Twila Faye Connet

She was born March 18, 1935, in Englewood, Kansas, the second of four children born to Bennet H. and Thelma Connet. The oldest, a brother, Bennet Jr. "Benny" and two younger sister, Wilma and Marvalee.

The family moved to Pratt, Kansas, where she attended and graduated from Pratt High School in 1953. Twila enjoyed attending her class reunions over the years, including her 55th class reunion in 2008.

The family eventually moved to Wichita, Kansas, where Twila met her first husband, Dale Sanders, together they had three children, Brenda, Steve, and Scott. Twila was a homemaker, active in the PTA, and a Bluebird Troop Leader. She enjoyed sewing; making clothes, and costumes for her children and curtains and decor for the home.

Twila met her second husband, Jerry McGaugh, in the mid-60's, he brought two young sons to the marriage, Kevin and Mike. Shortly after, they purchased and operated "The Dog House" grooming shop in Wichita, Kansas, until 1980. They also purchased a home in a housing development called Wagon Wheel Ranch. This soon became the family gathering spot. Several nieces and nephews fondest memories were the Christmas Eve's spent at Aunt Twila's house or the summers swimming in the community pool.

In 1980, Twila and Jerry moved to Oklahoma, settling in a unique location on a bluff overlooking Eufaula Lake called Buffalo Mountain.

In the late 1990's, Twila moved back to Kansas, staying with Marty and Brenda until moving into her own home in Wagon Wheel Ranch in 2008, where she lived until her passing.

Twila was one of a kind, her sisters described her as spoiled. She was "that" little girl who would ask for a pony and actually get one. She would be considered a Diva.

She was a huge Elvis fan.

Twila was forever young at heart, often citing her age as 10-20 years younger. She loved her large family and having fun, often forgetting her true age and closing down the gatherings. Her great grandkids say she always greeted them with smiles and too tight of hugs. She was that wild, feisty, without a filter granny, that all their friends thought was crazy cool.

Twila was kind and generous and always willing to help. She enjoyed a long life full of family, fun, and adventure. She will be forever missed by all those that knew and loved her.

Survivors include her sisters, Wilma Swaggert and Marvalee and husband, Butch Heun, both of Wichita; children, Brenda Smith, Steven Sanders, and Scott Sanders, all of Andover; grandchildren, Jason and wife, Samantha Smith, Justin and wife, Ann Smith, Laura and husband, Dee Minnis, Justin and wife, Stephanie Pike, Chase and wife, Katie Sanders; 19 great grandchildren; and 5 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Thelma Connet; father, Bennet Connet; brother, Bennet "Benny" Connet, Jr.; granddaughter, Elissa Frank; daughter-in-law, Sherri Sanders; and son-in-law, Marty Smith.

Twila will be remembered and honored with a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., at Wagon Wheel Ranch. Please join us for a covered dish dinner and "Twila Tales".

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Kansas Humane Society in Twila's name.