Twilla Darlene (Lyon) Combust Kraus, 90 years of age, passed away March 11, 2014 at Rhode Island Suites, Ransom, Kansas, after a year-long battle with cancer. She was born April 24, 1924, to Frank and Mabel (Wood) Lyon at the family home in rural Trego County, Kansas.

Twilla graduated from Ransom High School in 1943. On June 26, 1943, she married Merwin J. Combest. Two children were born to this union, Signe and Dirk. Merwin passed away April 21, 1947. Twilla then married Cyril F. Kraus on November 15, 1948. Their union brought three children into this world, Shirley, Marie and Bradley. Cyril passed away December 27, 1999. Twilla was a seamstress, quilter and loved to crochet.

Survivors include her children, Signe (Gerald) Barnes of McCracken, Shirley Stegman of Overbrook, Marie (Joe) Ney of Hanston, Bradley Kraus of Dodge City, and daughter-in-law Margie Combest of Dodge City; 14 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and sister-in-law Kathryn Kraus of Grainfield. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Mabel Lyon; siblings, Merrit, Joe, Pansy, Freida Stowe, and Lorena Reeves; son Dirk Combest, daughter-in-law Kathie Combest, son-in-law Leon Stegman, two great-grandchildren, Aaron Hargett and Austen Ney.

Viewing will be Friday, March 13, 10:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City.

Vigil service will be Friday, March 13, 7:00 P.M. at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Ransom.

Funeral Mass will be Saturday, March 14, 10:00 A.M. at the Church in Ransom followed by burial at St. Aloysius Cemetery, Ransom.

Memorial contributions may be given to Go-Getters Senior Center, Ransom; St. Aloysius Church; or the donor’s choice.

Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” link above.