Christopher Dean Rorabaugh

Christopher Dean Rorabaugh, age 72 of Ellis, Kansas passed away December 2, 2024. He was born on November 13, 1952, in Seneca, Kansas, to Roscoe Dean "R.D." and Helena "Mija" (Moden) Rorabaugh. Chris graduated from Ellis High School in 1970 and then Fort Hays State University. On April 17, 1970, he married Rebecca Sue (Hurt) at the United Methodist Church in Ellis.

He was a dedicated husband, father, educator, and coach. As a devoted husband of 54 years and a loving father, he found immense joy and purpose in his family. His unwavering commitment to creating cherished memories and nurturing a life filled with love and laughter will always be remembered and treasured by those who knew him best. 

He was deeply committed to his students, always striving to inspire and guide them toward their full potential. His passion for teaching and coaching extended beyond the classroom and field as he worked tirelessly to make a positive impact on the lives of everyone he encountered. 

Chris's teaching and coaching career started in Utica, Kansas in 1975 where he coached boys’ basketball, football as well as track and field. After leaving Utica, Chris continued teaching and coaching in Bushton, Chetopa, and Copeland where he held the position of being the High School Principal and coached before returning to his beloved hometown of Ellis in 1990.

Chris was with the Ellis school district for 23 years. During his tenure at Ellis, he was a respected and successful coach at the Junior and Senior High levels, known for guiding his teams to multiple victorious seasons and leaving a lasting impact on sports. 

He was selected as the KSHSAAA Track and Field Coach of the Year twice, representing the great success the Ellis Track Program had under his tenure. Chris was also an accomplished High School Basketball coach taking 2 of the Ellis teams to state. In 2006 Chris was honored to receive recognition from the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association for accumulating 350 wins, an accomplishment Chris was very proud of along with his 30 years of service with the KBCA. Chris was also honored to be inducted into the Ellis Teachers Hall of Fame in 2007.

Retirement was not really retirement for Chris. In 2009 he returned to coaching at various area schools and began referring. His passion for coaching and referring became his purpose in life. 

Chris also worked for the City of Hays Public Works Division as a Code Enforcement Officer. He has held this position for the last 15 years. 

Chris is survived by his loving wife, Rebecca Sue (Hurt) Rorabaugh of Ellis; He took immense pride in his family, which includes his son, Dustin Rorabaugh of Hays, KS and children, Taden, Lakyn, Jaxon, and Ava; his daughters, Rachel Hartman and husband Jeff of Shawnee, KS, along with their children, Whitney, Ben, and Jacob; Jessica Rhoden and husband Jeff of Hays, KS and her children, Candace, Brandon (and wife Christen, and their daughter Eloise), Brittany, and Carter; and Robbi Nartley and husband Chris of Edmond, OK, with children Josslyn and Jaden; Chris's brothers, Steve Rorabaugh and wife Jan of Loveland, CO, Kevin Rorabaugh and wife Lyndel of Ellis, KS and David Rorabaugh and wife Melissa of Hays, KS; as well as Chris’ furbabies, Salt, Pepper, and Myah. 

Preceding him in death were his parents, R.D. “Rocky” and Mija Rorabaugh, and his beloved furbaby, Wilbur "Willie".

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Saturday, December 7, 2024 at Celebration Community Church 5790 230th Ave Hays, KS 67601. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Ellis, Kansas.

Visitation will be Friday 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Celebration Community Church.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions to the Ellis County Historical Society and/or The Humane Society of the High Plains.

Services in care of Keithley Funeral Chapels and Crematory-Brock’s Chapel 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601. Memories and words of comfort may be shared on Chris's tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

Chris’ quick wit, caring nature, and competitive spirit endeared him to those around him, establishing him as a beloved figure in the communities he served. A devoted educator, a passionate coach, and a well-respected referee, Chris lived a life defined by his unwavering commitment to his family and dedication to teaching, mentoring, and inspiring generations of students and athletes.