Sandra Lander

Sandra “Sandy” Cantrell Lander, 85, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2025, surrounded by family who adored her beyond measure. She was born on April 10, 1940, to Helen and Dutch Cantrell and was the proud oldest sibling to her sister, LeAnn, and brother, Dick.

Sandy married the love of her life, Frank “Junior” Lander, on July 17, 1965. Together they welcomed two children, Debra and Wade. When Frank accepted a position with Beech Aircraft, the family moved to Wichita before settling in Mulvane, where they lived side by side for many years. Their life together was an adventure—literally. Sandy and Frank traveled often, camped regularly, bicycled across the United States (and even abroad!), danced their way through countless two-step nights, and enjoyed many cruises over the decades. Through it all—including Sandy’s courageous journey with breast cancer—their love and resilience never wavered.

Sandy spent 41 years successfully selling Avon, earning multiple sales awards. She also enjoyed many years in several bowling leagues, where she made lifelong friends. Sandy was known for being on-time, the keeper of everyone’s secrets (a title she took very seriously), and although she wasn’t known for her cooking, she made a legendary popcorn cake.

She was a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother. Sandy and Frank loved taking their grandkids camping—especially to Devil’s Den in Arkansas—and they rarely missed their grandchildren's softball, volleyball, wrestling, swimming, and band events. They would travel, camp, and even bring their bicycles along to whatever town the events were in. If family was involved, Sandy was there—faithfully, joyfully, and without hesitation.

Sandy is survived by her children, Debra and Wade and his wife Terrie; her grandchildren Aaron, Amber, Rylee and her husband Dane, and Courtlynn and her husband Zach; and her great-grandchildren Austin, Krystal, Karen, Case, and Rayna. She is also survived by her siblings LeAnn and Dick and his wife Shirley, along with many extended family members and friends.

Visitation will take place from 10-11am on Monday, January 5, 2026, prior to service. Funeral service to celebrate her life will be held at 11am on January 5, 2026, both at Smith Family Mortuary, with burial to follow at Mulvane Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Her warmth, her devotion to family, and her one-of-a-kind spirit will be missed more than words can capture.