Stephanie Irene Kraus, 58, of Hutchinson, passed away January 13, 2026, at Hospice House, with loving family by her side. She was born February 14, 1967, in Troy, MO, to Arnold Quentin and Donnie Marie (Hinton) Lane.
Steph graduated from Wentzville High School in 1985, Kansas State University, where she was a scholarship basketball player, in 1991, and received her master’s degree in elementary education from Fort Hays State University in 2020. Steph was a stay-at-home mom for 14 years before going to work as a substitute teacher and para for nine years, and was a special education teacher for USD 308 at Graber Elementary School from 2018 to the present. She loved being outdoors and doing yard work and was an avid photographer. Steph was a devoted Christian and member of Hope Church in Hutchinson. Above all else, her greatest joy and deepest love were her children and grandchildren, who meant the world to her and she never missed a school or sporting event.
On August 3, 1991, Steph married Richard Joseph “Rick” Kraus, in St. Charles, MO. He survives.
Also surviving are: her children, Brody Kraus (Megan) of Hutchinson, McKinna Wiley (Clay) of Rose Hill, Weston Kraus (Allison Haselhorst) of Salina; grandchildren, Madison and Emerson Kraus, Everly and Oliver Wiley; sister, Allyson Lane of Lake St. Louis, MO; brothers, Tony Lane (Faith) of Pottsboro, TX; Derek Lane (Doug) of Houston, TX; and many extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister-in-law, Paula Hilbert.
Steph’s wishes were to be cremated and a Celebration of Life will be 2 p.m. Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Hope Church, 1701 N. Main, Hutchinson. The family will receive friends following in the church gymnasium. Private family inurnment will be in Sego Cemetery.
Friends may sign her memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 12-5 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary.