Sandra Lee Emley, 88, died peacefully the morning of October 14, 2023 at the Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice House in Manhattan, Kansas.
Sandra (Isaacson) Emley was born in Yorktown, Iowa on March 23, 1935, the second of five children born to Julius and Clevia (Hartman) Isaacson. Sandra grew up in Yorktown and attended and graduated from Clarinda High School being active in church, service, and social groups along with being a cheerleader. Upon graduation she began working for a law firm. Unbeknownst to Sandra, a handsome young man and military veteran timed a visit to his father’s car care business around lunchtime each day when he knew a pretty young woman named Sandra would be walking by. He would later ask her out and after she set a clear expectation of rules regarding alcohol consumption and lack thereof, they dated and on March 18, 1956, were married at the United Methodist Church in Yorktown, Iowa.
Don’s work took them to Oklahoma for eleven years where all four children Mark, Scott, and twins Julie and Terri were born. From there his work took them to Manhattan, Kansas in 1967 on a sweltering August day, and Sandra was not certain it was the exact climate for their best life. Fifty-six years later, she would tell you that Manhattan, Kansas is the best, and the place God most wanted them to be.
Don and Sandra immediately joined First United Methodist Church in Manhattan and over the years Sandra served and led administrative committees, Sunday School classes and Bible studies, as Lay Leader and certified Lay Speaker, and on the Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits where she advocated for Pastors to have adequate health and long-term care benefits. She was awarded the Harry Denman Evangelism award for the Annual Conference, given to lay persons for invitation, hospitality, and care for community members who later joined the church.
After serving a number of years in an administrative position with a financial firm, Sandra started her own business, Professional Planning Service which she would own and lead for 20 years. Sandra would tell anyone that the foundation for her success was working with the utmost integrity and honesty, and building relationships with the clients she served - those with expansive portfolios no differently than those with minimal resources, “They all deserved my best. My business was built on New Testament vs Philippians 4:13 ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’” Sandra also credited husband Don and her children for their willingness to step up at home when she was working long hours and couldn’t see to all the details of the household.
Sandra was a member of the following organizations: Business and Professional Women, Chamber of Commerce, Manhattan Rotary Club, charter member KSU McCain Auditorium Board, President’s Advisory Council of Insurance Company. Along with being a charter member of the McCain Auditorium Board, Sandra was a member of the KSU President’s Club, the KSU Foundation Board of Trustees, and the KSU Cancer Research Board.
Out of all Sandra’s professional and personal accomplishments, and the list is extensive, Sandra took most joy and pride in her love and friendship with husband Don, and their four children. She marveled at their high character, accomplishments, and their own families. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her much delight and life, and she simply sparkled when talking about their independence and strength. She also loved her siblings and with sisters Julane and Susan, in 1991 started the annual event “Gals Weekend” for all the women in the family to travel together, share fun and laughter and food, and simply grow closer in relationship and care across the generations.
Sandra was very much at peace with the journey in front of her. The living and sustaining faith she developed along with the strength of her family and community gave her the gift of moving into eternity without fear.
Sandra was preceded in death by Parents Julius and Clevia (Hartman) Isaacson, brothers, Darrell “D.D.” (Ethel) Isaacson; and Gary (Hazel) Isaacson. Survivors include husband Don of Manhattan, Kansas; son Mark Emley (Rebecca), Overland Park, KS; son Scott Emley (DeeAnn), Manhattan, KS; daughters Julie Swank and Terri Emley (Nanette) of Olathe, KS. Grandchildren Michael Emley, Overland Park; Anna (Stuart) Petty, Brookside, MO; Kailen (Derrick) Jacobsen; Manhattan, KS; Ryan Emley (Amber) Manhattan, KS; Rebeccah Swank, Merriam, KS; Rachel Swank, Denver, CO.; and Matthew Shrader, Salina, KS.; and five beloved great-grandchildren; Sisters, Julane Borth (Bill) Oklahoma City, OK; and Susan Jungman, Council Bluffs, IA; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, October 20th, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 21st, at the First United Methodist Church, 612 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.
Memorial contributions may be made to either the First United Methodist Church or Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice, Inc. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.