Stephanie Brake

 Stephanie J. Brake , age 57, of Kinsley peacefully passed away on September 8, 2025 at Edwards County Medical Center surrounded by loved ones. Stephanie was born December 2, 1967 in Greeley, Colorado to Keith and Donna Ratcliffe, the youngest of 7 children. They moved to Smith Center, KS where she graduated from high school. She went to college at Dodge City Community College and St. Mary of the Plains College where she graduated with a bachelor degree in business finance. It was while working at Pizza Hut in college where she met her future husband. She was married to Joseph Brake on May 20, 1989 in Dodge City, KS. They welcomed 3 children into this union. In 1998, they bought a farm south of Kinsley. Then, in 2021, Joe and Stephanie moved onto the family farm.

    Stephanie held several different jobs before finding the one that she loved as a deputy county clerk at the Edwards's county courthouse for the past 20+ years. She was very dedicated to her Catholic faith. This showed in her service as an accomplished pianist dedicated to music ministry. She was a lector and also lead the women's faith formations at St. Nicholas parish. She loved having her daughters cantor when she would play piano for mass.

    She was very hard working and would go to the ends of the earth for her family and friends to show her love for them. Her love showed in her welcoming smile and contagious laughter. Her husband, children and grandchildren always brought great joy and light to her life. She also enjoyed many a day with countless hours of board and card games that will be remembered by all those who dared to challenge her.

    She is survived by her husband Joseph Brake; children, Kayla (Tyler) Klaus of Hays, Krysten (Nicholas) Eilert of Hays, and Austin Brake of Kinsley; four (soon to be five) grandchildren, Hunter, Weston and Grace Klaus, Rose Eilert, and baby Eilert due in Feb. 2026; mother, Donna Ratcliffe of Smith Center; brothers, Marion (Kathy) Hayes of Smith Center, KS, Robert (Sherrie) Hayes of Fort Morgan, CO, Ronald (Paula) Hayes of Smith Center, KS and sister, Janet (Les) Smith of Maryville, MO; and countless cousins, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her father, Keith Ratcliffe; and sisters, Linda Holmes and Karen Minnick.

    Rosary and visitation will be Friday, Sept. 12 2025 at 7:00PM at St. Nicholas church in Kinsley, KS. Funeral will be held at St. Nicholas church on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025 at 10:30AM. Burial will be immediately following the funeral mass at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery.

Memorial are suggested to the St. Nicholas Church in care of McKillip Funeral Home, Kinsley.