Saundra Rongish

Saundra Rongish, beloved daughter, mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother was a devout Catholic and family woman. She lived a full life of servanthood! She loved to nourish family and friends with her delicious homemade meals and brighten spirits with hours of fun playing board games. She also provided a warm and safe home for many pets, always volunteered and tithe to give to those in need, and ultimately changed her career to match her servant lifestyle – working as a Registered Nurse at St. Francis Hospital in the transplant unit.

Saundra passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at Sunrise of Lenexa, Lenexa, KS.

Saundra was born on July 27, 1939, in Wichita, KS, the daughter of Paul and Florence (Utley) Vanspeybroeck aka Vann. She married Gerald “Jerry” Rongish on February 1, 1964, in Wichita, KS. Together they built a beautiful family. She is sorely missed by her sons, Joseph P. (Rachael) Rongish, Patrick Vincent, Timothy J. (Sabi) Rongish, brother, John (Nancy) Vanspeybroeck, three grandchildren, Megan, Nathan, and Kaitlyn Rongish, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Saundra was also preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and siblings, Leon Vanspeybroeck, Caroline Vanspeybroeck, and sister-in-law Erin Vanspeybroeck.

Saundra loved to travel, explore, meet new people and experience new cultures. She was always learning: earning a Chemistry degree at KU and a Nursing degree at WSU. She was an avid reader, favoring historical fiction and biographies. She was well-versed in current events, political issues and investments. She was an advocate for equality and justice. She was an excellent, empathetic listener. She always stood out as the nicest person ever. She was a very sweet and caring person.

We rejoice in Saundra’s love of Mary and Christ and celebrate her homecoming! Funeral services for Saundra will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence, KS with a visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. A Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery and afterwards a funeral lunch at Corpus Christi Church, Lawrence, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Relief Services or Oxfam .