Category: Obituaries

Gary Leo Kroeger

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Gary Leo Kroeger, age 81, of Lecompton, KS, passed away Friday, February 24th, 2023 at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living in Lawrence, KS following a brief illness.

Gary is survived by the love of his life and inseparable partner, Linda Kroeger; sons Troy (Lisa Lysne) Kroeger of Cincinnati, OH; Todd (Stephanie) Kroeger of St. Louis, MO; daughters Brenda Frankenfeld (Mike McKinney) and Robin (Todd) Kofford, both of Lawrence; and his six wonderful grandchildren who were his absolute pride and joy (Margaret and Samuel Kroeger; Cypress, Estrella, and Oliver Frankenfeld; and Dylan Kofford); and many beloved fur grandbabies.

Gary was born on September 27th, 1941 in Ellis, KS as the third of five children of Joseph and Margaret Kroeger. He attended Fort Hays State University to earn his undergraduate degree in art history and worked at Weisner’s Meat Market to put himself through school, little knowing how that job would eventually define his future. He earned graduate degrees in art and education, and taught art in various school districts throughout Kansas, eventually becoming the State Art Director for the Kansas Department of Education. He retired from the education field as the Director of Fine Arts in the Lawrence School District USD 497 to focus on the business, Kroeger Country Meats, that he and his wife Linda opened in 1984 in Lecompton – a lifelong dream that had been sparked by that part-time job so many years before.

Gary plowed his creative energy and talent as well as his administrative skills to building a very successful business that eventually expanded beyond their store to an apartment complex and mini-storage facility, persevering even through the numerous medical challenges he faced over many years. He and Linda quickly became fixtures in the community. Gary welcomed every person who walked into the store with a smile, a story and exceptional customer service – he
and Linda made every single person feel special, and he never met a stranger.

Gary’s greatest loves (after Linda) were his grandchildren. He was a devoted grandpa who, in the words of the kids, was playful, sharp, kind, and involved; and nurturing of their unique individuality and talents. Not only did his direct impact on the grandkids make them into the amazing humans they’ve become, but he also was an incredible role model as a father who taught all his kids how to do it right. After all, he and Linda were the original Brady Bunch (before it was cool) in merging their families of his two boys with her two girls, making him the consummate expert of a dad having had to navigate that band of four crazy hooligans.

Other joys during Gary’s life besides his family were sailing and dancing; a passion for detailing, buying and selling cars (which his kids growing up were forbidden to touch); channeling his artistic and creative talents in many different ways; taking pride in his keen sense of style; and having great conversations and telling stories. He was still telling stories the very last days of his life.

Gary was dearly loved by so many – his smile, sense of humor and friendliness, along with the nicknames he had for everybody coupled with weird sound effects and unique catchphrases, will be greatly missed. The world is a little less bright without his light in it.

A memorial service will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 4th at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS. A Celebration of Life at High Tide 21 at Perry Marina (10772 Perry Park Dr., Perry, KS) will follow the service. Flowers are welcome; contributions can be made to The Historical Society of Lecompton or the Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Augusta ‘Ann’ Fitzgerald

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Fitzgerald, Augusta Ann (nee Schelter), 85, formerly of Amherst and Tonawanda, NY, passed away in Lawrence, Kansas on Feb. 21, 2023.

Ann was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walt (2002), her son, Scott (2008), and her grandson, Max (2021). She is survived by her son, Barry (Lori) of Lawrence, Kansas and her daughter Kathleen Radak (Rob) and her granddaughter, Paige Radak, age 15, of Chesapeake, Virginia. She is also survived by her sisters Nancy Janelle and Jo Davis, her brother Hank Schelter, and their families.

Ann worked for many years as the secretary for St. Edmunds Catholic Church and School. After retiring in 2005, she worked part time for Buffalo Hotel Supply until her second retirement in 2014 at age 77. In addition to working, which she loved, Ann loved traveling, nature, live theatre, art, the Buffalo Bills, her children, and grandchildren, and her many friends in the Buffalo area. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was always up for an adventure, including ziplining at the age of 80. Ann loved visiting National Parks, with her favorite being the mountains of the West. Ann volunteered for many different leadership roles at her church. She also worked long shifts at the polls for every election, well into her 80’s.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the National Parks Foundation.

Cremation has taken place in Lawrence, Kansas and interment will be with Walt and Scott at Acacia Park Cemetery in North Tonawanda. A memorial service will take place at St. Christopher’s Catholic Church in Tonawanda, on April 15 at 10 am.

Paul Delbert “Del” Brinkman

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A Celebration of Life for Del Brinkman, will be Saturday May 20th from 2-4 pm at the Adams Alumni Center, 1266 Oread Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045.

Paul Delbert “Del” Brinkman, who began his career as a journalist for a newspaper once edited by William Allen White and retired 48 years later as a distinguished journalism educator and dean, died February 19.  He was 86 and lived in Overland Park.

Del was born in Olpe, Kansas, to Paul and Delphine Brinkman, the oldest of five children who lived on the family’s farm. It was there he first heard the St. Louis Cardinals on the radio, sparking a lifelong love of baseball and kindling an interest in journalism. He graduated from Olpe High School and attended Emporia State University, where he earned a degree in English and Social Science.

While in college, he worked for The Emporia Gazette and after graduation taught English and journalism at Leavenworth High School before pursuing graduate studies at Indiana University in Bloomington, where he earned a master’s degree in journalism in 1963 and a doctorate in mass communication in 1971. He was on the journalism faculty at Kansas State University from 1965-1968 before joining the William Allen White School of Journalism at Kansas in 1970, where he worked until 1993.

While at KU, Del led the journalism school as dean for 11 years before serving as vice chancellor for academic affairs for seven years.  He was KU’s faculty representative to the Big Eight Conference and NCAA for 15 years.  He twice chaired the Big Eight Conference and led the search committee that hired Carl James as conference commissioner.  He also served on numerous search committees at KU, including in 1988, when Roy Williams was named KU’s seventh basketball coach.

Del left KU in 1993 to become Director of Journalism Programs at the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation in Miami, where he oversaw the foundation’s journalism grant programs and new education initiatives. In 2001, he left the Knight Foundation to become dean of the School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Colorado-Boulder, where he retired in 2002. Throughout his career, he also was active in journalism education curriculum development and national accreditation. He was president of the accreditation committee of the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications. He received numerous awards, including recognition as a distinguished alumnus from Emporia State and Indiana University’s Distinguished Alumni Service Award.

In retirement, Del remained active in numerous professional and civic organizations. He served on the Colorado Journalism and Mass Communications Advisory Board and was an Honorary Trustee of the William Allen White Foundation at KU. For 15 years, he served as a member of the Advisory Committee of the Knight International Press Fellowship and was a public member of the American Bar Association’s Council on the Accreditation of Law Schools.

In a commencement address, Del once told journalism graduates at Colorado about the “six G’s” of life: a person who is great and good, grateful and gracious, generous and glad is likely to live a happy, successful life. Friends, students and colleagues will remember Del for all of those qualities, and will miss his curious mind and kind spirit.

Del was a doting father and grandfather who loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Del was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Evie; second wife, Carolyn; and his sister, Rosie Pounder.  He is survived by his sister Barbara Becker; brothers Ronnie and Marvin; son Scott; daughter Susan Moeser (Chris); stepchildren Cindy Cummings (Bill), Debra Baker and Jeff Backer (Jennifer); grandchildren Kelsey Brinkman, Jack and Claire Moeser; step-grandchildren Chris Baker, Kim Bergman (Dan), Nicole Cummings, Katie and Jack Backer; and five step-great grandchildren.  He will be buried at Pioneer Cemetery at KU next to his wife, Evie, who died in 1988.

Memorial donations may be made to the Dean Del Brinkman Journalism Scholarship at KU Endowment, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044, or online at www.kuendowment.org/givenow.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Ronda René Barta

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Ronda “René” (Thornton) Barta, 58, of Lawrence, KS, died on February 18, 2023, in Lawrence, KS.

René is survived by her sons Anthony (Hayley) Barta of Derby, KS, and Tyler (Janelle) Barta of Eudora, KS; grandchildren Holden, Lowen, Huck, Jack, and Delilah; parents Ronald, Jr., and Sandra Thornton; brother Mike (Lisa) Thornton; and cousin Matthew Thornton.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Ronald William Thornton, III, in 2018.

Ronda “René” Thornton was born on January 16, 1965, in Pittsburgh, PA, to Ronald William Thornton, Jr., and Sandra Kay (Smith) Thornton.

She graduated from Lawrence High School in Lawrence, KS, in 1983.

On August 22, 1987, she married Myk Barta in Lawrence, KS. They divorced in 2015.

She most recently worked in tech support at Draiver.

A public Celebration of Life will be held from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. on Mar 5, 2023, at Family of Faith, 2295 N. 1300 Rd., Eudora, KS, 66025.

Kelley Joann Shoemaker

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On February 16, 2023, Kelley Shoemaker, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend, passed away at the age of 62.

Kelley was born Feb. 18, 1960, in Columbia, Mo., to Robert and Elva Canning Schafer. She grew up in Salem, Mo., and earned a Bachelor’s in Pharmacy in 1983 from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

She married Mike Shoemaker May 18, 1985, in Salem. The couple lived in Lee’s Summit, Mo., with their sons, John and Joe, until moving to Long Valley, NJ, in 1996. In 2021, they moved to Lawrence, Kan., to be closer to family.

Kelley worked as a hospital and retail pharmacist in Kansas City and Long Valley before retiring in 2018. She belonged to Valley View Chapel in Long Valley, where she played bass guitar in the praise band and volunteered in the senior high girls ministry, the church nursery, and the library. She also had been active in her sons’ school, and sports activities. Kelley enjoyed traveling, attending Broadway plays, walking, reading, and sewing.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Mike, of Lawrence; sons, John, (Casey Boyles) of Alexandria, Va., and Joe, of Philadelphia, Pa.; a granddaughter, June Kelley Shoemaker; her mother, Elva, of Lee’s Summit, Mo.; brothers, Rob (Minnie), of Cuba, Mo., and John (Suzie), of Loch Lloyd, Mo.; two nieces; seven nephews; four great-nieces; four great-nephews; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held 11 am, March 18 at Valley View Chapel in Long Valley, N.J. The family asks that you pray that medical science will discover a safe and effective treatment for Posterior Cortical Atrophy.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044 or donate directly at  https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2  f_id=51079&51079.donation=form1&mfc_pref=T&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=giving_google&s_subsrc=giving_google&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpJ3GoY-l_QIVOButBh0UgAf-EAAYAiAAEgJKlfD_BwE

Marion LeRoy Alexander

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Funeral Services for Marion LeRoy Alexander, 59, Lawrence, will be from 10-11 am, Sunday, February 26, 2023, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Known to most as Marty. His friends called him Boudin or my personal favorite MarToby which always made me laugh ?
    Marty was born on Friday June 7th in 1963 to his Parents, Walter Leroy Alexander and Cassandra (Sandy) Sue Surles Montgomery in Oceanside San Diego California.
    Marty was the oldest of three. Following Marty was his brother Troy who sadly passed during his Infancy and then His brother Tyrone (Ty) whom Marty remained in close contact with.
    Marty had four children, Johnathan, Shantele, Morgan and Ashley and twelve grandchildren, Lizzie and Jace (Johnathans) Julianna and Arianna (who were born asleep) Kayden, Mason and Owen (Shanteles) Dallas (Morgans) Michaela, Kelsey, Junior and Nicholas (Ashley’s)
      Marion LeRoy Alexander passed away on Tuesday February 14th, 2023 of cardiac arrest at his home (he shared with his girlfriend Naomi) in Lawrence, KS
   Marty grew up in Lawrence, Kansas where he attended school and made many friends. Many of whom he had remained in close contact with throughout the years.
    It is no secret that Marty’s life wasn’t the easiest of ones. His relationship with his parents was complicated at best.
       “If you have one foot on yesterday and your other foot on tomorrow, you’re just pissing on today” he’d always say.. See that’s just the kind of guy dad was. “The brightest star in the darkest room.” Dad always tried to take all the negative and find something positive out of it.
    He made it his mission to do something positive everyday no matter what. Rather it be for himself or somebody else. He was always there to lend a hand, ear or shoulder.. From helping people with running errands, helping with a garden, cars or any kind of handy work he was there happy to help.
   He was a busy body who liked to do many things.. He could always make something out of nothing. Anywhere from something that helped you around the house to a whole meal. He made sure to put his all into whatever it was that he was doing.
   Dad loved fishing!! I dont think he ever turned down a fishing trip. Even the ones with his grandchildren where he spent the majority of the time griping about fixing another one of their lines. Hardly getting the chance to cast his own pole. He’d always do it tho. Every single time. He was proud to be a Papa to know his blood was running through their veins gave him great pride and Joy!
     Cooking was one of his biggest passions, and he was damn good at it too. We’re gonna miss your food dad. We will miss more than just your cooking. Were going to miss spending time together as a family. Making memories and enjoying each other’s company.
   Playing cards especially Rummy or Spades and Domino’s was always fun and dads favorite games to play. Even tho he almost always won and talked shit the whole time. Saying, “don’t you lay them cards down” knowing our hand before he even saw them. We’d give anything to play another hand, to have another night. Just one more round.
    He thoroughly enjoyed being outdoors especially with his pal (Sheldon) Cooper, They’d take frequent trips to McDonald’s to get some cheeseburgers to enjoy together. Camping, gardening, taking walks, it didn’t matter. He loved the outdoors and making the most of his time and keeping his hands and mind busy.
    Music was another passion of his. He enjoyed Country, Rock, Oldies and Gospel he listened to pretty much anything. He was opened to a Little bit of everything.
     Dad also always had the best advice. We could call him for anything he was always eager to help. Giving us advice or even directions. He was like a human Gps. Who needed google when we had Dad. He also never forget to remind us to use the soap when we showered and was skeptical to believe us when we said that we had lol
    There’s no topping the kind of man he was or the gentle heart that he had. He may of had his share of flaws and faults but he owned up to all of them and took responsibility and tried his best to make it right.
      He joined AA and was working his steps and working on his amends. He was completely Sober. His steps were something he took very seriously and was deeply proud of.
   He also worked hard to establish a relationship with God. “I’m not afraid to die sis, I know exactly where I am going when I do” Dad said to me one time. I never thought in a million years you’d be leaving us so soon dad. We were supposed to change your diapers and apologize to your nurses for your inappropriate comments and gestures.
  There was still so much left for us to conquer and do together. So many more memories to be made, dinners to be had and laughs to be shared.
    We look forward to the day that we are all reunited with you. Until then we’ll be down here, doing our best to make you proud and keep your memory alive..
    We would like to thank each and every one of you for coming today and helping us tell our dad goodbye. Your presence means the most to us and we know it means the world to dad.

Catherine Estelle Warren

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Catherine Estelle Warren passed away peacefully in her home on Feb. 15th, 2023 in Overbrook, KS at the age of 86. She was born Sept 11th of 1936, in Lawrence, KS, the daughter of Nelle Jacobsen Saunders and Harold Keith Saunders.

Catherine is survived by her children, Peggy Warren, Overbook, KS, Brenda Cordts, Lenexa, KS, Kelly Coleman (Bret), Lecompton, KS, as well as grandchildren, Bridgett Reed (Nate), Marissa Mauszycki (Nick), Cameron Coleman (Montana), Cory Coleman, and three great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Warren, Overbrook, KS, daughter Cynthia Harris, Russel, KS, brother Charles Saunders, Leavenworth, KS, and parents Nelle and Harold Saunders of Lawrence, KS.

Catherine completed one year at Emporia State University. Catherine soon after met and married, Gerald Warren in 1956 while working at an insurance company. She then started her career at Hallmark Cards Incorporated. Over six years, she gave birth to four children (all girls) and took time off from Hallmark to raise them and provide them with love and guidance in becoming the amazing ladies they are today. After the birth of her last child, she returned to Hallmark and retired with 33 years in 1998.

Catherine was a kind, generous, loving, and crafty individual who loved sharing with her daughters and many more the art of embroidery, quilting, counted cross-stitch, and her love of flowers and gardening. She was also a member of the Daughters of American Revolution, the Betty Washington Chapter.

The visitation is scheduled for Saturday Feb. 18th, at 10 a.m., followed by the funeral at 11 a.m. at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence, KS. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Catherine’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Treasurer General, NSDAR, 1776 D Street NW, Washington DC, 2006. Or if you prefer to make your contribution with credit card you may call 800.449.1776

Ya-Ming Yang

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Ya-Ming Yang, 92, passed peacefully on February 15, 2023. Ya-Ming joined her daughter in Lawrence in 1995. She worked in the family electronics business before retiring. She continued occasional work as an accomplished seamstress.

Ya-Ming grew up during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan when she had to learn that language in school. In America she learned basic English, a lot with the help of the Small World program for international residents.

Ya-Ming was a devote Buddhist. She loved the Lawrence Farmers Market and could be seen every Saturday walking with her basket to load up with fresh vegetables. Among her favorite activities were harvesting chestnuts, apples and persimmons at local farms and up on campus.

Ya-Ming had a quiet, welcoming way. She befriended many Asian students over the years and cherished her fellow tenants at Vermont Tower.

She left us with her daughter, son-in-law and long time friend, Jolita, from Hong Kong by her side. She is survived by her daughters Peishan of Taiwan and Huei-Chi and her husband Myles in Lawrence.

Colin Alexander ‘Scotty’ Ovenstone

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On Thursday, February 9th, 2023, Colin “Scotty” Alexander Diack Ovenstone, a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away at age 91. He was born to Barbara and James Ovenstone in Aberdeen, Scotland on November 9th, 1931. Scotty is survived by his wife of over 36 years, Ginny; his sister, Edna; his daughter, Susie; his stepchildren, Mark and Dana; his 6 grandchildren, Brittany, Thomas Colin “TC”, Lindsay, Erin, Meghan, and Matt; his greatgrandchildren, Braxton, Georgia, and Eleanor; and his former wife, Jean. He is preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Beth Anne, and his stepson, Scott.

Scotty immigrated to the United States on his own at age 17. He proudly served as a Ground Radio and Teletype Operator in the US Air Force for 4 years. He was the owner of his business, Ovenstone Janitorial, and was a pillar of the community of Lawrence, KS. Scotty loved all things outdoors and playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also loved watching the History Channel and had a vast knowledge of the American Civil War and World War 2.

Scotty was best known for being a devoted family man, his sense of humor, fierce patriotism, and his piercing blue eyes. He was an incredibly loving man who was incredibly easy to love. His memorial service will be held at Rumsey-Yost Funeral home on Friday, February 17th, 2023, at 1:00 pm.

Reta Mae Banks

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Graveside Services for Reta Mae Banks, 85, Lawrence, will be 11am, Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at Oak Hill Cemetery. A visitation will be 6:30-7:30 Monday, at  Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

She died February 13, 2023, at her home.

Our Sweet Aunt Reta was called home to be reunited with her family on February 13, 2023.

Reta Mae Banks was born on March 12, 1937 in Lawrence Kansas to John Neal and Luella Banks.

Reta grew up in rural Douglas County where she was truly a country girl. Always helping feed the animals, working in the garden and gathering eggs from the chicken coup on the family farm. Her chores were not limited to the outdoors, as she would also help prepare meals and make her specialty, fresh pies for dessert.

She graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in 1955 and from there she went on to work in banking. She held many other positions throughout her lifetime, but the one she enjoyed was with the First Student Bus Barn. She was a secondary helper for kids with handicap needs for entering and exiting the bus. She would also help with trips out of town for away games. She left the Bus Barn in 2018 at the age of 81.

She was beautiful inside and out, always giving and caring to all who met her. She would help anyone in need without a second thought.

She dabbled in projects from crocheting, gardening as she loved her flowers, and even tried her hand at upholstery. She had many talents and hobbies and continued to make her doilies just before her passing. She will be missed by all that loved her.

Reta is survived by her nieces Diana Huseby (Richard Hird), Mary Banks, Sharon Banks Watson (Doug) and many great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents John Neal and Luella Banks, Brother John Banks, Sister Betty Otto.

There will be a visitation on Monday February 20 from 6:30 – 7:30 at Rumsey Yost Funeral Home.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday February 21, at 11:00 at Oak Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers Reta has requested that contributions be sent to the Humane Society.

Rita’s family would like to express their appreciation for Rita’s team at Gentiva Hospice. Diana and Richard thank you also personally for all your help we couldn’t have done it without you.