Forever the free spirit, Mary Frances Hogg, 90, died on Aug. 3, 2026, at Medicalodges of Great Bend, Kan. Hogg was born on Feb. 12, 1936, at Narka, Kan., the daughter of William and Elsie (Fillinger) Shepek. She married Wilbur Miller Hogg Jr. on July 1, 1959, in Salina. He preceded her in death on Oct. 8, 2008.

Having lived in Ellinwood for over 40 years prior to moving to Salina, Mary Frances became a resident of Great Bend in 2023 to be closer to her family.

She graduated from Munden, Kan., High School, then earned her bachelor’s degree from Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina and a master’s degree from Emporia State Teachers College in Emporia. An elementary school teacher and librarian in Ellinwood, she spent over 20 years as the reference librarian at Barton Community College (she saw the students as her kids, and many saw her as a second mom), from where she retired.

Known for her Gypsy attitude, colorful clothes and hoop earrings, Mary Frances was always the champion of the underdog. She fought for the rights of all, regardless of race, color, or gender. Justice for all was at the core of her soul.

Education, culture, and the arts were also central to her being. A lifelong learner, she loved music (from opera to classical to folk rock), the visual arts (such as Matisse and Monet), literature (think Shakespeare), and live theater (Les Misérables on Broadway). Music always filled the home and books featuring the great masterworks were always on the shelves.

She and her husband loved to travel, having visited Europe, Canada, and Mexico. But the two especially enjoyed traveling with the Latin students from Ellinwood High School to their annual conventions across the country.

She was a former member of the Ellinwood First United Methodist Church and the Salina Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. She was also a former member of the University Women, Kansas Democratic Women, and League of Women Voters, having held local and state offices.

She was proceeded in death by her parents; brother, Rueben Shepek (partner Nancy Anderson); and her husband. Survivors include her two sons, Jonathan Hogg and Dale Hogg (wife Linda), both of Great Bend; three grandchildren, Carrie Collins (husband Merle) of Lyons, Ian Hogg (wife Morgan) of Salina and Stuart Hogg of Great Bend; and four great-grandchildren, Payton Collins of Lyons, and Finnleigh, Rowan, and Noah Hogg all of Salina.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, at Bryant Funeral Home, Great Bend, Kan. Inurnment will follow at Lakin Comanche Cemetery, Ellinwood, Kan. Memorials have been designated to the League of Women Voters, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Aug. 4, 2026