Sally Anne von Waaden

She was born on October 5, 1941, in Manhattan, Kansas, and was a proud third-generation Kansan. She attended Kansas State University, where she met Dennis C. von Waaden. The two soon fell in love and were married in September 1961, beginning a marriage that would span nearly 65 years.

Together, Sally and Dennis built a life centered on faith, family, and enduring commitment. Early in their marriage, Sally stood faithfully beside Dennis through open heart surgery, a reflection of the strength, devotion, and steadfast love that would define their life together. They eventually made their home in Kansas City, where they began raising their family and creating a lifetime of memories.

Sally and Dennis were blessed with three children, Debra, Mark, and Matt. Sally loved her children deeply and poured herself into being a mother, determined to raise children who were thoughtful, grounded, and loving. She was the family’s unofficial—and ever-reliable—taxi service, making sure everyone got where they needed to be and creating a home filled with warmth, encouragement, and stability.

Sally was much more than a devoted mother. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a quick wit, always ready with a well-timed joke. She cultivated a wide circle of friends throughout her life and loved bringing people together. She was happiest surrounded by those she loved.

She also had a deep sense of curiosity and adventure. Sally loved to travel and could be ready to go at a moment’s notice. She loved to dance and was an avid reader, often happiest with a book in hand, quietly immersed in another world.

Faith was a cornerstone of Sally and Dennis’s life together. They were active in their Lutheran faith, volunteering at their church and serving as leaders with Lutheran Marriage Encounter. Through their service, they shared their commitment to marriage, family, faith, and community with countless others.

Sally’s generosity and commitment to others extended far beyond her immediate family. She and Dennis established endowments at Kansas State University and supported the work of the 3 Roots Foundation, creating a legacy of giving that will continue to benefit others for generations to come.

Throughout her life, Sally faced challenges with remarkable grace and strength. She carried the loss of her teenage daughter, Debra, with courage and enduring love. In later years, with Dennis in memory care, Sally continued with quiet devotion and unwavering commitment.

In her final days, Sally was surrounded by those she loved most. She was able to spend meaningful time with her husband, her children, their spouses, and her grandchildren—moments her family will treasure always.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Debra Denise von Waaden.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Dennis; her son, Mark, and his spouse, Monica, and their children, Nicholas and Alexander; and her son, Matthew, and his spouse, Ana, and their son, Mateo.

Sally passed peacefully, and her family finds comfort in knowing she is in a better place. Her greatest legacy lives on in the family she raised, the friendships she nurtured, the faith she shared, and the love she gave so freely.

A service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church on Bee Caves in Austin.

In accordance with her wishes, Sally will be cremated. A private graveside service will be held at a later date in Kansas City, where she will be laid to rest alongside her daughter, Debra.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church at 3525 Bee Caves Road, Austin, TX 78746.

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

1 Corinthians 13:7