Saundra Sue Dunsworth, 82, of Wichita, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2026, with family and friends by her side. She was born January 9, 1944, in Vallejo, California, to Clifford and Roseamond Lee “Rhodie” (Pierson) Dunsworth.

Saundra graduated from Hutchinson High School and Hutchinson Community College. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Emporia State University and Master of Arts in Education from Wichita State University. She then took extended courses from Wichita State University and the University of Arizona.

Saundra lived a life defined by teaching, travel, flying, generosity, a deep love for fine experiences, and a bright, stylish spirit.

For 41 years, Saundra dedicated her heart to teaching kindergarten. She was meticulous in being prepared for her students.

Her love for children extended far beyond the classroom each year, she devoted countless hours to organizing and packing Operation Christmas Child Boxes to be sent to children across the globe. She would send Christmas cards to her students along with friends and family. Her most recent list had over 230 names on it.

During the summer Saundra would take her mother, Roseamond, and her 300ZX packed with her tent, sleeping bags, cots, and cooler to Colorado. She cherished these moments with her mother and nature.

After retirement in 2009, she loved exploring the world collecting unforgettable memories from Europe, Egypt, Greece, Turkey, Peru, Morocco, and across the continents to Australia and New Zealand. She would ride a camel every chance she got.

Saundra also loved to fly and took lessons towards getting a private pilot’s license as well as being an active member of the Commemorative Air Force. She was an avid reader and was a member of two book clubs. She enjoyed watching her father and brothers race cars at local dirt tracks. Attending the Kansas State Fair was a precious tradition for her. Saundra was a member of the First Christian Church in Hutchinson and participated in the Christian Women's Fellowship.

Saundra is survived by her sister, Gail Knott of Wichita; brothers, Steve Dunsworth and Rick Dunsworth and wife Patty, all of Hutchinson; four nieces; four nephews; many great-nieces and nephews; many extended family members; best friend, Dee Hess of Wichita; good friends, Gary and Gina Hamm of Wichita; and many others whom will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister-in-law, Marilyn Dunsworth; and brother-in-law, Larry Knott.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday, October 2, 2026, at Elliott Chapel, with Pastor Les Wedel officiating. Burial will follow in Eastside Cemetery, Hutchinson.

The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed by clicking here beginning at 9:45 a.m. the day of the service.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Elliott Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Christian Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main St., Hutchinson, KS 67501.