Saundra Nell Carlson

Friday, June 30, 2023

Saundra Nell Carlson, age 85, a resident of Fort Scott, Kan., passed away Wednesday, June 28, 2023, in Fort Scott. She was born Dec. 19, 1937, in Stotesbury, Mo., the daughter of Ora Lynell Stuart and Rama Alexander Stuart. Saundra graduated from the Fort Scott High School with the Class of 1955. She married Ralph Carlson on Dec. 18, 1955, one day shy of her 18th birthday. Saundra faithfully supported Ralph throughout his career with the United States Navy. During his military service, they made their home in California, Washington State, Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, and Guam. Saundra diligently made a home wherever they were stationed. Following Ralph’s retirement from the Navy in 1975, they returned to Fort Scott. Saundra had an eye for detail and worked hard to restore several Fort Scott homes. She was also an accomplished seamstress and made numerous dresses, Halloween costumes, draperies and baby bedding. Other hobbies included painting, pottery and decorating cakes. She attended the First Presbyterian Church and the Diamond Community Church. Saundra will be remembered for her fierce personality and her ability to take on and complete any project she desired.

Survivors include her husband, Ralph, of the home; and two children, Tammie Oas (David) of Parsons, Kan., and Scott Carlson (Paula) of Kansas City, Mo.; three grandchildren, Noah Carlson (Jenny), Gabriel Carlson (Nina) and Leif Oas (Monica) and four great-grandchildren, Dalton, Delaney, Vincent and Avalene Carlson and numerous nieces and nephews. Saundra was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Patricia Burton.

Pastor Joan Koller will conduct funeral services at 10 a.m. Monday, July 3 at the First Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow in the U.S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.