Mary Louise Sauer

Mary Lou graduated from Northwestern University in 1944 with a degree in Music Education.

In 1944, she married Gordon Chenoweth Sauer, M.D. Together they raised four children settling in Kansas City in 1955.

Mary Lou was an accomplished musician and active in civic affairs. Her gift to others was playing the piano and singing in various choirs. She loved the opera, too—attending performances of the Lyric well into her nineties.

She was a proud member of the Westport chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution for 38 years. Other civic work included Philharmonic League, President 1959-60; Lyric Opera Guild, Membership Chair 1960; Kansas City Chamber Choir, Co-Chairman 1972-1975; Women’s Council U.M.K.C. Board of Directors 1977-80; UMKC Conservatory of Music, Trustee 1980-82; American Guild of Organists 1974-81; and Board of Women’s Fellowship 1960-66.

Predeceased by her parents, Maurice and Katherine Kieffer Steinhilber; her sisters, Ruth Moore, Margaret Roberts, and Kassie Westlake; the father of her children, Dr. Gordon Sauer; son-in-law, Mike Doyle; and her daughter, Margaret Louise Sauer.

She is survived by her daughters, Elisabeth Sauer, Mission, KS, and Amy Doyle, Littleton, CO, and her son and his wife, Gordon and Teresa Sauer, Irving, TX, six grandchildren and their spouses, and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Mary Lou lived to be nearly 102 and many thanks to those who helped her especially in the last decade of her life.

We are grateful to the caring staff of Armour Oaks Care Center and Brighton Hospice who ensured she lived out her days in a safe and dignified manner. We appreciate Charles and Punky Thomas for their continuous support throughout the years and inclusion in their family’s holidays and celebrations.

Mary Louise Sauer was a woman of faith and a congregant of Second Presbyterian Church for over 70 years.

There will be a celebration of her life at a reception at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO on July 7, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Mary Lou Sauer to the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, 1725 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64108.