J. Elizabeth Gleason Sanford

March 30, 1926 - June 18, 2019

Josephine Elizabeth (Liz) Gleason Sanford, 93, a lifelong resident of Columbus, KS, passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at her home, surrounded by her family. Elizabeth (Liz) was born in Columbus on March 30, 1926, the daughter of Claude C. and Pauline D. (Scott) Bradney. She grew up and attended Columbus schools, graduating from Cherokee County Community High School in 1943. She attended Kansas State Teachers College (Pittsburg) and graduated from The University of Kansas in 1948 with a degree in Political Science. On March 7, 1948 she married William D. (Bill) Gleason, Columbus. He preceded her in death on August 13, 1982. On April 15, 1989 she married Jack G. Sanford, Saratoga, CA. After living three years in California, they made their home in Columbus. He preceded her in death on August 18, 2010. Elizabeth and her husband Bill owned and operated Gleason Photography Studio in Columbus during the 1950’s. After building their home at 301 California Ave. (mid-1950’s) the family enjoyed large gardens every summer. She was an excellent cook and spent summers canning produce, making jellies, etc. She was active in scouting as a young girl and later served as a Girl Scout troop leader and Boy Scout den mother while her children were involved in scouting. For 22 years she served as a social worker for the Cherokee County SRS, retiring in 1989. After retirement, Liz and her husband Jack spent 19 winters in Mesa, AZ where they enjoyed singing in the Valley Del Oro choir and participating in numerous activities. Liz was a member of PEO and was named a Golden Girl (50 year member) in 2010. During her years in PEO she was actively involved in Chapters in Columbus, Saratoga, CA and Mesa, AZ. Elizabeth was a member of Mothers Club and UMW (United Methodist Women). She was a life-long, active member of the First United Methodist Church of Columbus, serving on numerous boards, working at the Thrift Shop and singing in the church choir. She enjoyed playing bridge, cooking, gardening, painting, photography and cheering on her alma mater - the Kansas Jayhawks. Elizabeth loved her hometown of Columbus. Her parents modeled the importance of serving others, which she did as well and passed on to her children. Recalling numerous events in the town during her lifetime, perhaps the most memorable was the tornado of 1938, which occurred on her 12th birthday. Survivors include her three children: Cheryl Gleason, Topeka; Brad (Cindy) Gleason, Columbus; and Brent Gleason, Grove, OK; two step-sons: Jack (Patti) Sanford, Reno, NV and Kenneth (Jennifer) Sanford, Tempe, AZ; thirteen grandchildren: Matthew (Jill) Gleason, Lincoln, NE; Meredith (Clint) Mosley, Oronogo, MO; Michael (Savannah) Gleason, Bolivar, MO; Amber (Dylan) Rooke, Pittsburgh, PA; Tyler (Natalee) Gleason, Joplin, MO; Aly Gleason, Carthage, MO; Ryan (Lincoln) Gleason, Carthage, MO; Caitlyn (John) Humphrey, Phoenix, AZ; Matthew, Joseph and Nathan Sanford, Tempe, AZ; Sarah and Andrea Sanford, Reno, NV; and eight great grandchildren: Jasmine, Ian and Jesse Mosley (Oronogo, MO); Margaret, Mallory and Megan Gleason (Bolivar, MO), Gracelynn and Lennex Gleason (Joplin, MO); Kenrick Julian Rooke (Pittsburgh, PA). She is also survived by her sister-in-law Ruth Bradney (Pittsburg); sister-in-law Beverly White (St. Louis, MO) and several nieces and nephews (Boulware and Bradney). She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, her sister Jeanne Boulware and her brother Edd Bradney. A celebration of life will be conducted on Friday, June 21 at 10:00 AM at the First United Methodist Church in Columbus. Burial will take place following the service at Park Cemetery, Columbus. A visitation with family members will take place on Thursday, June 20 at Bath-Naylor Funeral Home, Columbus from 6:30-8:00 PM. Bath-Naylor Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials have been established with the First United Methodist Church, Columbus and the Columbus Girl Scouts. Donations may be sent to Bath-Naylor Funeral Home, 611 S. E. Street, Columbus, KS 66725.