IN MEMORIAM

EXPANDED EULOGIES

“In Memoriam” listings are expanded paid obituaries, phrased largely as the family requests, and may include enhanced information or photographs that might not fit within free death notices.

Frances Sanders

A celebration of life for Frances Kay Sanders, 78, Newton, who passed away Sunday, June 21, 2026, at NMC Health, will be 10 a.m. Friday, July 17, 2026, at Marion Christian Church. Burial will follow at Marion Cemetery.

All who are able to attend are invited to wear a touch of the color yellow, Frances’ favorite color.

Frances was born on Aug. 6, 1947, in Marion, Kansas to Lyle and Esther (Bredemeier) Sanders, who preceded her in death. She was a member of Marion High School’s class of 1965.

While raising three daughters, she earned her certification as an emergency medical technician and worked for Emergency Medical Services in Greensburg.

Frances spent the rest of her working years at Northern Natural Gas Co. in Mullinville. She started as a maintenance worker, worked in operations, and became the gas plant’s first female shift foreman.

Frances retired from Northern Natural after 25 years.

She enjoyed growing flowers, spoiling her little dogs, knitting scarves, and crocheting kitchen scrubbies.

She also enjoyed family get-togethers and volunteering at Marion Christian Church.

She made many loaves of banana bread and a countless number of frosted Christmas sugar cookies, which eventually became “frost your own cookies.”

She was a big fan of Elvis Presley and had a large collection of Elvis memorabilia.

Frances loved her family and was a loyal friend. If anyone was in need, she would help if she was able.

Frances is survived by daughter and son-in-law Kim and Scott Spicer of Newton; daughter and son-in-law Kris and David Page of McPherson; daughter and son-in-law, Kelli and Craig Yost of Wilmore; Kansas; grandchildren Erin (and husband Mark) Griger, Quinten (and wife Kelsey) Spicer, Archer Page, Madison Yost, Ethan Yost, Elleson Yost, and Cy Yost; and great granddaughters Jenna, Julia, and Allison.

She is also survived by brother and sister-in-law Harvey and Betty Sanders; nephew Doug (and wife Jennifer) Vogel; and nieces Debbie (and husband Greg) Finley, Carol Laue, and Christine Laue.

In addition to her parents, sister and brother-in-law Sonja and Roland Vogel preceded her in death.

Memorial donations can be payable to Marion Christian Church and left in the care of Petersen Funeral Home, Newton.