Samantha Jo Favinger, 38 passed away April 23, 2026 in Newton, Kansas.

Samantha was born on June 30, 1987 in Medicine Lodge, Kansas to Lori Lynne Schindler and Bevan Lynn Favinger. Lori was told she wouldn't be able to get pregnant. So, Samantha was a much-loved surprise.

The family moved to Wellington, Kansas in 1990 when Samantha was 3. And 2 years later on April 1,1992 she welcomed her baby brother Colton Levon Favinger. April Fools!

During her school years at Wellington, Samantha was involved in many activities throughout the years. Her favorites were softball and as a cheerleader for her Crusaders. Samantha was Homecoming Queen her senior year, making her entrance onto the field in her dad's vintage corvette.  Her love of learning was evident at a young age and her grades were always the best. Samantha was the Valedictorian for the Class of 2005. She went on to attend The University of Kansas and transitioned from Crusader red to Jayhawk blue. She also received a devastating "B" on an assignment her sophomore year. After a tearful call home and a talk with her professor, it became an "A".  The fall of 2009 and Samantha's junior year at KU her father Bevan passed away unexpectedly. She was devastated and at the end of her junior moved back home. Shortly before moving back her mother Lori was diagnosed with breast cancer April of 2010.

Samantha welcomed her daughter Presley Jo Ricke on April 1, 2011. April Fools! She was a much loved and welcomed addition to the family.

On April 23, 2012 Samantha's mom Lori passed away after a hard-fought battle with breast cancer. Samantha was living in Wichita and working while dealing with the loss.

On January 23, 2015 Samantha welcomed her son Nixon Lewis Ricke. He entered her life when she was in a great place and it showed. Being a mom to Presley and Nixon was her greatest accomplishment.

Left to mourn her passing are her children Presley and Nixon Ricke, brother Colton Favinger, grandmother Mona Brady, grandfather Louis Schindler, Aunts Lisa Inslee, LeaAnna (Max) Bell, Beverly Hessefort. Uncles Terry(Roberta) Favinger, Marty(Amy) Bell, Bo Schindler. Several cousins and many dear friends.

She is preceded in death by her father Bevan Favinger, mother Lori Schindler. Grandparents Don and Ramona Favinger, Rita(Chard) and Ron Monson, and Julie Schindler.
Uncle Arlen Favinger.

A Celebration of Samantha's life will be held on May 30, 2026 at The Wellington Community Building, 223 North Ash Street, Wellington Kansas from 11am - 1:30pm. Lunch will be served. All those who knew and loved Samantha are welcome. It will be followed by a private family interment at the cemetery in Attica, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers the family has set up an educational fund for Presley and Nixon.

The Samantha J Favinger Children's Educational Fund

c/o Wendy Williams, P.O. Box 89, Belle Plaine, Kansas 67013