Jolene Diane Ami

Jolene Diane Ami, born on April 3, 1968, in Tuba City, Arizona, passed away on December 2, 2025 in Lawrence, Kansas at the age of 57. Jolene was known for her adventurous spirit, humor, and kind-hearted nature, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met.

In her early life, Jolene attended the Southwest Indian School in Peoria, Arizona, where she excelled academically, graduating as valedictorian of her class. She furthered her education at Haskell Indian Nations University, where she continued to shine.

Jolene was a talented athlete, earning all-state honors in softball during her time at the Southwest Indian School and continuing her passion for the sport in college. Her athleticism was matched by her mischievous and humorous personality, keeping everyone on their toes with her antics.

She was an active member of the Unity of Lawrence Church, where her compassionate and kind-hearted nature was evident to all who knew her. Jolene was deeply loved by her family, especially her nieces and nephews, whom she adored and supported unconditionally.

Jolene was preceded in death by her parents, Aaron Andrew and Cynthia Louise (Hamilton) Ami, and her nephew, Jaisen Hamilton.

She is survived by her brother, Clay Hamilton and his wife, Joyce; sisters, Sheila Lukenbill and her husband, Kirk, and Ina Etsitty and her husband, Curtis. Her nieces and nephews, Misty Hamilton and her children, Jayden Montano, Logan Reed, and Kaleb Reed; Ryan Etsitty and wife, Audrey, Kristine Etsitty, Jessica Wiarda and her husband, Peter, Jacelyn Lukenbill, and Clarissa Hamilton, will cherish her memory. She loved being grandmother (Sayah) to Alana Nielson. She is also survived by her aunts, Ruby Hamilton and Sonja Poocha, along with many cousins and friends.

Jolene was a spit-fire, constantly working on bettering herself and those around her. Her legacy of compassion, humor, and love will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends

Services and burial will be on the Hopi Indian Reservation in Polacca, Arizona.

A GO Fund ME Memorial has been established: https://www.gofundme.com/f/bringing-jolene-ami-home-to-rest