Sally "Sara" Stansbury

Sally “Sara” Stansbury, age 86, of Hays, Kansas passed away peacefully on March 15, 2023 with her family by her side. She was born on October 8, 1936, the daughter of William and Myrtle (Buffon) Austin in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas.

She attended the Cottonwood Falls public schools and upon graduation from high school, Sally enrolled at Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia to begin work on requirements for a degree in education. After one year, Sally transferred to Washburn University in Topeka where she completed degree requirements and graduated in the spring of 1958. She was involved in several activities at Washburn and became a member of the Alpha Phi sorority.

On June 28, 1958 she was united in marriage to James Stansbury, whom she met at Washburn. They then moved to Ellis, Kansas where Jim had been hired for a teaching and coaching position in the Ellis public school system. After 8 years, they moved to Hays when Jim was selected for an instructor’s position on the Fort Hays State University College of Education faculty.

Sally enjoyed life in Hays. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, serving one 3-year term on the Session and a number of years as the church’s part time secretary. She was very proud of her membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution and was an active member of this organization as well as in the PEO. She also served several years as a part time secretary for the Ellis County Historical Society. Sally’s favorite leisure time activity was playing bridge and she was a member of a number of local bridge clubs over the years. She also enjoyed the numerous bus tours that she, Jim Chuck, Jerri, and Tom took after Jim retired.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Patti and brother, Bill.

Sally is survived by her husband Jim, daughter Jerri Black(Terry Tavis), Son Bill (Lori), Chuck, and grandson Tom Black (Erica), Jim’s brother Gary Stansbury (Pat) and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service for Sally will be Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 10:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church, 2900 Hall Street, Hays, KS 67601 with Rev. Christine Wagner officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials for Sally are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church, DSNWK, or the Arc Park. Contributions made payable to the organization of your choice may be sent in care of Keithley Funeral Homes PO Box 86 Hays, KS 67601.

Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com