Sally Mae Pence

Sally Mae Pence, amazing wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to so many, passed from this world to the next after gracing the earth with her presence for the past 78 years. The sun was shining, the daffodils were blooming and the promise of spring was in the air as Sally was surrounded by her family at her home in Augusta, Kansas when she gave up her battle with lung cancer. Heaven gained a beautiful and spunky soul on April 3, 2021. Sally Mae Attebery was born in 1942 in Kansas City, Missouri. The second child and only daughter of Helen and Ben Attebery and sister to Ben Jr., Sally grew up in Paola, Kansas. Running around farm country with her brother Ben and cousins Marvin and Marita helped form the spunky, sassy and loyal character that only grew stronger as she made her journey through life Sally met her future husband, Doug Pence, while attending Kansas State University. They were married in the summer of 1964. Sally worked as a nurse, supporting Doug as he attended medical school and they started their family. Their love was complex and steadfast, setting the tone for a family characterized by togetherness and a fierce dedication to each other. Their journey together would take them to California, Germany and New York before settling down in Wichita, Kansas in 1976, eventually getting back to their roots when moving to their farmstead in Augusta. In addition to being a nurse, and nurse instructor, Sally was the manager at the Via Christi St. Francis Gift Shop for many years. A woman of determination and drive, Sally was called to service as a volunteer, a fearless leader in every role she had. Sally excelled at her volunteer work, having received many awards over the years, including the Minneha Elementary Volunteer of the Year Award, Wichita USD 259’s Good Apple Award, the National Association of Partners in Education Outstanding School Volunteer Award, and Via Christi’s Star of the Moment and Partners in Caring Awards. She went on to become President of the St. Francis Medical Auxiliary, leading others in volunteer service that benefitted so many to this day. Many notes and letters were written about Sally throughout various nomination process, but one stands out as a pure example of her servant nature. While involved with Minneha Elementary PTO, there was a child from another school district who had a true need to be part of Minneha’s transitional 1st grade program. Unfortunately, the parent was unable to arrange the transportation needed to make this happen, so Sally drove this child to and from school for the entire year. This act of service exemplifies the endless unselfish nature that Sally was known for throughout her life. Sally was outstanding in many endeavors over the years, but what she excelled at most was being a friend. She was a friend to her family, both close and extended, and she was friend to countless others who came in and out of her life, many staying and eventually becoming part of the extended family. With her first grandchild came her most important moniker, “Granky.” She was Granky to not only her kids and grandkids, but to so many of their friends as well - a living example of acceptance and inclusion to each and every person she met. To know Sally was to love and admire the person that she was. One word that is often used to describe Sally is “amazing.” One of the many qualities that made Sally so amazing was her ability to welcome and accept without judgement. Sally gathered any and all into her circle, and once you were there, you never wanted to leave. Sally loved and accepted you as you were. Sally was known to “go with the flow” - she enjoyed life and made her way. Her glass was always half full, and she always reminded others of this truth. Sally was preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Ben Attebery; and her brother, Ben Attebery Jr. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Doug Pence; their daughters, Jenifer Pence (Tim), Stephanie Edenstrom, and Katie Brugger (Tom); four granddaughters, Alicia Edenstrom, Emily Geels (Derek), Marissa Edenstrom (Shane) and Clara Brugger; one grandson, Douglas Pence; two great-grandsons, Luke and William Geels; her sister-in-law, Sharon Attebery; her two nieces, Andrea Weddle (Paul) and Sara Slocum (Shayne); and her nephew, John Attebery; as well as a truly endless list of family members and friends. Sally was most definitely well loved! “The purpose of life is to count, to stand for something, to have it make a difference that we have lived at all.” Sally made a difference to so many, she taught us all how to live. Sally Pence will be missed beyond measure, but she will never be forgotten. Viewing will be from 9 am - 9 pm on Wednesday, April 7 and from 9 am - 4 pm on Thursday, April 8; Visitation will be from 4:30 pm - 7 pm, Thursday, April 8, all at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary, 6555 E. Central, Wichita. Memorial contributions in Sally’s name may be made to Children’s Mercy Hospital and the American Cancer Society. A memorial celebration and spreading of her ashes is being planned for a later date.