Jolene Ann Leiker

Jolene Ann Leiker, 57, Hays, passed away 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 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 the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.

Survivors include her husband, Ric of Hays; her mother, Shirley Weigel of Hays; two daughters: Jenna Staab of Overland Park and Laci Simpson of Olathe; two brothers: Randy Weigel of Plainville and Rick Weigel of La Crosse; two sisters, Joan Rozean and Janice Skeen, both of Hays; and two granddaughters.

She was preceded in death by her father.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, with Fr. David Micheal officiating. Burial followed in St. Joseph Cemetery. Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home was in charge of funeral arrangements.

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