Marilyn Joyce (Ramsey) Kaus, 80, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at the Sheridan County Health Complex in Hoxie, Kansas.
Born on August 5, 1944, in Colby, Kansas, Marilyn was the daughter of Ivan Elgin Ramsey and Myrna Fawn (Wade) Ramsey. She grew up in the Colby area, where she graduated from Colby High School in 1962.
After high school, Marilyn began her career as a Certified Nurse Aide at St. Thomas Hospital in Colby. She met the love of her life, John Kaus, who had recently returned home after his military service. The two were married on May 16, 1964, and started their life together on the Kaus family farm. Over the years, they were blessed with five children: John, Margaret, Juanita, Marvin, and Nicholas.
A devoted homemaker, Marilyn’s days were filled with gardening, sewing, and caring for her family. She was an exceptional cook and was known for her large vegetable garden, which she tended to with love and care, ensuring the pantry was always stocked with canned or frozen vegetables. John and Marilyn shared a passion for dancing, particularly the polka, which they enjoyed together for many years. In her later years, Marilyn enjoyed bird watching.
Once her children were in school, Marilyn expanded her work outside the home. She worked as an Avon representative, drove a bus for USD 412 for nineteen years (famously behind the wheel of “Big Red”), worked at Ramada, and later at Walmart. She was always busy and dedicated to supporting her family. Marilyn also served on the Hoxie School Board, USD 412, for eight years, helping to guide the future of the students.
Above all, Marilyn’s greatest joy was her family. She was an incredible mother and grandmother, always putting her children and grandchildren first. Marilyn taught her family the importance of education, kindness, and caring for others. Her legacy of love, generosity, and hard work will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Marilyn is survived by her children: John Kaus, Margaret Corby (Eric), Juanita Erickson (Kenny), Marvin Kaus (Kerri), and Nick Kaus; her brother, Victor Ramsey (Shari); her sisters, Madeleine Moritz, Colleen Weaver, and Myrna Broce; grandchildren, Lindsey Noonan (Kenton), Kaylee Soderlund (Dakota), ShayLinn Zweygardt (Drew), Tyler Kaus (Kirsten), Braden Bieker, Ashlyn Kaus, and Ivan Kaus; and great-grandchildren, Layton Noonan, Declan Noonan, Zander Zweygardt, Zeke Zweygardt, Zion Zweygardt, Tegan Soderlund, and Chesley Kaus. She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John Kaus; her parents, Ivan and Fawn Ramsey; her daughter-in-law, JoLinn Kaus; her brothers, Elgin and Danny Ramsey; her sister, Sharon Ramsey; and her brothers-in-law, Marvin Moritz and Ricky Broce.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at St. Martin’s of Tours Catholic Church in Seguin, Kansas. Interment will immediately follow at the Selden Cemetery in Selden, Kansas. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, with family present from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM to receive friends. The Vigil and Rosary Service will follow the visitation at 7:00 PM.
Memorials in Marilyn’s honor may be made to the Sheridan County Benefit Walk and sent to Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740.
Marilyn will be deeply missed by her loving family. Her memory will continue to inspire and bring comfort to those who loved her.