Sandra Lee “Sandy” Bohnsack

Sandra Lee "Sandy" Bohnsack, a shining example of humor and heart, left us with a legacy of love and laughter on April 25, 2024. Sandy's life was a vibrant journey that started in Topeka, where she spent 86 years of her life and concluded in the loving community of Alma, KS, where she was surrounded by family and loved by the amazing staff at The Heritage Home, the place she had called home for the last four months. Sandy was the first resident of The Heritage Home.

Sandy's story is one of joy and zest; it started on March 24, 1937, in Topeka, KS, when she was born to parents Warren and Clara (Johnson) Lewis. Sandy was raised with three brothers: Mel Lewis, Allen K, and the late Rev. Richard Lewis. Her early years set the stage for a life filled with playful competition and spirited adventure. A proud Topeka High Trojan, Sandy's athleticism shone brightly as she started playing traveling softball at the age of 12, hitching rides with her coach because her parents did not have a car. She was well known for playing on various teams, including Ohse Meats and Ed Marling, Topeka's premier amateur women's softball teams. She graduated from Topeka High in 1955 and continued her education at Washburn University, where she studied physical education.

Although Sandy's first love in life was probably softball, she would expand her heart after she met her husband; at a softball game of course. She was introduced by one of her teammates, to Wallace Edward "Wally" "Eddie" Bohnsack. They were married on June 7, 1958, and had two children together: a daughter, Sheryl, and a son, Brian. Sandy was a stay-at-home mom while raising her children. She was very involved in her children's lives; volunteering with Brownies, Boy Scouts, school field trips, and supporting them in any way that she could. She later worked as a Hallmark Card merchandiser, which seemed very appropriate since she thought it was very important to send cards to people, especially for their birthday.

What Sandy will most be remembered for was her sense of humor. Everyone who knew her could tell you something humorous she had said or done.

Sandy lost her beloved husband in 1992 due to ongoing health challenges. After his death, and with her children raised, Sandy started volunteering for several environmental groups, including the Nature Conservancy and the Audubon Society. Sandy had a love of birds and birdwatching, and soon developed a love for traveling, when she joined a group that traveled all over the country looking for and observing birds and other wildlife. Her love of birds was passed on to her family, especially her great-granddaughters, who would often call "GiGi" to tell her about a bird they had seen. Anyone that ever-met Sandy will forever remember her love of birds and will think of her when they see them. Most people also knew that she despised squirrels because they would get on her bird feeds. She had a pretty good aim when she stuck her pink BB gun out her back door, "pinging" them to scare them off.

Sandy's love of sports stayed with her throughout her entire life. She could be found at a ballfield or court, supporting her grandchildren and great-granddaughters. Her love of sports also took her to the Kansas Senior Olympics multiple times, where she competed in pickleball, ping pong, shuffleboard, and bocce ball. Her love of bocce ball was shared with athletes participating in Boccia USA (wheelchair bocce), where she volunteered for many years.

Sandy was a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend to many. She leaves behind a legacy of memories in her children Sheryl (Ron) Thowe of Alma, KS, and Brian (Patty) Bohnsack of Wichita, KS, her grandchildren Trina (Kevin) Kohake, Christa (Brian) Johnson, Brandon (Kellie) Bohnsack, Emily Bohnsack, Tyler Bohnsack, bonus grandchildren Michaela, Emily (Eric Baldwin), and Jackson Stevens, brothers Mel Lewis and Allen K (Delores) Lewis, and sister-in-law Cheryl Lewis. The title that Sandy cherished most was "GiGi", as she was affectionately called by her five great-granddaughters Taegan, Kinley, and Shiloh Johnson, and Kaylin and Hailey Kohake.

Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother Rev. Richard Lewis and sister-in-law Carol Lewis.

A Celebration of Life will be held in memory of Sandy, on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at 2:00 in Alma, KS, at the Heritage Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Heritage Home to help purchase a wheelchair accessible vehicle to be used for senior appointments, outings and childcare field trips. Also to purchase bird seed for the bird feeders which Sandy enjoyed watching with her fellow residents.

Dress casually and come help us celebrate Sandy's amazing life!