionally, Ted wrote a number of books on the Marshall Plan and the military in WWII and the post-war period.

Ted married his high school sweetheart, Judith Juncker Wilson, in September, 1962, Married for 58 years before her death in 2020, Ted and Judy lived first in Bloomington Indiana while he finished his PhD. In July, 1965, he accepted a position in the History Department of the University of Kansas. Over his 49 years as a professor at KU, Ted served as an assistant dean in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the chair of the History Department, and the head of the Hall Center for the Humanities. A recipient of Guggenheim and NEH fellowships, Ted held visiting appointments at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Leicester University, University College Dublin, and served as the Senior Research Fellow during 1989-91 at the U.S. Army Center of Military History in Washington, D.C. Since 1986 until shortly before his death, Ted served as General Editor of the University Press of Kansas series, Modern War Studies,

In 1970, Ted and Judy joined the Unitarian Fellowship of Lawrence, now UUCL, where he was an active member, serving as chair of the congregation’s board twice over the years. He attended services at UUCL until his death, contributing superior grilling skills at cookouts and standing in for Santa Claus for the children over the years.

The time spent in Ireland and Great Britain left Ted with a lifelong love of both countries and he and Judy spent many summers and vacations with friends and family. In the 1980s, Ted developed a great passion for red wine, especially cabernets, and was a member of several wine tasting groups in Lawrence. He was a big fan of the KU Jayhawks and the Kansas City Chiefs, and a lover of science fiction in both books and television shows/movies.

Surviving family are his daughter, Laura, Lawrence, son Andrew and his wife Kimberlee, Geneva, Illinois, and grandson, Alexander, Geneva, Illinois.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 30, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. for Theodore A. Wilson at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lawrence, 1263 N. 1100 Rd., Lawrence, Kansas with a reception to follow. For a zoom link please call UUCL, 785-842-3339.

Nancy J. Westerman

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Nancy J. Westerman passed away on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. She was 76 years old and was born on October 19, 1946, in Kansas City, MO. Nancy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ken Westerman.

Nancy was a woman known for her boundless love for family and her remarkable ability to connect with people of all generations. Her enthusiasm for holidays, whether Christmas, Halloween, or any other special occasion, was unmatched and heartwarming.   Nancy’s creative spirit found expression in her vivid writings and poetry, which will continue to be treasured by her family and friends for years to come. Her sweet disposition and character were only rivaled by her sweet tooth, particularly her unwavering love for all things chocolate chip.

Nancy’s life was a testament to her resilience and determination. As a hardworking single mother of two, she met her soulmate, Ken.  Some years later, while in her mid-50s, she went back to college, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree from Missouri State University.  She then began her career as an educator, teaching Spanish at Windsor High School in Missouri and McClough USD 342 Secondary School in Kansas.

Nancy is survived by her loving son, John [Amy] Banker of Los Angeles, CA, and her devoted daughter, Michelle [Jonathan] Riggs of Warsaw, MO.

Above all, Nancy cherished her role as a grandparent and made it clear to everyone in her world. She leaves behind 10 grandchildren – Maleah Banker, J.C Riggs, Shawn Riggs, Breanna Riggs, Kyra Riggs, Dylan Banker, Taylor Breshears, Kimberly Westerman, Katie Thornton, Kenny Westerman – and three great-grandchildren – Noah Thornton, Ily Thornton, and Yasmine Thornton.

Nancy possessed a unique ability to reminisce about her childhood with the vivacity of a 16-year-old reciting her recent summer break. Growing up in a loving family she was the middle of five daughters to John Cody (deceased) and Margaret Cody (deceased).Her sisters were Carolyn (deceased), Jeannie [Mark] Scott of Jacksonville, FL, Janet [Chris] Homer of Lawrence, KS, and Mary [Oliver] Cody of Albuquerque, NM.  Nancy spent her childhood between Kansas City  and Dallas, TX, attending Bishop Miege High School (Kansas City, KS) and graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School (Dallas, TX).

Nancy also loved to have a future trip to look forward to – in the 1990s those became the countless road trips with Ken and Maleah to Colorado and all over the USA; in the 2000s she hit nearly every estate sale in Kansas and Missouri with Janet, and starting in the mid-2000s she became a frequent flyer to California to visit her west coast family and friends.

Nancy was also a loving dog mom to her Chihuahua, Antonio.

A remembrance for Nancy will be held on the anniversary of her 77th birthday weekend in Kansas City on Saturday, October 21, 2023. Further details will be provided.

Nancy’s memories and stories entertained us, her laughter was contagious, and her love for family was truly infectious. She will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to have known and loved her.   Nancy’s angelic voice is  forever recorded in our memories and also in hundreds of videos, most-times singing to a grandchild.  In our hearts, her spirit will forever shine bright, reminding us of the love and joy she brought into our lives.

Wiley Charles Wilson

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Wiley Charles Wilson, 96, of Lawrence passed peacefully in his sleep September 18, 2023. Visitation will be held 7:00 p.m. Friday, September 22 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Gravesite inurnment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery 1:00 p.m. , Saturday, September 23.

Mr. Wilson was born November 24, 1926 at the family home to Della (Hatch) and Clarence E. Wilson. He was preceded in death by parents, Sisters Evelyn Roy, Reta Jacobs, Ruth Phillips, wife (Marie), and daughter Teresa Treanor (Mike), and son in law Ken Hamlin. Surviving are daughters Sandra Hamlin, St. Joseph, Missouri; Anita Bell (Leon), Tonganoxie; and Cynthia Glenn (Dave), Lecompton. He has 8 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Mr. Wilson served in World War II and was inducted and began his 2 ½ year military career at Camp Fannin, Tyler, Texas in 1945. His specialty was as an 81mm mortar crewman. Later in combat, he became known for his accuracy as a member of the 20th Infantry Regiment, 6th Division in the Philippine Islands and Korea. In Kwangju, Korea he guarded trains and prisoners while serving as a replacement military policeman.

After discharge, Mr. Wilson became a lineman for an electrical contractor travelling the state of Kansas. In Madison, Kansas he met and married Marie Muse on February 25, 1949. Returning to Lawrence, he worked 39 ½ years for Kansas Power and Light, currently Evergy, and retiring as a line foreman.

The family suggests memorials to the American Heart Association or to an organization of their choice, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, KS 66046.