Susan Klug Obituary

Susan Kay Klug, age 71, of Lawrence, Kansas, entered eternal rest on October 4th, 2025, surrounded by love, legacy, and the quiet strength she carried through every season of life.

Born on October 24th, 1953, to Winifred (Slayton) and Clarence Rous, Susan grew up in a home rooted in faith, resilience, and deep family connection. She carried those values into every chapter of her life-whether she was caring for others through her work, supporting her community, or nurturing her own family with unwavering devotion.

She was a devoted wife to Mark Klug, her beloved partner of 49 years, and a fiercely loving mother to her two sons, Bradley Klug and Jared Klug. Her love was intentional, expressive, and enduring-woven into every meal prepared, every prayer whispered, and every moment shared. She had a gift for making people feel seen, heard, and held.

Susan was an unabashed, unapologetically proud aunt to many nieces and nephews, always celebrating their milestones and lifting their spirits. She was the kind of aunt who thought intentionally from a place of kindness and love-and with those intentional thoughts, cultivated loving action extended to every niece and nephew. She understood the impact she could have on their lives when actions came from a place of love and light. Her pride in them was radiant and unwavering. She acknowledged birthdays, showed up for graduations, and put in continuous effort to cultivate bonds rooted in unconditional love first-allowing her to form connections beyond bloodline, personal values, or expectations. Susan loved in the way we all believe we're striving for, but she was one of the rare ones who truly succeeded. With Susan's presence in this world, no soul went unseen or unacknowledged-everyone felt her warmth and affirmation that flowed with an abundance.

Susan's life's work was rooted in advocacy, education, and inclusion. She spent many years as a teacher working with children with special needs-offering not just instruction, but dignity, patience, and joy. Her classroom was a place of safety and celebration, where every child was reminded of their worth. Her impact extended far beyond the school walls, as she became a trusted voice in the community for families navigating disability, caregiving, and access.

It was through this work that she earned the nickname "Mama Klug"-a title given to her by students, colleagues, and families who saw her as a maternal figure of strength, compassion, and fierce protection. She wore that name with pride, knowing it reflected the heart of her calling: to nurture, uplift, and advocate for those who needed it most. Her role was so deeply felt that the name followed her across generations-children grew into adults, returned with their own little ones, and still called her "Mama Klug" as a sign of respect and enduring impact.

Susan's faith was the cornerstone of her life. She served her church and community with quiet grace, offering comfort and care to those in need. Her work with Trinity Respite Care reflected her deep compassion for elders and caregivers alike, helping others maintain dignity and independence in their later years. She also dedicated multiple decades to the Daughters of Isabella, where her quiet leadership and unwavering faith became a beacon for others. Across many seasons, she led the local prayer chain with grace and conviction, offering comfort and connection to those in need.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Winifred (Slayton) and Clarence Rous; her brother Sheldon Rous; her son Bradley Klug; and two nephews, Kevin and Collin-each of whom she carried in her heart with love and remembrance.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Mark Klug; her son, Jared Klug; her siblings Vernon, Steve, Calvin, Kathy, and Kayleen; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will carry her legacy forward with love.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Catholic Church in Odin, Kansas, in late April of 2026, where family and friends will gather with stories, laughter, and love to honor the woman who gave so much of herself for others. This time of year coincides with what would have been her 50th wedding anniversary with Mark-a sacred day to honor their love, memory, and enduring bond.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to two organizations that reflect Susan's legacy of compassion and advocacy:

Families Together, Inc., a Kansas-based nonprofit that empowers families raising children with disabilities-echoing Susan's decades of work in education; and the Colon Cancer Coalition, supporting families affected by colon cancer and honoring Susan's personal journey and the strength she carried through it.