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Nancy Elizabeth (Golden) Perkins

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Nancy Perkins, 75, of Lawrence, passed away on July 31, 2026. Services celebrating Nancy’s life are currently being planned and will be announced by Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home.

Nancy Elizabeth Golden Perkins died peacefully on July 31 with family and friends by her side. A Celebration of Life for Nancy is currently being planned and will be announced by Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home at Rumsey-Yost.com.

Nancy is survived by her spouse, Sam Perkins, daughters Harri (Leawood) and Clara (Lawrence), her sister Gail Golden (Sun City, AZ), her cousin Nancy Young (Olympia, WA) her cousin-in-law Nancy Draffkorn (Janesville, WI), and many friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Robert Arnold Golden (1951-1994), her cousin, Joseph Arnold Draffkorn (1942-2023), her mother Bette (Jacobs) Golden (1926-2019), and her father, George Arnold Golden (1915-1997).

Nancy was born on August 5, 1950 in Glen Ridge, NJ. Her family moved when she was six months old to Seattle, WA, where her brother was born August 6, 1951. Subsequent moves with her family were to Bellevue, WA and then to Northbrook, IL prior to her senior year in high school. After graduation she moved to Lawrence to attend the University of Kansas.

Nancy learned from her mother to sew clothes and to swim and ski. She later became a strong runner, swimmer and cyclist. Nancy pursued varied interests, always with enthusiasm and a bent toward service. She served as a referee at bike races. She loved birdwatching, gardening and making tofu with friends. She volunteered at The Willow Domestic Violence Center. She sang with the First Methodist Church choir as an undergraduate at KU. She performed the bell chant at Kansas Zen Center, where she was given the Buddhist name Dae Ja. She volunteered at Saint John the Evangelist Church. She loved being mom to Harri and Clara.

A central theme of Nancy’s life was her love of dogs. When she was young, she convinced her dad to bring home a family dog, Happy. After graduating from KU, she had two bloodhounds that she took to dog shows. She helped organize dog shows and volunteered at the Lawrence Humane Society. Dogs she adopted include her Irish wolfhounds Max and Toby, labradoodle Lucy, and golden retriever mix Goldie.

At the University of Kansas, Nancy earned a Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Drama in 1973. After graduating, she followed career paths in teaching and watchmaking. She taught at Hilltop Child Development Center in the Gold Room, where she truly loved her work with children, and inspired her assistants in their own teaching careers. She was beloved by her pre-school students, many of whom are now having children of their own. She returned to KU in 1985 to combine her classroom work with graduate studies. She earned a Master of Arts degree in Human Development in 1991, and she wrote her thesis on “A use of modeling and role playing to teach assertiveness against peer aggression in four- and five-year-old children.” She continued integrating her classroom work with studies at KU in Special Education for teaching children with special needs. She learned American Sign Language to better serve her children at Hilltop.

Nancy’s career in watchmaking began as an apprentice, repairing watches for Horace Masden in downtown Lawrence. She later ran her own business, Golden Watch Repair, about which she was interviewed on local public television.

Nancy and Sam married on January 13, 2001. They raised daughters Harri (b. Aug 8, 2003) and Clara (b. Jul 20, 2010). Nancy cherished family time, whether it was making crafts and meals at home, reading books to Harri and Clara, bike rides and walks in the neighborhood, attending

school activities like band and choir, or regular family trips to enjoy hiking, bicycling and swimming.

Suggested donations in Nancy’s honor are to The Willow Domestic Violence Center at willowdvcenter.org, Lawrence Humane Society at lawrencehumane.org, and to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.

Richard Herley McFall Jr.

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Richard “Rick” McFall Jr., 78, passed away peacefully at his home in Lawrence, Kansas, on July 23, 2026, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family.
Rick was born on September 26, 1947, in Eureka, Kansas, to Richard McFall Sr. and Irma McFall. As the oldest of seven children, he grew up in a lively, close knit home where family shaped every part of his life. His childhood memories of Eureka remained deeply meaningful to him.

Facing the possibility of being drafted into the Vietnam War, Rick chose to join the United States Air Force, proudly serving for eight years. He carried the quiet strength, discipline, and perspective from that time with him throughout his life.

On March 4, 1977, he married the love of his life, Jo. Together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion. They raised their two children, Tina and Todd, and spent most of their married life in Douglass, Kansas, where Rick became a familiar and trusted presence in the community.

Rick had a lifelong love of sports. He played baseball in his younger years and later spent many seasons on the softball field. While he enjoyed the game, his greatest joy was always his family. He especially loved making people laugh. His quick wit, playful humor, and perfectly timed one liners became a signature part of gatherings with family and friends.

Rick was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who took immense pride in his grandchildren. He was deeply involved in their lives, showing up for every milestone, celebration, and moment that mattered. His presence extended far beyond his immediate family. He was so involved and so beloved that he became well known among his children’s and grandchildren’s friends, who often saw him as an honorary grandparent, a source of humor, and a steady, welcoming figure.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Richard McFall Sr. and Irma McFall, and by his brothers, Teddy and Tommy.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jo; his children, Tina (husband Mark) and Todd; his cherished grandchildren, Hayley (husband Matt and children Marcus and Logan), Nicholas, Reganne, and Abbey; Hayley and Reganne’s dad Dean (wife Renee), his siblings, Danny, Timmy, Jan and Sally, and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Rick will be remembered not only for his service to his country and his devotion to his family, but for his humor, his kindness, and his gentle, accepting spirit. His family considers this one of the greatest gifts he gave them, and they will carry forward his legacy of kindness, acceptance, and unconditional love.

A private family ceremony will be held in Eureka, Kansas, where his family will celebrate his life and honor the place where his story began.

The family suggests memorial contributions made to the Alzheimer’s Association, directly

https://donorservices.alz.org/page/FUNYAFYQDKA?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=giving_google_brand_alz_donations&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1707986387&gbraid=0AAAAAD8nX1qHsnyIYDPBELzxieBMtPf84&gclid=CjwKCAjwmozTBhAeEiwAkEGZzoidws1l4IrV2c__aq0eR315qWeapz96gOSCbwYRP9jA-7cuw3ZXmRoC4-8QAvD_BwE

or

sent to Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Bx 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044

Deborah Helen Klales

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Deborah Helen Klales (née Russo), of Philadelphia, PA, passed away peacefully and free of pain on February 9, 2026, at her daughter’s home surrounded by her family. To know her was to love her and to laugh until you cried (or peed).

Debbie was born on October 17, 1956, in Ridley Park, PA, to William Patrick Russo, Sr. and Theresa Nancy Russo (née Napoline). She graduated from Henderson Senior High, in West Chester, PA, in 1974 and attended Widener University, in Chester, PA, working towards her nursing degree.

On August 14, 1982, Debbie married the love of her life John Charles “Chal” Klales, Jr., of West Chester, PA. Together, they built a life of love and fun, that never had a dull moment, with their two daughters, numerous large dogs, Harley Davidson, and friends and family. Her girls, Alexandra Rose Klales “Chickaroo” and Theresa Nicole Klales “Chip” both of  Lawrence, KS, were her pride and joy and she considered herself blessed to be their mother. Her blessings only increased twofold with the birth of her grandchildren, twins Mia Amor and Niko Gregory Rocha-Klales. Really, they were the blessed ones.

She was generous, hysterical, strong, and like a second Mom to many. Through optimism, persistence, faith, and a bit of sheer stubbornness, she consistently defied medical odds and never gave up, even at the end.

Debbie worked as a Certified Unit Health Coordinator in nursing at Chester County Hospital, in West Chester, PA, for 23 years, spending much of that time in the Pediatrics Unit. Once retired, Debbie volunteered at Safe Harbor of Chester County and the Brandywine Valley SPCA and she supported many causes related to unsheltered individuals and animal rescue. In 2018, she and her husband moved to Lawrence, KS to be near her daughters.

She received the gift of organ (kidney) donation in 2019, which gave Debbie additional time to meet, love, and cherish her grandchildren and to become a “Grammy,” her proudest title of all. She was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Agnes Church, in West Chester, PA, for most of her life. She enjoyed card and letter writing, Harley rides with her husband “Chal,” reading, her pets and animals, the beach, hustling everyone playing cards after swearing “she could barely remember how to play,” giving and caring for others, and spending time with her husband, girls, and grandchildren.

Debbie is survived by her husband John, daughters Alexandra and Theresa, grandchildren Mia and Niko, brothers William Russo, Jr. and John Russo (Lisa), sisters Kathleen Moldenhauer (Ernie) and Margot Jacobs, her nieces Nicole Hove (Nick) and Karen Irwin (Bill), and nephews Bradley Russo, Jesse Russo (Melissa), and Michael Jacobs (Judy).

She was preceded in death by her parents William and Theresa Russo, her brother Nicholas Joseph Russo, her in-laws Rosina and John C. Klales, Sr., her nephew Casey John Russo, and her brother-in-law Thomas Klales.In lieu of flowers, the family encourages friends and loved ones to honor Debbie’s life through a donation to either the Brandywine Valley SPCA in West Chester, PA, or the Lawrence Humane Society in Lawrence, KS, a cause close to Debbie’s heart and where her beloved dogs Precious (PA) and Vita (KS) were adopted.

A celebration of life will be held this summer in Pennsylvania at a date and time to be determined in the near future.

Arly Harrison Allen

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Arly Harrison Allen died peacefully on January 7, 2026, surrounded by family. He was 87 years old. Born in Lawrence, August 23, 1938, Arly was the eldest of seven siblings (Arly, Diane, Elaine, Dede, Rand, Lenore, and Barbara) born to Harold E. Allen and Barbara Jane Allen.

Arly attended Pinkney grade school in Lawrence and Pembroke Country Day High School in Kansas City, where he was active in drama, sang with the Glee Club, and served as a Yell Leader at sports events. After graduating in 1956, he attended the University of Kansas, joined Sigma Chi fraternity, and earned a BA in English (1960) and an MA in Medieval History (1963). He continued his studies at the University of Toronto and, as a Fulbright scholar, studied in Perugia, Italy. Arly briefly served as an instructor of Western Civilization and Medieval History at the University of Kansas. He had almost finished his PhD in Medieval History—only the dissertation remained—when he started working at his family’s business, the Allen Press. At KU, Arly met Constance Marlatt Huested, and they married at Gibson Island’s Chapel of St. Christopher by the Sea on June 23, 1962.

Harold Allen founded The Allen Press in 1935, and with Arly leading from 1971 to 1993, it achieved national and international acclaim for scientific publishing. Arly placed a strong emphasis on superior imagery and continuously explored innovative methods to assist small and medium-sized scholarly societies. In 1977, he published Steps Towards Better Scientific Illustrations. He expanded journal printing, developed nonprofit society services, and participated in scientific organizations. Arly was a founding member of the Society for Scholarly Publishing and the Council of Biology Editors (CBE), speaking at international events and serving as CBE President from 1989 to 1990. He retired from Allen Press in 1993 and established Sheridan Electronic Systems, an online service provider for academics in Baltimore, MD.

Arly enthusiastically supported KU sports and the Kansas City Chiefs. He also loved golf, and on one occasion, he amazed his friends by scoring a hole-in-one with an eight iron on Orchard’s eighth hole.

After retiring, Arly focused on medieval history and boxing. He joined the International Boxing Research Organization and published works such as Jess Willard: Heavyweight Champion of the World (1915-1919), The Beginning of Boxing in Britain, 1300-1700, and Wrestling in Medieval England.

Arly belonged to The Old & New Club and the Rotary Club of Lawrence, served as a deacon at Oxford OH Presbyterian Church, and was a Master Gardener. His daughter recalls him mowing the lawn in dress pants while singing Gilbert & Sullivan tunes.

Arly’s wife Constance, his parents Harold and Barbara Jane, and his sisters Elaine Forman and Diane Bannen all passed away before him. He is survived by his son, Arly Hedrick Allen of Lawrence, KS; his daughter, Patience Allen (partner Frode Linna) of Oslo, Norway; his sisters, Dede Dresser, Lenore Allen, and Barbara Wasson; his brother, Gorden Rand Allen; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and Johanna Reinhart of Oxford, OH.

Visitation will be at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home at 2pm on Saturday, January 24, 2026, followed by a funeral service at 3pm. The family, guests and friends are welcome to raise a glass to Arly at the family home following the service. A private burial will take place at the Allen family gravesite, Oak Hill Cemetery on a future date.

The family suggests memorial donations to the Lawrence Humane Society in lieu of flowers, 1805 E 19th St, Lawrence, KS 66046 or www.lawrencehumane.org/donate/

Dr. Josephine Alice (Rusher) Bartow Ruud

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Dr. Josephine Alice (Rusher) Bartow Ruud, 104, of Lawrence, Kansas, died on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living.

She was the daughter of Frank and Mina (Allen) Rusher, born on October 16, 1921, in Mitchell, Nebraska.

During WWII, she married Richard Bartow who was later killed in Okinawa on April 11, 1945.

She went back to college, graduating with bachelor and master’s degrees in Home Economics from Iowa State University.

She earned her doctorate from Penn State University while managing a community adult education program.  He next position was at North Dakota State University (NDSU) where she was head of the home economics education program from 1961 to 1973. After that she became the State Program Leader for Home Economics Extension at the University of Wyoming from 1973 to 1982.

On June 12, 1965, she married Norman Ruud.  Upon their retirement, they moved to Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, purchasing a hobby farm near Norman’s home place.

After the hobby farm and Norman’s death, Josephine Bartow Ruud published numerous articles and three professional books during the 1970s; “Teaching for Changed Attitudes and Values”, “Adult Education for Home and Family Living”, and “Handbook on Home and Family Living.” She also enjoyed writing two cookbooks, “How to Pot It Now That He Shot It” and “The Young Adult Cookbook.” She kept up to date professionally by writing a monthly column, “News Flashes” for Lake Region Electric Cooperative for 20 years from 1991 to 2010.  The columns were on nutrition, gardening, children, homemaking, etc. She always included a few tested recipes.

She is survived by her son, Jerry (Jane) Bartow of Lawrence, Kansas; grandson, Doug Bartow of Chicago, Illinois; granddaughter, Amanda (Chris) Storm of Lawrence, Kansas; and great-grandchildren, Lydia and Elliott Storm of Lawrence, Kansas.

A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Jo’s memory, with details to be shared at a later date.

Mulford Eugene Gentry

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Mulford Eugene “Gene” Gentry, 86, departed this life on February 3, 2024, after a battle with Parkinsons and a stroke, surrounded and comforted by his family. Gene entered the world on November 8, 1937, in Pittsburg, Kansas, one of five children between Mulford and Evelyn (Elston) Gentry. He was their only son. In the early 1940s, the family planted roots inLawrence, Kansas. Gene relished growing up in North Lawrence, graduating from Lawrence High in 1956.In 1960, Gene was drafted into the US Army and spent two years traveling the world before returning to Lawrence. He worked for Rusty’s IGA for several years before finishing his career at Dillon’s, where he was the head of several different departments over the years. He was proud of his long career in the grocery business and retired after 47 years.

Gene was united in marriage to his beloved Margie on July 19 th , 1959. Their 65-year union welcomed two daughters, four grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. “Pop” enjoyed attending every ballgame, play, and dance recital he could, and took special pride in recording player stats during his grandsons’ games throughout the years.

An avid bowler, Gene played league for several years, acquiring many trophies he proudly displayed. He also enjoyed his outings with the guys from work to the casinos where he especially liked trying his luck with the slot machines. He was a bit of a homebody and was not much for travel, but he took special pride in keeping his lawn and home in good condition, spending hours outdoors mowing, trimming, painting and talking to neighbors over the fence.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Dottie Coffman and Sue Gibbons. He is survived by his wife, Margie, of the home; two daughters Lori Moon (Michael) of Osawatomie and Marcie Hadl (Darin) of Eudora; four grandchildren, Amanda Lewis (Clifton) and Samantha Moon of Osawatomie, Tyler Hadl (Nadia) of Lansing, and Randy Hadl of Tonganoxie; and several great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Mary Gray of Topeka, Ks and Janie Daniel (Harold) of Lawrence, and numerous nieces and nephews.

There is a correction to the Lawrence Journal World announcement on February 6th: Funeral services for Mulford Eugene Gentry will take place at 10:00am on Friday, February 9th at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home with a graveside service to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. A visitation will take place the night before, on Thursday, February 8th from 6:00-8:00pm at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

Jo Nell Proctor

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Mrs. Jo Nell Proctor passed away Wednesday, December 17, 2023 at LMH Health.

She was born November 29, 1951 in Sayre, Oklahoma to Lovelle and Bill Dunsworth. She graduated from Wilson High School in Wilson, Oklahoma in 1970. She then attended Northwestern State University in Alva, Oklahoma and graduated in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree.

She eventually moved to Newton, Kansas, where she met her husband Jack A. Proctor Jr. They were married on March 29, 1980. In 1982 they both moved to Lawrence, Kansas. She worked for the University of Kansas for over 30 years and retired in 2015 as an accountant as Watson Library. Her friends and co-workers remember her as friendly, happy, and always having a smile on her face. She was the type of person who could make friends easily.

After retirement she enjoyed simple pleasures. She liked to read a lot which she frequently enjoyed with Dr. Pepper and Cheetos. She enjoyed being home in the country helping her husband with outdoor projects. It has been said that her and her husband were joined at the hip. They loved doing things together and were seldom apart.

She is survived by her husband of over 43 years Jack A. Proctor Jr.

No services are planned at this time.

Anne Gorbutt Adams

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Anne Gorbutt Adams, of Lawrence, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 in her own home on November 7, 2023. She was born on March 21, 1932, in Topeka, Kansas to John Detweiler and Doris Ash Gorbutt. She attended Topeka High School where she was a cheerleader. She then went on to Washburn University where she joined the Pi Beta Phi sorority. In 1951 in Omaha, Nebraska, she married Raymond E. Adams, Jr. of Maple Hill, Kansas. After raising her six children, she completed a bachelor’s degree and graduate level courses at the University of Kansas. Additionally, she studied yoga and meditation with mentors like Judith Lasater and Shinzen Young. She taught and researched the positive effects of yoga in classes convened at the University of Kansas. She also held yoga classes at Alvamar Country Club and other locations in Lawrence, where she lived for the last four decades of her life. She always welcomed her family and friends graciously into her home and lived there until her last breath.

She is survived by her five living children: Marie Adams Dolembo (Tom), Jessie “Sally” Bitar, John Adams (Lisa), Clay Adams, and Charlie Adams.  She is also survived by her eight living grandchildren: Janne Robinson (Aaron), R. E. “Pete” Adams IV (LeAnn), Rebecca Witmer (Greg), Lacy Berryman (Jay), Emily Gropper (Max), Jack Adams (Stefanie), Katy Adams, and Will Adams.  As well, she is survived by her nine great-grandchildren: Lauren Newell, Hadley Schreiner, Autymn Schreiner, Meredith Denton, Sarah Denton, Amelia Denton, John Witmer, Daniel Witmer, and Mackenzie Gropper. She was preceded in death by her son, R. E. “Eddie” Adams III (Peggy), and granddaughter, Rhiannon Meier.