Lillian Agnes Schlyer, 96, Hays, died Monday, March 30, 2026 at Via Christi Village.
She was born February 19, 1930 in Hays, the daughter of Alex W. and Adeline (Leiker) Klaus. For 30 years, she worked at the little Dillons and was the bakery manager for many years. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the VFW Auxiliary, and volunteered at the Community Assistance Center for 20 years.
Lillian enjoyed crocheting, jigsaw puzzles, and playing checkers and Pinochle. Her German cooking and homemade noodles were loved by her family, and her faith and family were the cornerstones of her long life.
Survivors include her sons Jeff Schlyer and wife Chris and Brian Schlyer both of Hays, six grandchildren Mike Schlyer of Hays and Marshall Schlyer (Leah) of Hays, Kacey Schlyer (Chelsea) of Canyon City, CO, Brandon Schlyer (Cayley) of Avondale, AZ, Kelli Basgall (Jason) of Hays, and Dylan Schlyer (Kim) of Scottsdale, AZ, nine grandchildren Jenna and Paige Schlyer, Lily Basgall, Keeley and Kyra Schlyer, Hudson Basgall, Aurelius, Selah, and Ellie Schlyer, her sister-in-law Janet Klaus of Hays, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Nathan “Nate” Schlyer, two brothers, Walter Klaus (Berneice) and Joe Klaus, and three sisters Ruby Binder (Paul), Velma Pfannenstiel (Julius), and Violet Mermis (Bob).
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Fred Gatschet officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Tuesday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Wednesday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A VFW Auxiliary Rosary will be at 5:30 pm followed by a Vigil Service and Rosary at 6:30 pm on Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Community Assistance Center. Condolences and memories of Lillian may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com