Claris Jane Blubaugh

Claris Jane Toews was born on April 3, 1930, in Lehigh, Kansas, the youngest and fourth child of Bernard and Anna Toews. As the baby of the family, Claris liked to believe she was “the pet of the house”—a notion quickly corrected by her mother when chores were assigned. One of her regular responsibilities was cleaning the chimneys of the kerosene lamps, an early lesson in diligence and humility that stayed with her throughout her life.

Claris attended elementary school in Lehigh, walking to school each day, before the family moved to Hillsboro, Kansas, where she completed high school. She went on to attend one year of college and earned her teaching certificate, teaching for a year in a one-room schoolhouse—a role that reflected her steady spirit and care for others.

In August 1949, Claris married Robert Blubaugh. Together they farmed in the Salina area until 1955, when they moved to the Westphalia/Garnett area of southeast Kansas to continue farming near family. Farming was not just their livelihood but a shared way of life built on hard work, faith, and perseverance.

After retiring from farming, Robert and Claris moved to Olathe. Claris later began working at JCPenney as a Customer Service Representative, where she was known for her kindness and dependability, until her retirement.

At the age of 87, Claris moved to Foxwood Retirement Village, which she quickly came to love and call home. Her days there were full—filled with activities, conversations, and fellowship. Her faith was central to her life. She found great joy in discussing the Bible, attending the chaplain’s hymn sings, and quietly spending time reading her Bible and hymnals in her room. Claris was introduced to the gospel as a child and accepted Jesus into her life at a young age. Her mother’s practice of reading Scripture to the family left a lifelong foundation of faith that guided her every step.

Claris passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Claris is survived by her four children: Rebecca (Raymond), Charles (Deania), Amy (Steve), and Mark (Stacie); 14 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Robert, her parents, her siblings, and two great-grandchildren.

Claris will be remembered for her quiet strength, unwavering faith, gentle humor, and the deep love she held for her family and her Lord.

A memorial service will be held in her honor on Friday, April 3, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at McGilley and Frye Funeral Home, 105 E. Loula St., Olathe, KS 66061