Amanda “Mae” Yoder, James Rogers Fricke, Mary Francis Hilton
Amanda “Mae” Yoder
Amanda “Mae” Yoder, 69, of Amboy, passed away unexpectedly one day short of her 70th birthday as a result of an auto accident. Mae was born July 28, 1956, in Garnett, Kansas, to Mervin S. and Fannie J. Yoder. She worked as a caregiver in the home healthcare field. There wasn’t anything Mae couldn’t do. She was very gifted in helping others, crafting, crochet, and driving for the Amish. She won many awards with cake decorating and her crafting. She was a member of Bennetts Switch Community Church where she was a part of the Mission Team.
She is survived by her siblings Richard Yoder of Amboy; Edith and husband Harry Shenk of Partridge, Kansas; Margarita Yoder of Topeka, Kansas; Diane Smith of Hutchinson, Kansas, and Jacinda Leader of Archie, MO. She is also survived by one sister-in-law Kathy Yoder of Hutchinson, Kansas, 17 nieces and nephews, and several great nieces and nephews. Mae is preceded in death by her parents and one brother Ray Yoder.
A celebration of Mae’s life will be held Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Bennetts Switch Community Church with Pastor Norm Snyder officiating. Friends and family may visit from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the Church on Saturday. Mae will be laid to rest in the Christner Cemetery in Miami County. Memorial contributions may be given to Bennetts Switch Community Church Missions Team in her memory.
Murray Weaver Funeral Home is honored to serve the Yoder family. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com
James Rogers Fricke
James Rogers Fricke’s (Jim) battle with broken heart syndrome ended unexpectedly on Thursday, July 23, 2026. Jim had been struggling with the loss of his dear beloved wife Jeannette since September 28, 2025. They are now reunited for eternity.
Jim is preceded in death by his love of his life Jeannette, his parents John and Mildred Fricke, his brother Jack, and sisters Jean and Judy. Jim’s legacy lives on through his sons James R. Fricke Jr. (wife Kelly) and Aaron E. Fricke (wife Brenda). His love for family will always be seen through the hearts of his grandchildren Sam Racine (wife Kayla), Dakota Fricke, Vaughn Racine, Tanier Karigan (wife Hannah), Ilaria Fricke, Lee Sutcliffe, Kaydyn Fricke, and Amara Fricke. If you look closely, you can catch a bit of Jim in the eyes and the smiles of his great-grandchildren Asia Racine, Arthur Racine, Jimmie Racine, Ashton Racine, Aiden Fricke, and River Goldie Karigan. He is also survived by his sister Jo Ellen Gilbert.
Jim, was one known for his dedication to his country, community, family, and all those he held dear. Jim was born and raised in Kokomo, Indiana, and after high school joined the military. He spent six years in the Marine Corps, completing three tours in Vietnam. Jim’s passion for education was highlighted with a master’s degree in information management, master’s in computer resources and information management, master’s in government, bachelor’s in political science, chemistry, and military science, and a commission in the U.S. Army. After receiving his commission as a second lieutenant, Jim was assigned to an armor battalion with the 82nd airborne. Jim received his ranger tab and became a Green Beret. With his family in toe, Jim toured the United States and Germany. Jim wrapped up his military career assigned to Fort Leavenworth with the battle command training program, retiring in 1993.
His passion for service continued throughout the community, as he was the president of the Friends of the Lansing Community Library and the Friends of Lansing, Kansas. He also served in the VFW, American Legion, and the Knights of Columbus all while serving as the Treasurer for the Leavenworth County Fire District #1. Jim and Jeannette found love in theater, musicals, baseball, and of course the Kansas City Chiefs, where they became avid members of the Red Coater Society.
Visitation will be at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church (Robert Martz Hall), 900 Ida Street, Lansing, KS 66043 on Monday, August 17, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Rosary will be said at 10:30 a.m., and Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m., in the church. Burial at 12:30 p.m. with U.S. Army military honors will be at Leavenworth National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be Tuesday, August 18, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Lansing Community Center (800 1st Terrace, Lansing, Kansas 66043).
Mary Francis Hilton
Mary Francis Hilton, age 75, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2026, in Kokomo, Indiana. She was born on January 18, 1951, in Boston, Massachusetts, and lived a life marked by kindness, warmth, and devotion to the people and simple joys she loved most.
Mary was the daughter of the late Francis “Buddy” and Evelyn Elliott. She grew up surrounded by family and carried those early bonds with her throughout her life. She was known by those who loved her as a loving, kind, and friendly woman whose gentle presence brought comfort and joy to others. Her life was centered on home, family, and the many meaningful moments shared with those closest to her.
She is survived by her son Shawn Hilton and his wife Christina; her daughter Penny Sokol and her husband Robert; and her beloved grandchildren Xander Sokol and Dane Sokol. She is also survived by her siblings Richard “Dick” Elliott and his wife Gloria, Judith “Judy” Rosenlund and her husband David, Rosemary “Penny” Bitner and her husband Steven, John Elliott, and Stephen Elliott and his wife Rhonda. Mary also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who will remember her with love and gratitude. She was preceded in death by her parents Francis “Buddy” and Evelyn Elliott.
Mary devoted her life to being a homemaker, and she took great pride in creating a welcoming and caring home for her family. Her days were often filled with the small but meaningful acts of love that made her house a place of comfort and belonging. She had a special gift for making others feel at ease, and her family will forever cherish the memories of her steady presence, her thoughtful ways, and the kindness she showed so freely.
She found joy in many of life’s simple pleasures. Mary loved ceramics and appreciated the beauty and creativity found in handcrafted pieces. She also enjoyed reading, often spending quiet moments immersed in a good book. Holidays held a special place in her heart, and she treasured celebrating them with her family where she enjoyed playing games. She especially loved Christmas, which was her favorite holiday. The season brought her particular happiness, and she delighted in the traditions, warmth, and togetherness it represented. Mary also loved animals, and her affection for them reflected the compassionate spirit that guided so much of her life.
Those who knew Mary will remember her as a woman of grace and sincerity, someone who offered love without hesitation and friendship without condition. She had a gentle way about her that made others feel valued and cared for. Her family and friends will remember her laughter, her thoughtful nature, and the way she made even ordinary days feel special. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.
Mary’s life was one of devotion to family, appreciation for home, and love for the traditions that brought people together. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will remain a source of comfort and inspiration to all who loved her. Her family finds peace in knowing that her loving spirit continues to live on through the many lives she touched.
A private remembrance of Mary’s life will be held by her family. She will be remembered always with love, gratitude, and enduring affection. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to your local Humane Society.