Category: Obituaries

Ann North Cripe Merkel

Posted on by RumseyYost

Ann Merkel is remembered and celebrated before and after February 19, 2023 with a full life of late night horse rides and 4-wheel drive trails.

Ann was born on January 18th, 1940 in Lawrence KS, to mother Evelyn North and father Eugene North.  Ann is survived by her sister in law Faye North, two step-children Debbie Dixon and Darrin Cripe, her daughter in law Joan Goldman, her two grandchildren William Merkel and Dana Hunter, and three great grand-chidren Cecilia Hunter, Cayden Hunter, and McCandless Russell.

Ann graduated from Lawrence High School where she participated in a wide variety of activities including marching band and twirling.  Also involved in extracurricular she was the first woman to be admitted to the Hot Rodder Club and the first woman to participate in the Demolition Derby.

In 1965 Ann was offered a job as Secretary of Sunflower Ammunition (later known as Hercules). Ann worked with the plant for almost three decades and rose through the ranks to Director of Computer Technology.  She eventually retired in 1993.

During those three decades Ann raised dogs, taught dog obedience training and owned The Corral Club.  She bought her first house on Tennessee Street and completely remodeled the house from “top to bottom”.  She was known to do plumbing, electrical work, and carpet laying. Ann’s free time was mostly riding and raising horses, skiing or driving her fat two wheeler through the mountains.

Upon her retirement Ann grew her emu farm.  Her business, Sundance Emu Ranch, was named after one of her most beloved horses. Born on a farm, and knowing how to do anything farm related she jumped into all things Emu.  Her passion for this unique market allowed her to hold various positions on the national Emu board and was a fixture at the local Lawrence Farmer’s Market for over 20 years.

Bill Merkel, Ann’s husband, passed in 2015 following 35 years of marriage. Together they enjoyed the outdoors, skiing and, in particular, Colorado.

Ann’s service will be on April 10th, 2023 and will be held at Rumsey and Yost funeral home at 2:00 pm. All are welcome to come to celebrate her memory and her long, beautiful life.

Christopher Claterbos

Posted on by RumseyYost

Christopher Claterbos died Thursday, March 30, 2023, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital of a sudden heart failure.

Chris was born February 1, 1953, in Ottawa, Kansas, the second son of Henry (Hank) Louis Claterbos and Jane Lee (Conway) Claterbos. He graduated from Claremont High School, Claremont, California, in 1970. Chris earned a Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, in 1975 and Master of Science, Civil Engineering, in 1981, both from the University of Kansas.

Chris was the third generation in the Claterbos family to serve in the United States military. He a member of the Navy ROTC while a student at KU and served in the United States Navy Reserve, Navy Construction Battalion, 1975-1979. He was on the Commandant’s Staff at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, supervising a team of 15 architects and engineers. He was a member of the Navy’s construction team that built the Naval Submarine Base Bangor, Washington State.

After leaving the Navy, Chris and his wife Joyce returned to Lawrence, KS, where he earned his Master’s degree, specializing in transportation engineering. His master’s research thesis was the first in the School of Engineering to utilize a personal computer for data analysis. After graduation, Chris was a senior research engineer for the Transportation Research Center, School of Engineering. He left academia in 1982 and began working in personal computers. He later moved into business analytics, working for Hall-Kimbrell, Terracon, Olsten Kimberly Quality Care, and Vlamis Software Solutions. He specialized in building Oracle-based business analytics systems for many businesses and organizations, including the US Food and Drug Administration, Walmart, the World Bank, and the American Petroleum Institute.

Chris was a internationally known expert in Oracle-based business analytics, teaching many training courses for clients and organizations. For years he presented technical seminars at the annual international conference of the Oracle Applications and Technology Users Group. He also published articles and co-authored `a book on Oracle-based business analytics.

After retiring from consulting in 2014, Chris was asked by Dean Neeli Bendapudi of the School of Business to develop a bachelor degree program in business analytics for the School. This degree program was one of the earliest undergraduate degree programs in business analytics in the United States and became the fastest growing undergraduate degree program in the history of the School of Business. During the first few years, Chris was the principle instructor in the degree program. Chris subsequently developed a Master’s in Business Analytics degree program for the School.

After retiring from KU in 2020, Chris was able to enjoy his hobby of building model trains, using 3D printing to build buildings and components for his train diorama. He was a lifetime lover of everything Disney, filling his home with art and memorabilia. Chris’s last family trip was to take his granddaughters to Walt Disney World in November, 2022. He was also a devoted fan of KU basketball.

He is survived by Joyce, his wife of 48 years, his daughter Jill and her husband Charles, two beloved granddaughters, Elizabeth (Ellie) and Evelyn (Evie), and his wife’s parents, Fred and Liz Aumick, whom he viewed as honorary parents. He is also survived by his older brother John and younger sister Mary. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hank and Jane, sister Janet and maternal uncle Jack.

The family will receive visitors from 6:00-7:30 pm., Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. He will be buried later in Pioneer Cemetery in a private ceremony.

The family suggests memorials be sent to KU Endowment, in memory of Chris Claterbos, in lieu of flowers.

James (Jim) Joseph Buckley

Posted on by RumseyYost

James (Jim) Joseph Buckley, 87, died March 29, 2023, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital surrounded by family.

He was born in Blue Island (Chicago), Illinois on December 10, 1935, to Gwendolyn H. (Moore) Buckley and Earl C. Buckley. Both parents and a brother, Robert (Bob) Buckley preceded him in death.

He grew up in Blue Island, graduated from Blue Island Community High School in 1953, and worked for the Rock Island Railroad until 1979. Following the railroad, he worked in engineering as a construction inspector for multiple consultants, finally retiring from the City of Overland Park in 2018.

He served in the U.S. Army at Fort Gordon, Georgia from November 1958 to November 1960. In 1966 he married Marlene Rigoni and adopted her daughter Janine. Their son Steven was born in 1967. The family moved to Leawood (Kansas City), Kansas in 1972. They divorced in 1979. A few years later he met the love of his life, Arlois McLay, and they married October 1, 1988, enjoying nearly 35 years of demonstrating what love looks like.

He enjoyed family, friends, and serving others. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Lawrence, Kansas.

He is survived by his wife Arlois, daughter Janine (James) Owens of Raytown, Missouri, son Steven (Nelda) Buckley of Auburn, step-daughters Kerry McLay of Lawrence, and Kristi Black of Lawrence, as well as grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, and those who had the misfortune of never knowing him. To those who had the fortune of calling him Dad, Daddy, Jim, or Papa, he will be sorely missed.

A service to remember his life will be held Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 1:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church in Lawrence. Memorial contributions may be made to the church at 2415 Clinton Parkway, Lawrence, Kansas 66047.

Alfredo Cruz (Alfred) Hernandez

Posted on by RumseyYost

Alfredo Cruz “Alfred” Hernandez, age 76, of Lawrence, Kansas passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, March 27, 2023 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

Alfred was born on December 7, 1946, in Selma, California to Sylvestre Hernandez and Benita Cruz Hernandez. He was the fourth of 12 siblings. He met and married Bonnie Sue Hernandez and they were together for 48 years before his death.

Alfred worked at Smoot Green Company and also managed Big D’s Carwash for much of his life. He loved Alaska and loved to watch shows about Alaska. Alfred enjoyed fishing with his brothers and his children and was an avid Chiefs, Jayhawks, and Royals fan. Even up until recently he would always tell his children he was going out for jogs and would jog to Eudora, Olathe, or any other place…but no one ever actually witnessed him jogging! He always had a great sense of humor and loved to tell tales. We will all miss his silly stories!

Alfred is survived by his wife, Bonnie (Susan) of the home, daughter Sylvia Avey (Bret) of Anchorage, Alaska, daughter Melissa (Missy) Hernandez (Larry) of Winchester, Kansas, son Richard Wise of Lawrence, Kansas, son Al Hernandez of Lawrence, Kansas, and daughter Chastity Lattin (Todd) of Blue Springs, Missouri, 15 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his four loving sisters and one brother.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Sylvestre and Benita Hernandez, his son Jackie Wise, his brothers Julian, Junior, Frank, Eleno, Guadalupe, and Ramiro Hernandez.

Services for Alfred will be held Sunday, April 2, 2023 at the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044 at 2:30 pm. There will be a potluck dinner following with the location to be announced at a later time.

Flowers and cards may be sent to Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Augusta (Ed) Ramey

Posted on by RumseyYost

Augusta Edward Ramey passed peacefully at his home on 3-24-2023 with family and friends at bedside.

“ Gus Edward “, was born January 10th, 1938 Northwest of the Great Appalachians, & was raised in West Virginia near Charleston.  Ed was the youngest of eight children.  He had four brothers & three sisters, all preceded him in death.

He joined the Air Force at 18, & traveled the world before landing at Forbes Field in Topeka Ks.  After discharge, ED moved to Lawrence Ks., & called it home for the remainder of his life.

He was initiated into the International Union of Operating Engineers on March 1st 1969 & had a successful 53 yr career, bulldozing his way to a playful retirement.  Ed enjoyed life, & had many interests & hobbies.  He loved the outdoors, spending time with family & friends, traveling, flying his RC planes, & could easily be found on a nearby golf course, where he mastered his game & secured three holes in one during his life.

Ed fathered four children, three daughters and a son.  His eldest child Kimberly A. Turner precedes him in death.  He leaves behind son Ray E. Ramey { Lawrence}. Daughter Rene M. Ramey { Tucker} & grandson Charles Edward {Eudora Ks.}, grand daughter Haley Turner { Eudora Ks.}, & daughter Janna Ryan { Laverne OK}.  He had several  Cousins, nieces & nephews across the map, His long time companion Shirley Weeks &  best furry friend Molly survive of the home.  ED will be sadly missed by many.

Visitation will be April 21st from 5-7 pm at Rumsey Funeral Home, Lawrence, Ks.  Celebration of Life will be 4-10 pm on April 22nd at FOE Lodge # 309 Lawrence Ks.  Wakarusa River Band , food/drinks, & memories to share.  Family suggest memorial contributions to Operating Engineers Apprentice program c/o Operating Engineers Go Fund Me  https://gofund.me/13aeaa9d

Harold Fred Torneden

Posted on by RumseyYost

Services for Harold Fred Torneden, 94, rural Lawrence will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 28th with a visitation at Rumsey Yost Funeral Home. Graveside service will follow immediately after in Memorial Park Cemetery, Lawrence, Kansas.

Harold died Tuesday, March 22nd ,2023 at his home.

He was born October 8, 1928 in Lawrence, the son of Albert and Gladys Schreiber Torneden. He graduated from Linwood High School in 1946.

He was a lifelong resident of the area, never far from his home or farm. A lifelong farmer, never happier than when behind the wheel of a Tractor or caring for his cows. He never knew a stranger, the most important values for him were always, family and selflessness. If he could help a person, he would. An accomplished cook, he never forgot to celebrate a birthday in the family with a cake or pie usually hand delivered.

Harold was a member of 4-H in his youth and of various churches throughout his life.

He married Melba “Jean” Vantuyl on August 18,1962 in Oskaloosa, Kansas. She preceded him in death on September 30, 2016. He was also preceded in death also by his parents, three sisters, Alice, Reta and Phoebe, a son, Kenny, and a son in law, John Schlicher.

Survivors of the home include a son, Monte and wife, Sarah, Lawrence and a daughter, Tammy Schlicher, Lawrence, two grandsons, Dalton, Lawrence and Dustin and wife, Maria of Lawrence.

Friends may come from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 28th at the funeral home, where the family will receive them. Graveside service will follow immediately after in Memorial Park Cemetery, Lawrence, Kansas.

The family suggests memorials to Elara Hospice, sent in memory of Harold Torneden, Sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Sandra Kay (Herschell) Adams

Posted on by RumseyYost

Sandra was born on Oct. 5th 1958 in Lawrence KS and passed away March 17th 2023 in Merriam KS.

She was the daughter of Elvin C Herschell Jr. (of Perry KS) and Juanita Basinger (of Lyndon KS). Sandra graduated from Lawrence High School in 1976, married Robert E. Skaggs II (of Scranton KS), and was the mother of 4 sons, Robert “Robbie” Skaggs III (of Menifee CA), Rodney Skaggs (of Shawnee KS), Broc Skaggs (of Denver CO), and John Skaggs (of Wichita KS). She was very proud of her sons and their accomplishments. She loved her 5 grandchildren, Alexandria, Braden, Zaylinn, Ruth, and Arya. Sandra also leaves behind a sister, Susan Herschell (of Osage City KS) and a brother Steve Herschell (of Great Bend KS).

Sandra was a homemaker for 14 years, then worked at Hallmark Cards in Lawrence for 11 years. She was a den mother when her boys were young. She was an avid believer in the metaphysical and loved animals. She married Robert Adams and moved to Oklahoma before returning to Kansas in 2012. In her last decade she lived a quiet life with her beloved Chihuahua “Mikey” who she treated as a 5th son.

Sandra requested a private ceremony with family. Any cards or condolences may be sent to Rumsey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence KS 66044. The family requests friends to honor her with a donation to an animal charity.

William Robert (Bill) Brady

Posted on by RumseyYost

Memorial services for William Robert (Bill) Brady, 66, Lawrence, will be 10 am, Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. A reception will follow the service at 11 am, at Six Mile Chophouse, 4931 W 6th St. Lawrence, Kansas 66049.

William (Bill) Robert Brady passed away on Sunday, March 19, at the age of 66. Bill was born and raised in Parsons, Kansas, the only son and youngest child of William F. and Mary Brady. Bill was very fortunate to have loving parents and five terrific sisters; Rosemary, Kathy, Margaret, Mary and Alyce. His parents were education advocates, and every Brady sibling got at least one college degree thanks in part to their support.

Following college at Pittsburg State, Bill returned to Parsons and was elected to the Kansas Legislature in 1980. Bill served 10 years in the House of Representatives and six years in the Senate. His major accomplishments were issues that were most important to his constituents, such as advancements in public education finance, improvements to state employee pay and working conditions, and adopting a non-partisan closure commission to identify existing mental health and development service facilities for closure to expedite the move of clients into community settings.

Midway through his legislative career, Nancy Rogers moved to Parsons to work at the KU Bureau of Child Research and completed her Ph.D. Bill successfully convinced Nancy to make Kansas home and they married in 1988. Shortly after, Kevin (1991) and Maureen (1992) joined the family.

In 1999, Bill began a 23-year association with John Peterson and Capitol Strategies, a governmental relations business focusing on Kansas state government. Two specific issues stand as highlights of his career: Passing the 2010 clean indoor air act and serving as the lead advocate for a coalition of Kansas school districts that successfully sued the state twice in the Montoy and Gannon cases – leading to a more equitable school finance system.

Beyond his work accomplishments, Bill was the absolute best husband, dad and papa in the entire world. He is survived by his wife Nancy, daughter Maureen, son Kevin, daughter-in-law Michelle, and granddaughter Helen. Bill is also survived by four sisters, three brothers-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Rosemary, and son Fred.

Public service was extremely important to Bill and in addition to his elected career he served as President of the board of the Youth Crisis Shelter in Parsons, co-chair of the Labette County Hospital fundraising campaign, an appointee to the Kansas State Library and a member of the recent search committee for Pittsburg State’s president. The family suggests memorials to the Douglas County Foundation.