Ginger Lee Sawyer

In Loving Memory of Ginger Lee Sawyer

Ginger Lee Sawyer, 73, of Derby, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly on April 25, 2025. A graveside service to celebrate her life will be held on Monday, May 5th, 12:00 PM, at White Chapel Memorial Gardens, 1806 N Oliver, Wichita, KS

Born on December 29, 1951, Ginger was the beloved only child of Wayne and Virginia Shelton. From a young age, she radiated warmth and compassion — qualities that stayed with her throughout her life. She built a fulfilling career working with the Wichita Clinic, Tom Sawyer Bicycle Shop, and Rytan Database Marketing. But one of her true passions was the hunt for beautiful things — she loved buying

and selling designer purses and jewelry, always with a sparkle in her eye.

While attending Wichita Southeast High School, Ginger met Tom Sawyer, the love of her life. They married in 1975 and were just a few months away from celebrating 50 years of marriage. Tom passed

away on April 6, 2025, and though we are heartbroken by the loss of them both, we take comfort knowing they are together again — just as they would have wanted.

To know Ginger was to be loved by her. She had a gift for making people feel seen and heard. Her kindness was unwavering, and she never met a stranger. She loved to laugh, swap stories, and lend a

listening ear — especially to anyone who needed a little light in their life. Though she and Tom weren’t able to have children, they poured their love into their nephews and cousins. That love was deep and

unconditional.

Ginger was a longtime member of Zion United Methodist Church, where she joyfully sang in the choir — and every now and then would grace the congregation with a sweet soprano solo. She also loved singing with family at her in-laws’ house, especially during the holidays.

A master crocheter with an eye for color, Ginger created and gifted countless hats, scarves, baby blankets, and throws. Her room was filled with yarn — in every shade you can imagine — waiting to

become something special for someone she loved or someone she felt needed a little extra care.

Ginger also had a great sense of humor and loved keeping in touch through social media. She was famous among family and friends for the memes and funny videos she’d send — sometimes even in the

middle of the night. While we may not miss the 2 a.m. phone alerts, we’ll always treasure those little moments of connection and the laughter she brought us.

In recent years, Ginger and Tom made their home at Westview of Derby, where they shared a room and many peaceful days watching birds outside their window. Thanks to her cousin Gayle, bird feeders

brought joy to their days and gave them something beautiful to share. Ginger and Tom’s life together was a love story filled with devotion, humor, and a deep kindness that touched everyone who knew them. Ginger’s cheerful greetings, thoughtful calls, and quick smile will be missed more than words can express. Their legacy of love will live on in the hearts of their nieces, nephews, and all who were lucky enough to know them.

Ginger is survived by her sister-in-law, Cindy Sawyer Tannehill (Charlie); nephews Adam Tannehill (Nicole) and Matthew Tannehill (Theresa); cousins Gayle Shelton, Sara Smith, Melanie Hinton, and

John Higgins; her great-nieces Sawyer and Olivia; great-nephew Noah; many extended family members; and her cherished fur-baby, Chrissy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Virginia Shelton, and her in-laws, Tom and Louise Sawyer.

In honor Chrissy and all of the pets she loved, a memorial has been established at the Kansas Humane Society.