Frances Kay Sanders

Frances Kay Sanders, 78, of Newton, Kansas, passed away Sunday, June 21, 2026, at Newton Medical Center.

She was born on August 6, 1947, in Marion, Kansas to parents Lyle and Esther (Bredemeier) Sanders, who preceded her in death.

Frances was a member of Marion High School’s class of 1965. While raising three daughters, she earned her EMT-I certification and worked for the Emergency Medical Services in Greensburg, Kansas. Frances then spent the rest of her working years at Northern Natural Gas Company in Mullinville, Kansas. She started as a maintenance worker, then worked in operations, until she became the gas plant’s first female shift foreman. Frances retired from Northern Natural after 25 years.

Frances 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 also 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, Kansas; daughter and son-in-law, Kris and David Page of McPherson, Kansas; daughter and son-in-law, Kelli and Craig Yost of Wilmore, Kansas; grandchildren: Erin (Mark) Griger, Quinten (Kelsey) Spicer, Archer Page, Madison Yost, Ethan Yost, Elleson Yost, and Cy Yost; and three great granddaughters: Jenna, Julia, and Allison. She is also survived by brother and sister-in-law, Harvey and Betty Sanders; nephew, Doug (Jennifer) Vogel; niece, Debbie (Greg) Finley; niece, Carol Laue; and niece, Christine Laue.

Besides her parents, Frances was also preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Sonja and Roland Vogel.

A celebration of Frances’ life will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Marion Christian Church in Marion, Kansas. Burial will follow at Marion Cemetery. Memorial donations can be payable to Marion Christian Church, and left in the care of Petersen Funeral Home, Newton, Kansas.

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