Jane A. Fleeker

Jane Arlene Byers Fleeker, 94, passed away February 15, 2026, at Homestead of Topeka.

Jane was born August 21, 1931, to George & Thelma (Zarker) Byers in Atlanta, GA. She moved from Marietta, GA to Topeka, KS, when she was a year old. Growing up, she lived in a four-generation household with her mother, Zarker grandparents, and great-grandmother Wilson.

She attended Gage School until her grandfather bought a farm in the Seaman school district. She loved living on the farm and attending Pleasant Hill, a one-room schoolhouse where she met her lifelong friend, Alice Niccum Hurst. She developed a lifelong love of pigs from playing with them on the farm and developed a large collection of them.

Like most rural kids, Jane was active in 4-H. Pleasant Hill didn't have a 4-H club so her grandmother got busy and chartered one for Jane and her classmates. In high-school, Jane helped host a 4-H event for local businessmen. She and her cousin shyly invited a gentleman from Capper Publications to sit with them as their guest. He agreed, but only if his friend could join them. The friend was Senator Arthur Capper and the four of them ended up with their photo in the newspaper. As a thank you for their hospitality, both girls later received a Searchlight Cook Book in the mail.

She graduated from Seaman High School in 1949 where she participated in many activities and clubs. She loved her SHS heritage and helped plan many class reunions, served as an officer in the alumni association, and volunteered in the Seaman History Museum.

She graduated from Washburn University with a degree in secondary education, emphasis in home economics. While at Washburn, she met and married Sard Fleeker with whom she had three children, Nancy, Steven and Linda. They later divorced.

In 1977, she met her longtime companion, Edward Schraeder. They spent more than 40 years enjoying their own and each other's families; camping and boating; and traveling throughout the United States.

Jane loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and their friends. She was an avid fan of any sports team or arts performance/event they participated in. She taxied grandchildren to and from rehearsals for school plays, music groups, and Ballet Midwest. Up until recently she competed regularly on a trivia team with her children and their friends. The team continues to suffer without her presence.

She worked for Robert Turney, at Commercial Insurance Service and his law office until she stayed home with her children for 12 years. She returned to work for Mr. Turney after Linda started school. She then worked for Kansas Department of Education. She retired from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment as a caseworker for children needing special health services. In addition to the standard certificate of appreciation, she received a quilt with cross-stitched pigs handmade by co-workers.

Jane's volunteerism over the years included serving as Democrat Precinct Committee Woman for several terms; many positions including holding offices at the local and district levels of Parents Without Partners; and many duties with Shepherd's Center of Topeka.

Jane was a member of First Baptist Church and was active in the Dinner and Movie Group there.

In 2022, Jane moved to Homestead of Topeka where she kept busy with many activities including crafts and playing games. She excelled at Yahtzee and Wii Bowling and was dubbed the trivia queen by some of the staff there.

Jane was preceded in death by her companion, Edward Schraeder; mother and stepfather, Thelma and G.W. Harper; father George Byers; and grandparents, Harry and Leila Zarker, and William and Ida Byers.

She is survived by her children, Nancy (Kurt) Fleeker Daniels, Steven Fleeker and Linda Fleeker all of Topeka; grandchildren, Chelsea "CJ" (Ian) Pitts Honolulu, and Sheridan (Kyle) Myers, Aurora, CO; great-granddaughter, Aurora Myers; bonus grandchildren Natasha (Aaron) Mack and Miranda Heppler all of Topeka; Tarrie Grubb, Lenexa; and Craig (Artemmys) Alejos, Norwich, CT; and bonus great-grandchildren, Michael Grubb, Devin Alejos, and Lila Alejos.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Dove Cremations and Funerals, Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka, KS. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, February 23, 2026, at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Topeka.

Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st St, Topeka, KS 66604 or to KTWU, Kansas Public Television, 1700 SW College Ave., Topeka, KS 66621.

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