Jolene Ann Leiker, 57, Hays, died Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at HaysMed.
She was born May 31, 1965, in Hays, the youngest of five children of Edwin Francis and Shirley (Cole) Weigel. Jolene graduated from Plainville High School in 1983 and attended Fort Hays State University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Special Education.
She was united in marriage to Ric Leiker on December 23, 1989, in Hays, and they celebrated 33 years of marriage. For 32 years, Jolene worked as an early childhood teacher for USD 489, retiring in January 2023. She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Jolene was an avid reader, enjoyed taking short trips with Ric, loved her family, and adored her granddaughters.
Survivors include her husband Ric of Hays, her mother Shirley Weigel of Hays, two daughters: Jenna Staab of Overland Park and Laci Simpson and husband Tyler of Olathe, two brothers: Randy Weigel and wife Lora of Plainville and Rick Weigel and wife Janel of La Crosse, two sisters, Joan Rozean and husband Paul and Janice Skeen, both of Hays, two granddaughters: Remy and Cora Staab, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, with Fr. David Micheal officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Monday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Tuesday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A vigil service and rosary will be at 7:00 pm on Monday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to the Cancer Council of Ellis County. Condolences and memories of Jolene may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com