Bonnie L. Sanderson

Bonnie Sanderson was born Bonnie Louise VanPelt, October 31, 1940, in Sabina, Ohio. Born to Mabel Louise McCoy VanPelt and Eugene Johnson VanPelt, she had 2 sisters.

She was preceded in death by her infant son, Matthew (1981); her father, Eugene (1980); her mother, Mabel (1997); and her sister, Norma Jean Smith (2011).

She is survived by her sister, Martha Kay Watkins (Steve) of Indian Trail, NC; her loving husband of 64 years, Ed; and her sons, Mark Sanderson (Jamie) of Tampa, FL, and Micah Sanderson (Noel) of Hays, KS.

Also remaining are her five grandchildren: Victoria Sanderson of Tampa, FL; Kasey Sanderson of Orlando, FL; Sierra Sanderson Carrier of Lake Havasu City, AZ; Samantha Sanderson of Hays, KS; and Coulter Sanderson of Hays, KS; and two great‑grandchildren, Alice Carrier and Abel Carrier, both of Lake Havasu City, AZ, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She married Ed on August 11, 1961. On their wedding day, she was 20.

Throughout their marriage, Bonnie served as a pastor’s wife, which she believed (besides her role as a mother) was her greatest call. She served in ministry at Ed’s side for over 60 years until she contracted COVID in 2022.

Some friends may remember that Bonnie was “famous” for frequent fender benders she had in various vehicles over the years. While no fault of her own, she was involved in a serious double fatality accident in January of 1960 where her best friend and another person died. Bonnie did not walk for 4 months. She was told she would probably never bear children.

While serving as a pastor’s wife in the various churches and denominations in which they were called, Bonnie was also a trained vocalist and musician; roles which she cherished. She often sang and played the piano in services for 60 years.

She majored in Music at Ohio University, and attended Circleville Bible College, and RHEMA Bible College.

In addition, Bonnie held a variety of work positions which included Teacher for Special Needs children, County Social Worker, Nurse’s Aide providing in-home care, and housekeeping.

After nearly 14 years of raising an only child, Mark, she bore another son, Micah, in 1977. Micah brought much happiness and joy to her 40’s and 50’s. She was nearly 60 when he graduated from Fort Hays University. She suffered the loss of a 3rd son, Matthew, who was born and died when Bonnie was 40.

While her older adult grandchildren lived many states away, she was thankful to be in the same state as her younger grandchildren, able to enjoy their childhood and teen years, sometimes attending their sporting and music events prior to the Pandemic.

Sadly, she was never able to travel to meet her great grandchildren.

In her later years, she suffered from COVID (2022) which affected her mobility thereafter. More recently, her health declined due to issues with her heart and lungs. She was a resident of Via Christi Village in Hays, KS, from March 2022 until her death.

During the pandemic she remained sharp mentally and retained her spry sense of humor despite her decline.

She is deeply missed by those whose lives were impacted by her life of service, music, motherhood, leadership, friendship, kindness, laughter, and love.

Memorial Services will be Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory – Brock’s Chapel, 2509 Vine Street Hays, Kansas 67601.

Memorials are suggested to: Hospice at HaysMed and/or CrossPoint Church – Hays Campus in care of the funeral chapel.

Cremation under the direction of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory – Brock’s Chapel, 2509 Vine Street Hays, Kansas 67601. Memories and words of comfort may be shared with Bonnie’s family on her tribute page via: www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com