Obituary of Nancy Ann Schaus

Nancy Ann Schaus (April 8, 1953-July 8, 2024) was born Nancy Ann Roach in Oakland, CA to Donald and Ruth (Smith) Roach. She grew up in the greater St. Paul area with her siblings Don and Susie. She met the love of her life at St. Olaf College, where she earned her BA, majoring in biology and Spanish. Nancy and John were married on the coldest day of the winter 363 days after they met, January 3, 1976. She and John moved to Boston, where she earned her PhD in molecular biology at Tufts University, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Yale University. They then moved to Indianapolis, where they continued their careers at Eli Lilly and Co and welcomed their two daughters Lisa and Molly.

As Nancy and John raised their daughters, she began a new phase of her life filled with active service. Nancy taught at Butler University in Indianapolis and was a dedicated volunteer for many school and church organizations, including her beloved prayer group. She was always up for a good walk or hike, especially after they moved to Iron River. Nancy was a wonderful baker, gardener, quilter, and knitter, but her family will most remember her as an incredible mom and loving spouse. She loved nature, time with her friends, and most of all her husband, daughters, and grandchildren.

As she progressed through Alzheimer’s disease, the things she held on to most were her faith in God, her family, and her loving and gentle spirit. She is dearly missed.

She is survived by her husband John, her daughters Lisa (Tim) Barker and Molly Schaus (Jake Voit), as well as her beloved grandchildren Caleb, Micah, and Ruthie Barker. She is also survived by her brother Don (Ann) Roach and sister Susie Eich, in addition to many cherished nieces and nephews and their families. She was preceded in death by several members of her family, including her parents Donald and Ruth Roach and her granddaughters Lydia and Hope Barker.

The family would especially like to thank the staff of BeeHive Homes of Duluth and Gentiva Hospice for their loving and attentive care over the last 18 months of Nancy’s life.

Nancy’s funeral will be held at Delta UCC (61345 Pike River Road, Delta, WI) on Wednesday, July 24 at 10:30am with visitation at 9:30am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.