Molly Ann Sanger

Molly Ann Burrell Sanger, age 94, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2025, in Oklahoma City, surrounded by her family and love. She was one of a kind-fabulous, joyful, and deeply cherished.
Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, on December 27, 1930, Molly was the daughter of Mildred and Robert Burrell, and was later blessed with a devoted bonus father, Chris Christianson. She attended Grossmont High School in La Jolla, California, and went on to San Diego State College, where she was crowned "The Fairest of the Fair" at the Blue Book Festival-a title that reflected her lifelong beauty and grace. During her college summers, she worked at Yosemite National Park, where her appreciation for nature first blossomed.
Molly later made her home in Oklahoma City before settling in Tulsa, where she lived for more than 40 years. She was a devoted mother to her four children and could almost always be found in the kitchen or the garden. She delighted in preparing homemade meals-everything from blackberry cobblers and peach milkshakes to warm, gooey fudge. Her peanut butter cookies, always baked just a touch too long, became a family favorite. Her great-grandchildren especially treasured decorating gingerbread men topped with her signature hard red hots.
A gifted gardener, Molly filled her yard with every bloom imaginable. While gardenias were her favorite fragrance, she also adored peonies and David Austin roses. She loved sending guests home with fresh flowers in bud vases, a small but meaningful gesture of her generosity.
Professionally, Molly enjoyed a successful 30-year career as a realtor with McGraw Davidson in Tulsa. She cared deeply for her clients, many of whom became lifelong friends.
Molly's home was a haven of comfort, laughter, and joy. She created treasured memories-sleepovers with Vita-Bath bubble baths, gently tickling her grandchildren's backs until they fell asleep, and waking them with pancakes topped with homemade whipped cream and strawberries. She swam and walked daily, eagerly anticipating the opening of the pool each summer.
Her positivity was unmatched. If it rained, she reminded everyone that the flowers needed it. If it was hot, she delighted in the chance to nap in the sunshine. Always beautiful and put together, she carried herself with grace, style, and a sparkle for life. She loved a good party and never turned down a celebratory drink or two.
Above all, Molly was ours-our steady source of love, laughter, and the shining example of how to live joyfully. Her spirit is already felt all around us, and she will be dearly missed.
Molly is survived by her children: Sarah Sanger, Sandy Sanger Ellis, Dana Sanger Gordon and her husband Chris Gordon, and Tod Sanger and his wife Diane Sanger. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Bryan Gordon and his wife Kate, Paige Dougherty and her husband Ben, Brittany Turman and her husband Austin, Christina Francis and her husband Nick, Callie Athey and her husband Matthew, Trent Sanger, and Boone Ellis and his wife Lara; as well as 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister and many lifelong friends.
A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family gratefully requests that memorial contributions in Molly's name be made to the Tulsa Garden Center at Woodward Park. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of MOLLY, please visit our Tree Store.