Rosella Kay Leiker was born on December 20, 1947, at Providence Hospital in Kansas City, KS to Helen and Tony Leiker. Rosella attended St. Benedict's Grade School, Bishop Ward High School and graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1965. While working full-time, she attended classes at Donnelly and KCK Community Colleges.
Rosella met Bob Yoksh in English class at Ward. They dated for five years before marrying in July 1968 at St. Peter’s Cathedral. They were blessed with five children. Rosella chose to stay at home until their youngest child entered grade school. She then worked in various capacities at their school, Queen of the Holy Rosary in Overland Park. Later, her career included insurance coordinator for two physical therapy clinics and a position working for an insurance and financial planner.
Each summer, the family shared two-week adventures tent camping around the country, visiting many exciting destinations including Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, Washington, D.C., The Black Hills and Thunder Bay, Ontario. A journal documented each trip, allowing all family members to share their thoughts. Not content feeding her family out of cans, Rosella cooked delicious daily meals on a camp stove.
Rosie, as she was known by her friends, expressed her creative flair especially in her quilts which became a passion for her until the end. At the urging of a friend she entered two quilts in the Johnson County Fair one year and won first prize. Over the years she made dozens of quilts, gifting many to family and close friends. Rosie was a published author of her autobiography, an active member of the Holy Cross choir and the Holy Cross St. Teresa’s Circle, and a former member of the Bishop Miege Mother's club.
Rosie is survived by her husband of 53 years, Bob, her five children, their spouses, and nine grandchildren.
Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
