Celebration of Life Services for Dorothy Marie Willis, 93, Lawrence, will be 2 pm, Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. A Visitation will be from 1-2 pm.
She died December 5, 2022, at her home.
Category: Obituaries
Louise E. Farrell
Louise Elberta Farrell, 95, Lawrence, KS, died December 7, 2022.
Born November 12, 1927, she was the daughter of Victor Monroe and Nana Louise Steeber Simpson in Kansas City, MO.
On July 7, 1947 she married Forrest Lee Farrell in Kansas City, MO. Forrest was a chiropractor in Lawrence for many years while Louise was a secretary for the University of Kansas for 32 years. They enjoyed 45 years of marriage, many of those years in Lawrence, KS.
Louise enjoyed watching and taking care of the wildlife and loved her flowers.
Forrest preceded her in death on April 3, 1992. She was also preceded in death by her parents, two brothers Victor and Harold (Chig) Simpson, and a sister who died at birth.
No public services are planned at this time.
Alice Marie Ann McClanahan
My dearest daughter, Alice, was born August 7th, 2016 at Overland Park Regional hospital.
She was soon diagnosed shortly afterwards with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, and with it would come a myriad of obstacles for her to overcome.
Obstacles, that did not slow Alice down in the slightest.
If you knew Alice, you knew that anywhere she went, nothing but happiness and smiles followed her.
Anytime she was sick, not feeling well in the hospital, she would always try to give everyone reassurance with her iconic thumbs up and big smile.
She would scoot up to anyone feeling down at anytime, and made sure you didn’t feel the same way once she was done with you.
She was always happy, bubbly, a absolute joy to be around; besides when she first woke up or was asleep.
If you tried to bother her at those times she would act like a downright teenager, giving you nasty glares; and throwing her blanket back over with the most attitude you’d ever seen.
One of Alice’s favorite words in her small vocabulary was ‘Momma’, knowing those words would always have her picked up regardless.
These limitations not affecting that everyone knew what Alice wanted, when she wanted it.
At Alice’s happiest moments she would always take her hands and rub her right knee and give her big bubbly laugh and roll onto her sides.
Other times her big thumbs up was always a key point to her attitude, rather she was trying to reassure you of something, or mad at you and giving you the bird essentially.
Having her feet rubbed after a bath was one of Alice’s favorite things; being pampered like a princess, she would always laugh, giggle and roll around during so.
She was extremely loved by her two younger brothers, sometimes picking on them; always giving them a reminder that she was the baby regardless of the situation.
She absolutely loved school and was loved by her peers; she was so clever and full of surprises, always keeping them on the edge of their seats.
These are things that will always be remembered about my sweet baby girl.
She was preceeded in death by her grandfather George McClanahan, younger sister Rinoa McClanahan, and grandmother Linda Wheeler.
She’s survived by her father Jacob McClanahan, mother Samantha Criss, brother Tidus McClanahan, brother Charles Reed, grandmother Lisa Weaver, grandfather Mike Criss and many aunts and cousins.
Alice was love.
This isn’t goodbye, it’s see you later.
Rebecca Vasquez
We are sad to announce the passing of Rebecca Vasquez, 68, Lawrence, She died on December 5, 2022. There will be a Private Ceremony with only close family members.
More information to come later
Michael Dean ‘MJ’ Johnson
A Celebration of Life for Michael Dean Johnson, 49, Lawrence, will be at 2 pm Saturday, December 17, 2022, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory. A visitation will follow the celebration until 4 pm. Michael passed away Monday, December 5, 2022, at his home.
Michael “MJ” Dean Johnson was born December 24, 1972 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
MJ worked as a solid waste operator for the City of Lawrence Sanitation Department.
He was preceded in death by his twin sister, Melinda Jean Johnson, mother Donna Jean Johnson, maternal grandparents Harry and Marian Carr, and paternal grandparents James and Ruby Johnson.
He is survived by his son Andrew Thomas Johnson, his father Karl Madison Johnson, sisters Deborah Sue Rouse and Martha Eileen DuBose, brother Karl Madison Johnson, Jr, his beloved parrot Alex and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins and numerous friends, ex-wife Jani Burghart, former companion Alana Beer, and all who loved him as a member of their own families.
Michael “MJ” was passionate about raising his son, camping, being pool-side as frequently as possible, enjoyed bowling and was a keen poker player, especially Texas Hold ‘Em, coaching his KU Jayhawks, never missing a game and rooting for the KC Chiefs, and being with friends and family.
His only M.O. in life was to be happy and positive. He lived that each and everyday, practicing what he preached and he would want those he’s left behind to carry on with that legacy, continuing to smile and laugh as we celebrate his life.
Blake Aaron Davis
Celebration of Life services for Blake Aaron Davis, 51, Lawrence, will be from from 1-3 pm, Saturday, December 17, 2022, at St. Luke AME Church, 900 New York Street Lawrence, Kansas 66044.
Blake Aaron Davis died on Saturday, December the 3rd, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. He was born and raised in Lawrence, Kansas on July 31, 1971. He was the son of April Trevino.
Blake worked as a construction worker for multiple companies, and he was a tow truck worker for Quality Tow, which he loved. Then he went into disability in 2017.
He married Dawn Marie McLees on June 26, 2005. Dawn survives in the home. Other survivors in the home include his son, Tristian Davis and daughter, Bethany Davis. Both are in Lawrence, Kansas.
Blake also has three sisters, Annette Davis, Oklahoma; Missy Davis and spouse Lisa Anderson, Tonganoxie, Kansas and Michelle Davis, Lawrence, Kansas.
Blake enjoyed playing video games and fishing with his son Tristian. He also enjoyed going on tow truck rides with his daughter, Bethany and going to her concerts at LHS Band.
Verle Calvin Smith Jr.
Funeral services for Verle Calvin Smith Jr. 53, Lawrence, will be 11am, Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. A visitation will be 6-7 pm, Tuesday.
Verle passed away at his home December 2, 2022, due to a recent illness.
Verle was born August 7, 1969, in Lawrence, Kansas. He attended Lawrence Public Schools and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1988.
He was employed by Berry Plastics for 30 years. Later at Amarr Garage Doors and most recently at Walmart South.
Verle enjoyed all family dinners and all sports. He was an avid chiefs fan and a season ticket holder for 17 years. He loved dearly his beloved dog Gizmo.
Verle will be greatly missed by all his family who loved him dearly.
He is survived by his parents Verle C. Sr. and Karen L Smith, sisters Samantha Bender, Nicole Blevins, Brianne Kellerman and many nieces and nephews.
Private graveside services will happen at a later date.
Verle’s family would like to thank Lawrence Memorial Hospital ICU and all staff for his recent stay at LMH Health.
In leu of flowers, donations may be made to LMH Health or Lawrence Humane Society, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.
Lorie A. Vanchena
Professor Lorie A. Vanchena, 61 of Lawrence, KS, formerly of Kenosha, WI passed away on December 2, 2022, after a long battle with Glioblastoma, brain cancer.
Born and raised in Kenosha, WI, Lorie graduated Tremper High School in 1979 as Valedictorian and went on to receive her Doctoral Degree in German Studies at Washington University in St. Louis. Her studies took her abroad several times to Germany, and while living there, she witnessed the removal of the Berlin Wall. Upon returning to the States, Lorie started her teaching career at Creighton University.
In 2008, Lorie moved to Lawrence, KS and continued her studies and teachings at the University of Kansas. Over the course of Lorie’s career at KU, she received several grants and awards for exceptional student mentoring. Lorie also published several books and was Director of the Max Kade Center for German-American Studies at the University of Kansas. She enjoyed talking basketball and cheering on the Jayhawks.
Her hobbies included music, playing the piano, gardening, and photography, but her passion was taking care of her beloved Beagle, Tipper, who also passed shortly before Lorie did.
Lorie is survived by her brother Mike (Lori) Vanchena, and her uncle, Ralph Morrone, all of Kenosha, WI.
Lorie was preceded in death by a sister, Georgia Ann, and her parents, George & Angie Vanchena.
Lorie’s family would like to thank her medical team along with the staff at Bridge Haven Care Facility, Elara Caring, Apple Home Health and all of their staff members for their compassion and loving care provided to Lorie during these trying times. Thank you, also, to Mike Davies and Rebecca Wempe for their guidance and support.
And a special thank you to Dr. JoDee Ahrens, a lifelong family friend. Our deepest gratitude to JoDee, not only for her professionalism, but also for being a caring friend.
In keeping with Lorie’s wishes, there will be no services, and she will be laid to rest beside her family in Kenosha, WI. Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, Lawrence, KS, is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in memory of Lorie to the Lawrence Humane Society, 1805 E. 19th Street, Lawrence, KS, 66046.
Dale A. Enick
Dale Alan Enick, age 63, went to be with Jesus on Thursday December 1st at the University of Iowa Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was born in South Bend, Indiana to Frank and Frances “Fran” Enick. He grew up a couple blocks from Notre Dame and was a lifelong fan, especially of Fighting Irish football. He would ride his bike to the game and somehow talk his way into a free ticket many times. He graduated from John Adams High School and subsequently attended Ball State University. He later moved to Kansas and graduated from the University of Kansas where he discovered his love for the Jayhawks. He worked most recently as a Data Analyst until his retirement in 2019.
He married Carrie Schwartz on September 10, 1988. He liked to remind everyone that Carrie asked him out first. He would reference his 100-pound marriage many times as he truly enjoyed food, family and fellowship. He blamed the good cooking for his increase in stature over the years. Dale and Carrie were blessed with 3 children and loved going to their activities and following their various sports teams. He beamed with pride and took every chance he could get to talk about them.
Dale was a genuine and caring man. He was always available to listen to others. He could talk with anyone about sports, especially his Jayhawks and Fighting Irish. He was a dreamer and despite his condition, continued to make big plans for his future. He was incredibly resilient and was recently told he had “escaped death” at least 3 times. He was known to be kind to all, caring and humble.
Dale enjoyed playing golf at the Baldwin Golf Course where he formed many lasting friendships. They are a truly giving and caring group of men, that would spring into action at a moment’s notice. Dale took his golf seriously, even attempted to teach his 18-month old grandson the correct putting form.
Dale is survived by his wife Carrie of Baldwin and their children Jacob (Jamie) Enick of Emporia, Rachael (Ericko) Borrero of Bellevue, Nebraska, and Callie (Kyle) McDaniel of Lawrence. Also surviving are his grandchildren Ryken and Kayson Hensley and Emery Enick, Elijah and Emilia Borrero, and Baby McDaniel. He is also survived by his sister Colleen Terry and brother William ‘Bill” Enick (Beth). Other survivors include father-in-law and mother-in-law Don and Jane Schwartz, and brothers-in-law Greg (Kelly) Schwartz and Scot Schwartz. Several nieces, nephews including April, Andrew, Charley Jo, Camdon, and Hayley and very supportive extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and just recently, his brother-in-law Robert “Bob” Terry.
Dale fought a valiant battle with cancer since 2014. We appreciate his team at Lawrence Memorial Hospital healthcare system as he had extraordinary care over the years. His life was extended due to all their hard work and dedication. He put up a tough fight against cancer and we take solace in the fact that he is at peace with our Lord and Savior in heaven now.
Funeral services will be at 10 am Friday at Worden Cornerstone Church, with Pastor Wes Sirles officiating. Burial will follow in Worden Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 5-7 pm Thursday also at the church.
In his memory, donations can be made to Worden Cornerstone Church or the Baldwin City Golf Course.
Donald “Duck” Kilburn
Donald Ray Kilburn passed away on December 2, 2022 while at home.
Don was born on May 9, 1938 in Monkey Run, Arkansas, the son of Herman and Rosy Kilburn. Don was a retired butcher for the A&P grocery store in Lawrence, Kansas. After retirement, Don was active in real estate where he owned and refurbished multiple properties in the surrounding area. In his spare time, Don restored cars and motorcycles and was proud of his car collection. He was an avid fisherman who spent countless hours at the lake and outdoors which he considered his church.
Don has four children, Timothy, Debra, Randall, and Mark Kilburn. Don is survived by Debra, Randall and Mark.
Other survivors include two brothers, George (Kansas) and Robert (Oklahoma) and ten grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Don’s memory is a blessing to the family and all that knew him.
A private ceremony will be scheduled in coming weeks. On-line condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.
