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BORN
1937
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
Francisco Ybarra Obituary
Dr. Ybarra received his BA Degree in Education from Northwestern Oklahoma State University, his Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Emporia State University and his PHD in Administration from Kansas State University.
Dr. Ybarra served on several boards including Topeka United Way, American Red Cross, Melody Brown Foundation, Ballet Folklorico, Kansas Children's Service League, Family Service and Guidance Center, Sunflower Music Festival, Topeka/Shawnee County Public Library when it was rededicated in 2000, Washburn Board of Regents, Marian Clinic, Topeka Housing Authority (Chairman), Topeka Retired Teachers Association, Topeka Capitol Journal Advisory Board, Governor Commissions under two Kansas Governors, former member of Downtown Rotary, Topeka Senior Chamber of Commerce. He served on the Most Pure Heart of Mary School board as chairman and later directed the St. Joseph's Church Sunday School. He was an extra ordinary Eucharistic Minister in the Catholic Church and helped start the giving of Communion to the homebound at Most Pure Heart Church. He was, for many years, active in Knights of Columbus at St. Joseph's and at the time of his death was a parishioner of Christ the King Parish. He enjoyed serving Mass, being a lector and for many years was a meditation chapel participant. He was a chapel sacristan for 10 years at St. Francis Hospital.
Dr. Ybarra received many awards during his career as an educator, including induction to Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame, Outstanding Alumni NW Oklahoma State University, Martin Luther King Living the Dream Award, Knights of Columbus Family of the Year Award and Who's Who in American Education. He helped initiate the establishment of early childhood programs in Topeka Housing Authority Community Centers for low income children. In July, 2016 he was recognized by the Topeka Police Department for initiating the Junior Pathfinder Police Academy. In May, 2013, Topeka Housing Authority named a residential complex, Ybarra Place, in his honor.
In July, 1995, he retired as an Assistant Superintendent for USD 501. He served in USD 501 for 27 years, starting in 1964. He was a teacher at Roosevelt Jr. High School and Boswell Jr. High School, a counselor at Topeka High School where he developed a Career Center and the Mexican/American Youth Organization. He was a Principal of Highland Park Jr. High School, and USD 501 Director of Guidance. He was the first Hispanic ever selected to an administrative position in USD 501 and at that time, may have been the only one in the State of Kansas. Dr. Ybarra served 22 years in the district's personnel office, the longest continuously employed administrator in that department. With Board approval, he initiated Hispanic Month Recognition in USD 501. He took a leadership role in producing a manual of policy and management agreements for USD 501 school administrators, Title XI guidelines, Affirmative Action Goals, Safety Manual for Classified Employees and revised the Job Description Directory for all employees. He met monthly with representatives of 6 different classified employee groups to discuss employment concerns. He was a member, then President of the Kansas Association of Educational Negotiators. He was instrumental in forming high school Future Teachers Clubs and in combination with Washburn University, a training course to create a pool of internships for women wishing to be school administrators. In September, 1995, he was selected Director of Personnel for the Kansas Department of Human Resources. He retired from that position in 2000. During the mid-60's, Dr. Ybarra was counselor for blind adults and had 110 job placements. In retirement, he was a job placement counselor for handicapped individuals for Dept. for Children and Family Services and in 2015 was joined by his wife, Sharon. Together, they had over 165 job placements. He was a fact finder for the Labor Department and a part-time recruiter for USD 501.
Dr. Ybarra wrote several nationally published employment articles. He was editor and publisher of a statewide newsletter on educational negotiations and he conducted employment and negotiation workshops. He was chief negotiator for USD 501 for 5 years. While in personnel, he assisted in negotiating and implementing the first ever district teachers salary schedule, effected the successful transfer of district staff from 12 junior high schools to 6 middle schools. He supervised the consolidation of forms and procedures related to the employment of district staff. He brought the automated substitute service to the district and introduced twice a month pay for employees, plus a summer work schedule that allowed for a 4 ½ day duty week. At various times he was an adjunct professor for graduate courses at Washburn University and Kansas University. He was a supervisor for Student Teachers for Washburn University beginning in 2004. He was proud to have mentored 110 teacher candidates, many of whom won outstanding teacher awards.
In November, 2000, he married Sharon Ann (Fox) Haas. She survives. Dr. Ybarra was preceded in death by his first wife of 36 years, Marianna (Molly) Hoitt in 1998. His family includes Elizabeth Ann Ortega (Frank); Loretta Marie Ybarra-Bartee (Tom); Francisco (Frank) Andres Ybarra; Joaquin (Joe) Nicholas Ybarra (Jill); Margaret Jane Henry (Matt); Ramona Jean Schiefelbein (Matt); Meredith Hope Graber (Lucas); Melissa Carmen Hoitt Ybarra; two stepsons Justin Randall Haas (Chantelle) and Jerod Lee Haas (Stacie); a sister Linda Marie Kotich; a brother Joseph Mark Ybarra (Maria); 23 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Sunday at Christ the King Catholic Church. A Parish Rosary to be prayed at 4:00 p.m. followed by sharing of memories by his family and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Monday at the church. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery where military honors will be provided.
Memorial contributions should be made to Washburn University School of Education or Pro-Life organizations, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66603. Fond memories and online condolences may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Francisco Ybarra
27 Entries
Edward Hoitt, Sr.
August 6, 2021
definition of a true gentleman....Francisco Ybarra..
I fondly remember him on a "Cool" July Forth, dressed in long pants and a coat because he was cold......never forgot that and relate that story many, many times.
It's not if they remember you....It's how you will be remembered...
Marylee Welch Hamilton
August 21, 2016
My sympathies to all who have appreciated knowing Frank and his role in their lives. My prayers go out to his family and friends.
Gayla and Mary Hoyt
August 16, 2016
My sister and Frank were on the negotiating team for years at the same time. She had the utmost respect for him. On occasion, she would need to take our young niece with her. During breaks, Frank would sit on the floor and play with her and her Snow White and 7 Dwarves figures. She is almost 30 and still remembers playing with him. I enjoyed working with Frank and student teachers. It was always a pleasure to have him visit my classroom. And, he always asked about my sister and my niece! Our sympathy to the family and all that knew and worked with him.
Ronda Hubbard
August 15, 2016
To Sharon and the family:
Please accept my heartfelt sympathies. For my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time. Continue to trust in God to strengthen you as only He can do. May His Word bring this family peace and comfort each day.
God Bless
How you can show support
Gerry Marstall
August 15, 2016
Joe and family
So sorry for your loss of your father. Thoughts and prayers for all of your family
Tiffany Anderson
August 15, 2016
Frank Ybarra was an amazing person and a true friend to education. Months prior to me starting as the new superintendent in July, he immediately made time to meet with me at Pine Ridge to visit with the Housing Authority at the Pine Ridge preschool and to discuss possibilities for the work ahead in support of children and teachers. His clear focus on supporting the underserved and his commitment to education will live on through the many children, teachers and through those he impacted that were in the countless programs he devoted his time to supporting. While brief, I am thankful for the encounter I had with Frank Ybarra in which we spent hours in one day discussing early childhood and the work within the housing authority and schools. He is an example of what God's love and grace looks like in the flesh.
My prayers of peace and comfort are extended to the family as we remember the amazing impact of Frank Ybarra's life on us all.
Dr. Anderson
Topeka Public Schools Superintendent
Brenda & Brad Cowles
August 14, 2016
Frank,Liz, and family,
Cherish the memories that you have. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Matt Rosanske
August 12, 2016
Dr. Ybarra was a man who cared greatly about the people he worked with. He helped me get through two semesters of student teaching. He never gave up on me which means a lot. I wouldn't be the educator I am without his guidance. He will be greatly missed.
ed hoitt
August 12, 2016
I will always remember your Dad on the forth of July at Manomet, Long pants, heavy shirt, coat and a hat...he said he was cold....I think that night was 80 degrees...as we watched the fireworks on the beach from the cottage....Good times.
Sherilyn Cook
August 12, 2016
Sharon,
I am so sorry for your loss. Frank was such a wonderful man! I will miss seeing the two of you out and about at the restaurants. I know Donovan loved having Frank work for him while at Washburn too.
Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jan Bradbury
August 12, 2016
I knew him when I taught a Topeka High and he was a counselor. He was so nice and helpful. I had no idea how involved he was in the community. Have never seen anyone so involved. The family should be so proud.
Robert Nall
August 11, 2016
Joey and family, it's been a long time since the days of Bishop Elementary & Jardine.... Sorry to see about your dad, and wanted to let you know I am thinking of all of you during this time of loss. And WOW, what accomplishments your dad achieved ! Talk about living life to its' fullest !!!
Karen Alexander
August 11, 2016
I was so sorry to see Dr. Ybarra has passed away. He was a wonderful man and had a way of making everyone feel important and special. He will be greatly missed. To his family, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May God have his arms wrapped around your loved one and your loved one will be watching over you until you are once again reunited.
Janelle Wenzl
August 11, 2016
I worked indirectly with Dr. Ybarra at DCF years ago. He was always such a kind person and I truly enjoyed the times I spoke with him. My condolences to the family and all of Frank's friends and colleagues. His impact on Topeka and the state of Kansas is profound and he will be missed.
Aubrey Coufal
August 11, 2016
I had the honor of working with Dr. Ybarra as he served as the Board Chair for THA. He was extremely dedicated to THA, our staff and the people we serve. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Marilyn Murphy
August 11, 2016
Elizabeth you and your family are in my prayers , may the Lord keep his loving arms around you during your of need, he may be earth removed, but is Heaven bound...
Beverly Fox-Williams
August 11, 2016
Sharon and family:
Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda and Jerry Anderson
August 11, 2016
Liz and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss....I was shocked when I saw
Diane's post! I met your dad his very first year he taught st Roosevelt! , I was a proctor in the office, and he was always so friendly and nice to me. It was fun re-connecting with him st McClure, and around the community, I had no idea he was ill. I will be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. He was a wonderful man, and we all have many great memories to cherish! Our love and prayers, He will most certainly be missed! HUGS !
Michelle Porubsky
August 11, 2016
Dr. Ybarra was one of my instructors when I was at Washburn University. Such a kind and caring man. I would also see him at Christ the King church. My prayers are with his family and for his journey to eternal life in heaven.
August 10, 2016
I'm so sorry to hear about Mr. Frank, I remember him so well from my years at Roosevelt Junior High School and Topeka High School. My prayers are with his family.
Kelly Brown
August 10, 2016
In loving memory of a wonderful person. Frank was one of my favorite patients. I will never forget his wonderful smile. Sharon, may the memories of your beloved husband help you through this difficult time.
Rita Manker
August 10, 2016
What an amazing man! Prayers to the whole family.
Rachel Kotich-verthein
August 10, 2016
Uncle Frank you will be missed greatly. Thank you for being my godfather and one of the best uncle's.
David Serrano
August 10, 2016
Liz, Joe, and Linda
We are so sorry to hear about Frank. Now that you are in our thought prayers.
Philip and Emily Serrano family
Phil ORTEGA
August 10, 2016
To The Ybarra family, May The Lord Welcome Frank With Open Arms, And May He Rest In Peace. Our Sincere Condolences to You All In This Difficult Time. May God's Strength Give You All You Need To Help You Heal. Love You All. Phil & Terri Ortega.
Diana Friend
August 10, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of working with Dr. Ybarra when he served as a trustee on the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library Board. His leadership and community support during the library building project was appreciated.
Troy Kreutzer
August 10, 2016
On behalf of the staff at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home I would like to offer our sincere condolences to Frank's family.
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