Mary Margaret Younker

Mary Margaret Younker, 92, of Hays, Kansas, died Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at Via Christi Village Care Center, Hays.

Mary was born May 24, 1930, in Victoria to Frank M. and Rosa (Hertel) Dinkel. Mary graduated from Victoria High School in 1948. She attended Fort Hays State College graduating with a teaching certificate in 1950.
She married Walter J. Younker on August 22, 1949, in Victoria. He preceded her in death on September 24, 2020. She started her teaching career at Severin and Spring Hill Schools. After the birth of her second child and move to the family farm, she managed the farm activities and took care of her family.

In 1968, Mary returned to college to get her degree in Education with an emphasis in Library Science. After graduation, she taught at St Mary’s Catholic School in Ellis, Schoenchen Elementary School, and St Joseph’s Catholic School in Hays. She also served as the school librarian at St Joseph’s Catholic School.

She was a talented seamstress. She enjoyed sewing and making quilts. She made 50+ quilts which she gifted to her children, grandchildren and friends. She also loved to cook large meals for her family and church functions. She was instrumental in cooking and leading the annual Fall Feast at the Antonino Church.

She was a member of Our Lady of Help of Christians Catholic Church, Antonino. She served as Treasurer for the Christian Mothers organization for many years. She was a club leader for the Ellis County Good Hope 4-H Club. She volunteered at the Gift Shop at Hays Medical Center.

Survivors include her two sons, David Younker, Hays, KS and Dale Younker and wife, Paula, Jetmore, KS; her two daughters, Dianne DeGood and husband, Alan, Goddard, KS; and Donna Myers and husband, Patrick, Lawrence, KS; her brother, Fr. Harvey Dinkel O.F.M. Cap. Victoria, KS; her two sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Dinkel, Victoria, KS; Twila Griffin, Weatherford, OK; her brother-in-law, Delbert Rohr, Wichita, KS; her six grandchildren, Kerrie Mayans (Jason), Melissa Opbroek (Aaron), Brandy Leon (Nick), and Julia Myers, Brad Younker (Jessica), and Brian Younker (Carmon); her 15 great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Mayans, Madeline Mayans, Cecilia Mayans, Charlotte Mayans, Carley Younker, Camryn Younker, Leyah Younker, Lyndi Younker, Leesey Younker, Cadynce Leon, McKenna Leon; Alex Mayans, Carter Opbroek, Paxton Leon and Clayton Younker.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her eleven sisters, Fidelis Dinkel; Julitta Dechant; Bertha Prewo; Regina Dechant; Sr. Francis Rose Dinkel C.S.A.; Irene Scruggs; Viola Mary Dinkel; Melinda Griebel; Viola Richmeier; Sr. Paul Ann Dinkel C.S.A.; and Rita Rohr; her four brothers, Hilarious Dinkel; Clarence Dinkel; Edward Dinkel; and George Dinkel; and her two great grandchildren, Lakin Younker and Olivia Mayans.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, November 5, 2022, at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church, Antonino with Fr. Harvey Dinkel O.F.M. Cap and Fr. Curtis Carlson O.F.M. Cap. officiating. Burial will be at Our Lady Help of Christians Cemetery, Antonino.

A vigil service and an Antonino Christian Mothers rosary will be at 7:00 P.M. Friday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, At, Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials payable to: The Capuchins / Province of St. Conrad or Via Christi Village Care Center/ Chapel in care of the mortuary.

Condolences can be sent via e-mail to clinesmortuary@eaglecom.net or can be left at guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

A Celebration of Life for Walter and Mary will be at a luncheon following the graveside services at the church basement. Everyone is invited to attend.