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Marilyn Miller (Schleicher) Ficke

Marilyn Miller (Schleicher) Ficke, 66, of Olathe, Kansas passed away in her home on November 2, 2018.  Marilyn was a devoted and loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and aunt.

 

She fought Glioblastoma brain cancer for a year with remarkable grace and dignity that was always combined with her quick wit and sense of humor. Everyone who met Marilyn loved her. She filled a room with her laugh and made everyone feel special. Even through her last weeks she showed her quick wit and continued to entertain those that visited.

 

Marilyn was born in Dallas, Texas to Don and Beverly Miller. She called Kansas City home for 62 years. She was a graduate of Bishop Miege High School and attended Kansas State University. Marilyn was a woman who would drop everything to help a friend or family member.  She was a role model to those who knew her. Family came first to Marilyn – nothing else mattered except her love of horses. She won many ribbons competing in Arabian Horse shows at the local, regional and national level.

 

She married Terry in 1990 and he joined her and her daughters Darlene and Wendy in a new life together. Their son Taylor was born in 1996. Terry and Marilyn attended their children’s sports and school events, hosted friends’ and family gatherings, enjoyed following the Chiefs and KU basketball. Marilyn was a cherished “Mia” to her grandchildren.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents Don and Beverly Miller. She is survived by her husband Terry; daughter Darlene (Ceth); daughter Wendy (Rian); son Taylor; grandchildren, Tyler, Kirstan, Lexi, and Sydney; nieces, Cora, Katie, and Erin; and nephews, Matthew, Scott and Andrew; siblings Lisa, Tina and Brooks. Private services will be held at a future date.

 

The family would like to express our sincerest thanks for the wonderful help and care given by her friends and extended family, Kansas City Hospice, and Sisters Servants of Mary of Kansas City, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, family suggests contributions may be made in memory of Marilyn to the Sisters Servants of Mary at https://sisterservantsofmary.org/contact-us/kansas-city  or to Cancer Action https://www.canceractionkc.org/Donate/Donate.asp
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Condolences

Janet and Jim Fowble Nov 03, 2018

Neoghbor ,Olathe ,Kansas

We wish to extend our sincere condolences to Terry, Taylor and her daughters at this sad time. We dearly loved Marilyn and will continue to help her loved ones through this time.

Dr. Michael Raynor Nov 04, 2018

Horse show friend ,Lee's Summit ,Missouri

My thoughts and prayers go out to Marilyn's family. We have all lost a truly beautiful lady.

sally Nov 04, 2018

former co-worker at Traders Bank ,Overland Park ,Kansas

It's been a long time since I've seen Marilyn. We worked together at Traders Bank back in the early '80's. She and I had such fun together....my favorite memories of her was her sense of humor.....we laughed every day. I'm so sorry to hear of her passing. She was a bright and beautiful spirit. Sally Jenkins

Patti O’Neill Nov 04, 2018

Co-worker ,Shawnee ,Kansas

My thoughts and prayers are with Terry and your family. I enjoyed working with and getting to know Marilyn when we worked together at Joslin’s. We shared many laughs and I enjoyed the camaraderie. The world was a better place because of Marilyn and her warmth.

Dianne Barton Nov 05, 2018

Friend ,Prairie Village ,Kansas

Knowing Marilyn most of her life (and mine) my thoughts go back to the entire Miller family, and later, the Ficke’s. So many wonderful memories of love, challenges, and laughter. Marilyn always had that wonderful sense of humor. She would light up any room she entered with her beautiful smile. My sincere condolences go out to all of you. She will be missed by so many!

Darryl Bell Nov 05, 2018

Fiancé of Cora Hermes ,Lake Saint Louis ,Missouri

I’d like to extend my condolences to Mariyln’s family from the Bell family. I wish we would’ve had more time to get to know each other and enjoy family events and holidays together.

Suzanne Kaemmer Nov 05, 2018

Co-worker & friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

It’s been a difficult year! Thoughts & prayers go out to Terry, Taylor and the rest of the family. Marilyn’s laugh filled the room and was contagous! The love & pride she had for her family and Bo were always in our conversations. My memories of of her will be forever close to my heart! Rest In Peace sweet friend! XOXO

Joyce Muck Nov 06, 2018

Friend ,Liberty ,Missouri

Terry and family, I am sincerely sorry to hear of the passing of your wonderful Marilyn. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. I remember Marilyn cooking up hamburgers at our plant last year and she seemed to enjoy life with a smile. Please know your LSC friends are thinking of you.

Nancy Baker Nov 06, 2018

Friend from Saddle and Sirloin ,Wichita ,Kansas

I am so sorry to hear of Marilyn’s passing. She was a beautiful soul and I will miss her as I know you all will. She was a truly genuine person. Marilyn was one of the best horsewomen at the barm but never bragged about it. She was always willing to quietly help me be better with Buddy. My heart breaks with you. Sending my love. Nancy

Karen and Doug Boyd Nov 06, 2018

Former neighbor in Oak Hill ,Lenexa ,Kansas

You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Vickie McDonald Nov 07, 2018

horse riding friend ,Stilwell ,Kansas

Dear Ficke Family, It was an honor to have known Marilyn. I can never forget that beautiful smile that was always welcoming at the barns, doing what I know sure truly loved. A quick catch up about families then into the saddle. I know you will miss her very much. Her friend, Vickie McDonald

Catherine S Rice Nov 09, 2018

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Dearest Terry and Family, We are so saddened to hear of Marilyn's passing. Words cannot begin to express what a wonderful person Marilyn was. She was such a beautiful person in all ways. She blessed us with her smile and good humor as well as her generosity and intellect. She was a terrific mother and wife and I was amazed at her riding skills. There just wasn't anything she couldn't do well and with grace. We enjoyed her visit to Mexico in May and are so happy we could spend the most fabulous five days with Marilyn and you. I am thinking of you my friend, although many miles away. Big hugs and kisses to you as well as everyone in the family. Jerry Foote and Cathy Rice

Jamie McGlothlin Nov 09, 2018

Friend and Horse Trainer ,Raymore ,Missouri

My family and I were blessed by knowing and loving Marilyn. She was an “Angel on Earth” to myself, husband (currently deployed), and 3 children. We will always hold a piece of her heart special to ours as I help care for her beloved horse, “Beyond Obsession” (Bo). I’m incredibly honorored because Marilyn was a woman that I could say so many kind things- amazing things, though today “beyond words” sums it all up. My heart and prayers sent to all.