Peggy

Gottschalk-Rust

Peggy Sue Gottschalk-Rust, 61, died October 30, 2026, in Hutchinson. She was born August 19, 1965, in Topeka, to Don and Midge (Miller) Gottschalk. Peggy received her bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University.

Her children were her source of pride and her life’s work. She committed herself to her family, sacrificed and worked to give them everything they needed. Peggy created a beautiful home and dedicated herself to ensuring her children had every opportunity in life. From sneaking vegetables into bathtime for her toddlers to encouraging her children to reach for their passions, she raised three wonderful children who are thriving and pursuing their dreams. Her love for them was boundless and being their mother was the role she cherished the most.

Peggy had an amazing capacity to love and care for even the smallest among us. She extended that love to the animals she adored throughout her life. Her affection for animals began in childhood, when she rescued cats and dogs, and grew into a passion for horses, which she showed throughout Kansas as a teenager. As a young adult, she shared her knowledge and enthusiasm by teaching horsemanship at Hutchinson Community College. That lifelong passion eventually blossomed into Rusts Ragdolls, an internationally recognized business she owned and operated for more than 20 years. Through her business she lovingly created ragdoll kittens that added joy and new family members to thousands of homes across the US. She supported her children by using her talent, business instincts and kindness to run a successful business.

Peggy had a remarkable gift for connecting with people, turning everyday encounters into friendships and those friendships into lasting bonds. She was the life of any room she was in, was a friend to everyone, and just like her father, had an infectious laugh that will forever ring in our ears. The world is a little quieter and a lot less bright without her in it.

Peggy is survived by her children Lauren Rust of Wichita, Joshua Rust of Florida, and Morgan Rust of Lincoln, NE; her mother, Midge Gottschalk of Hutchinson; her siblings, Jennifer (Bill) Lepentis of Prairie Village, Megan Gottschalk-Hammersmith of Hutchinson, Mike Gottschalk of Frisco, TX; and her nieces and nephews, Ray Lepentis and Owen, Eli, and Anna Hammersmith.

She was preceded in death by her father, Don Gottschalk.

A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Reins of Hope, Hutchinson, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.