Even in her last days Saundra (Sandy) Kay Badgett (Bruce) cared for others on this earth. Sandy loved her family fiercely and gave the best hugs around, especially to her 6 grandkids (and one on the way). A leader to the end, she will be remembered for her generous heart, her legacy of hope, the way she cherished the small moments, and the countless ways she loved those around her as her Father in heaven would have wanted.
Sandy was born on September 19, 1950, in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, to Edward and Eloise Bruce. The third of five children she wasn’t afraid to lead the little siblings that became known as “Sandy’s Dandys.” A child of an Army Colonel, she moved almost every year of her life growing up and constantly amazed her own Kansas kids with the phrase “I lived in that state!” Sandy graduated from Balboa High School, Panama Canal Zone in 1968, and was valedictorian in a class of 450.
She attended Oklahoma State University, and graduated with a B.S. in Math Education and a minor in Spanish. While there she met and married Joe D. Badgett on July 31, 1971 in Dallas, Texas. The adventure continued with 3 kids starting with Matt (1975) born at Plattsburgh Air Force Base; then Laura (1976) in Stillwater, Oklahoma, while pursuing further studies; and finally to Thomas (1980) in Overland Park, KS, where the roots began to grow deep. Family was the greatest joy of her life.
She fell in love with Jesus as an 8 year old little girl, and continued to tell His story throughout her life. A gifted communicator she regularly spoke truth about God’s love and is widely known as one the best note and Hallmark card writers around. She boldly led in multiple ministry positions in Kansas City area churches including Emmanuel Baptist Church and Lenexa Baptist Church. A teacher at heart, she has made a lasting impact on countless women and children in ministry roles and mentored others to do the same.
She was preceded in death by her father, Edward; her mother, Eloise; her brother, Michael; her brother, Robert; and her daughter Laura. She is survived by her husband Joe, sons Matt (Claire) and Thomas (Karen), son in law John (Marisa, daughter by grace) and Grandkids Cooper, Colin, Oliver, Tyler, Haley, Etta, and one grandson on the way.
But what would she want you to know? She would deeply desire for you to know the love of Jesus like she did. She lived a life of testimony to a personal relationship with a heavenly Father that filled her with hope and joy that resulted in love to all those around her.
Mom loved flowers, but she would have wanted us to take the opportunity to impact others. The Leave a Legacy Foundation was created for her daughter with the mission of strengthening the Cancer Fighting Resources in southwest Kansas. In lieu of flowers we ask that memorial contributions be directed to the Leave a Legacy Foundations at https://whodoyourunfor.org/donate/.
There will be a visitation on Thursday, September 27 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. followed by a Funeral Service on Friday, September 28, from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Both services will be held at Lenexa Baptist Church 15320 W 87th St Pkwy, Lenexa, KS 66219. Burial to follow at Leavenworth National Cemetery.
“We continually remember before our God and Father . . . your work produced by faith; your labor prompted by love; and your endurance inspired by hope.” I Thessalonians 1:3
We love you Sandy, and know that you are enjoying this “blue sky day!”