Samantha Diann Klause

Samantha Diann Klause, 40, of Pampa passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 20, 2026, after a brave four-year battle with breast cancer. She carried herself with grace, beauty, love, and strength throughout her journey earning her the nickname “Wonder Woman”.

Private family services will be held at a later date. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Samantha was born on March 28, 1985, to Russ and Debbie Kilcrease. She was a strong, spunky woman with a gentle heart. Samantha loved her children, family and friends fiercely. Her favorite place was the family farm where she was raised alongside her three sisters, Amanda, Katie, and Lacy. She continued to make memories on the farm all the days of her life. She always remained very close to her parents, a best friend to her sisters and a daddy’s girl until the very end.

She graduated from Pampa High School in 2003. Soon after she joined her father on an adventure to Wyoming to work with him on the pipeline. They made many lasting memories there—ones she fondly reflected on in her final days. She then followed her passion for culinary arts by attending the Galveston College Culinary Arts Academy, where she earned her degree. Galveston remained a home away from home for her. She and her family visited frequently, and many beloved friends remain there. Her love for cooking began at a young age, she was often enjoying time in the kitchen with her mother and sisters. Samantha fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening the Sweet Escape, a bakery in Pampa that she owned and operated with her sister Amanda. She loved nostalgia and tradition, often baking and cooking cherished family recipes passed down by her great-grandparents. Her love language was sharing those dishes with the people who enjoyed them most. Music was a huge representation of Samantha’s spirit. Sharing her favorite songs was one of her favorite pass times.

On October 22, 2011, Samantha married the love of her life, John Klause. Together they welcomed four beautiful children: Calvin (12), Sawyer (11), Ellie (7), and Behrett (5). Samantha was a devoted and loving wife and mother whose heart was always full. She cared for her children through sickness and health, embodying the true spirit of a Mama Bear. In nearly every photo, her children can be seen wrapped around her neck in tight hugs and bright smiles. She passed on her unique passions and traits to each of her wonderful children, leaving a legacy of love that will live on in them.

Samantha was also a fun-loving cousin and loyal friend. Time and distance meant little to her, as she maintained close friendships that continued to grow over the years. She often referred to these friends as her “soul sisters.”

In her final days, she was surrounded by loved ones, sharing both laughter and tears as they remembered her favorite moments. She expressed deep gratitude for her village and the wonderful life she had been given, and she spoke often of her parents, whose endless, unconditional love and support meant everything to her. Samantha’s bright smile and spunky spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Samantha was preceded in death by her grandparents, Bob and Fay Weldon and grandmother, Marie Kilcrease.

Survivors include her husband, John Klause; four children, Calvin, Sawyer, Ellie, and Behrett; parents, Russ and Debbie Kilcrease; sister, Amanda Tiedt and husband Anthony, Katie Haukebo and husband Sepp, and Lacy Allen and husband Blaine; grandfather, George Kilcrease; brother-in-law, Mark Klause and wife Kathryn; father and mother-in-law, Rod and Cindy Klause; She was Aunt Sammie to her nieces and nephews, Brekyn, Rylee, Finley, Lulah, Claira, Everly, Henry, Ava, Madison, and Evelyn; and numerous extended family.

In lieu of flower memorials can be sent to Rae of Sunshine Christian Foundation, c/o Jodi Cox, 3401 Golden Chestnut, Amarillo, Texas 79124.