Frances K. Mares, of Burwell, Nebraska passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at the Community Memorial Health Center in Burwell at the age of 82 years.

Frances Katherine was born August 25, 1942, at St. Paul, Nebraska to Joseph F. and Augusta M. (Ingerle) Spilinek.  As a child she resided in St. Paul, Elba, Scotia, Burwell and Ord, and graduated from Ord High School in 1960. Frances continued her education at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Nebraska, she had a love for children and wanted to become a teacher.

On September 29, 1962, Frances was united in marriage to Roy A. Mares at Ord, Nebraska. The couple settled on Roy's family farm northwest of Burwell. Together they farmed, ranched and raised their family of four. Frances was engaged in the farm activities, raising the livestock and assisted with Roy's business, "M/R Sickle Bars".

Frances was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church and their women's group, Dorcas Society. She participated in the open class exhibits during the county fair and was also involved in the Burwell Brush Busters and Rolling Pins Extension Club.

Frances had a special love for kids and visiting with friends; she never knew a stranger. She enjoyed nature, birds and flowers. She especially loved music and Polka dancing with Roy.

Survivors include her four children, Karen Homes of Lincoln, Mark and Lori Mares of Burwell, Cheryl Weekley and Randy Weekley both of Kearney and John Mares of Lincoln; nine grandchildren and spouses, Amanda and Paul Schmid, Zachary and Shanna Homes, Tyler Mares, Molly and Brayden Baney, Casey Weekley, Heidi Weekley, Cody Weekley, Raegan Mares and Jackson Mares; eight great-grandchildren; siblings, Alice Cunningham of Manley, Dan and Luella Spilinek of Ord and Laura Knight of Pahrump, Nevada.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Roy who passed away on April 9, 2015; brothers, Franklin and Jim Spilinek; sisters, Shirley Bonsall, Betty Johnson, Patricia Davis and Peggy Mohr; brother-in-law, Curtis Mares and sister-in-law, Elaine Krause.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, February 24, 2025, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Burwell. Pastor Adam Archer and Vicar Tim Reicks will officiate. Interment will be in the Cottonwood Cemetery at Burwell. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Church.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Burwell Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, Burwell Senior Center or Burwell Friends of the Library. Condolences can be mailed to Mark Mares, 597 South 8th Street, Burwell, Nebraska.