Richard W. "Rich" Schaus

Richard W. "Rich" Schaus, age 80, of rural Ellis, Kansas, a dedicated lifelong farmer and longtime dairyman, passed away on December 21, 2024, at the Salina Regional Health Center. He was born on June 10, 1944, in Hays, Kansas to Edgar and Martha (Yantz) Schaus.

From an early age, Rich exhibited a commitment to his family and community. He married his sweetheart, Claudia Laeree (Deutscher), on August 26, 1961 at Christ Lutheran Church when he was just 17 and she barely 16. Their union, which blossomed into a loving partnership lasting over 63 years, was characterized by shared dreams, hard work, and unwavering support for one another. After graduating from Trego Community High School and marriage he attended Kansas State University. Rich and Claudia returned to the farmstead, where he began his lifelong journey as a farmer and dairyman for more than 40 years.

Rich was not just a farmer; he was a part of the Ellis, Kansas and Trego County communities. His numerous contributions included serving as a long-time member and board member of Christ Lutheran Church in Ellis, where he was deeply involved in church activities. He was a leader in many organizations, including the REC, now Western COOP Electric Board for 50 years, the Trego County Rural Fire Department, USDA, Trego County Rural Water District, Sunflower Electric, and the Ellis Jr. Free Fair. 

Rich is remembered not only for his work ethic but also for his proudest accomplishments: his family, community service, and his beloved farm. He leaves behind his wife Claudia, son Stacy Schaus and his wife Danielle of Ellis, along with their children Cora and Khianne Schaus, Maddy, Hunter, and Lona Guffey. He is also survived by his daughter Julia Schaus-Brown and Darrin Wolf of Ellis, and her children, Patrick Brown and Peyton Brown, along with Peyton’s children Emma and Elijah Raat; two sisters, Marilyn Hersh of Nebraska, and Rita Sussman and her husband Robert of Colorado.

Rich is preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Ozwald and Elizabeth Deutscher brother-in-law James Hersh; sister-in-law, Caren Bates and husband Robert; and a nephew, Trent Bates.

Funeral services will be Friday, December 27, 2024, at 2:00 PM. at Christ Lutheran Church, 106 East 8th Street, Ellis. Burial will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Ellis.

Visitation will be Thursday 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. and Friday 12:30 PM until service time all at the church. 

Memorial contributions are suggested to Christ Lutheran Church or Trego County Rural Fire Department.

Please share memories and words of comfort on Rich’s tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com.

Services in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel 400 E. 17th street, Ellis, KS 67637.