Norma Jean Sander, 93, passed away March 10, 2026, at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, Larned, Kan. She was born on Aug. 6, 1932, in Ellis, Kan., to Florian and Clara (Rohleder) Engel. On Feb. 12, 1952, she married Wilmer ‘Wimpy’ Sander. He passed on Aug. 19, 2012.

A long-time resident of Great Bend, Norma Jean worked at Mr. D’s IGA and as a cashier at Dillons Store #51. She was a member of Prince of Peace Parish, Altar Society and Daughters of Isabella. Norma Jean was a loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family.

Survivors include son, Keith Sander and wife Shirley of Turpin, Okla.; daughters, Kathy Levingston and partner Marvin Ward of Great Bend, Karen Lofland of Great Bend, and Kimberly Donovan of Hoisington; ten grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; sister, Elgerine Gross of Hays; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband; parents; three brothers, Clayton Engel, Darrell Engel, and Verlin Engel; two sisters, Imelda Karlin and Phyllis Stuart; and son-in-law, James Lofland.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, with Father Amirtharajan Duraisamy presiding. Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be held from noon to 8 p.m. Monday, March 16, 2026, with Altar Society Rosary at 4 p.m., family receiving guests from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Vigil Service with Daughters of Isabella Rosary at 7 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials have been designated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or EWTN, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 14, 2026