Bobbye Jean Sanderson went home to be with her Lord and Savior on November 8, 2023, at the age of 87 in Independence, Missouri. She was born on July 5, 1936, in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Bobbye was a devoted Christian, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She was also a cherished sister and friend.

Bobbye is survived by her four daughters: Christy Shelton (Paul) of Oak Grove, Mo., Jackie Nixon of Blue Springs, Mo., Lori Sanderson of Athens, Ga., Gayla Hay (Doug) of Lee’s Summit, Mo., and her son-in-law, Jeff Kunkle of Blue Springs, Mo. She leaves behind a legacy of love and ten grandchildren: Bill Shelton, Carrie Farrell (Ron), Sarah Motley, Christopher Shelton, Jocelyn Nixon, Jacob Nixon (Lisa), Abby Spence (Tom), Andrew Hay (Laken), Kyle Hay (Katheryne), Cody Reddell (Nancy). Seventeen great-grandchildren also mourn her loss: Calei Farrell, Hannah Farrell (Don), Gracelyn Farrell, Meghan and Blaine Shelton, Emerson Guthrie, Kane Motley, Patrick and Parker Nixon, Rory and Cameron Hay, Isaiah, Sebastian, and Christian Reddell, Maizlyn Hay, Wyatt, and Morgen Spence. Her great-great-grandson, Kaizyn Jones, will carry her memory forward.

Bobbye is preceded in death by her parents, Christopher and Johnnye Ables, her mother Flora Goodin, a sister Marie, and her great-granddaughter Madison Shelton. She is also survived by her two brothers: William (Billy) Downs of Prairie Hill, Tx., Joseph Christopher Ables of Vicksburg, and her sister Sandra Ables Reed of Vicksburg, Ms. Additionally, she leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss her dearly.

Bobbye graduated from Culkin Academy in Vicksburg, Mississippi. She had a successful career, working as an executive secretary for Nelly Dons in Kansas City during the 1960s and later retiring as an office manager from Jetz Service Company in Kansas City. During the 1970s, Bobbye co-owned the Country Kitchen restaurant and X-Pert Plumbing and Heating, both in Grain Valley.

Bobbye was a member of the First Baptist Church of Grain Valley, where she found solace and strength in her faith. She worshipped with her fellow congregation members and found great comfort in her spiritual community.

In her free time, Bobbye enjoyed pursuing her hobbies of sewing, quilting, and crocheting. She lovingly crafted quilts and afghans for her family and friends, spreading warmth and love through her handmade creations. Bobbye’s generosity extended beyond her loved ones, as she donated lap quilts to the elderly and baby quilts to the NICU unit at Research Hospital, honoring the memory of her great-granddaughter, Madison.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on December 9, 2023, at First Baptist Church of Grain Valley at 11:00 AM. The burial will be private, taking place at Perdee Cemetery in Grain Valley, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Harbor Hospice of Missouri. Bobbye’s compassion for others is reflected in this charitable choice.

Bobbye Jean Sanderson will be remembered for her unwavering faith, love for her family, and her dedication to helping others. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of all those who were fortunate to have known her.

Obituary submitted by family.

Arrangements:  Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO   816-847-4441