Sara Jane Teel

Sara Jane Frere Teel - On September 16, 1948, George S. and Alvena (Kendig) Frere welcomed their daughter Sara Jane into the world. Sisters Sandra and Susan and brother James were there to greet her. Born in Joplin, Missouri, Sara spent most of her childhood in Southeast Kansas, primarily in Baxter Springs. At Baxter Springs High School Sara participated in theater productions, Kayettes, Pep Club, and vocal ensembles. As Senior Class President, she led the Class of 1966. Sara went on to attend the College of Emporia in Emporia, Kansas and Kansas State College of Pittsburg in Pittsburg, Kansas. On October 26, 1968, friends and family gathered to celebrate Sara's marriage to Gary Teel of Columbus, Kansas. Sara and Gary had three daughters, Patricia Ellen (Trish), Margaret Louise (Maggie), and Emilie Elizabeth. Trish married Mark Bandré and gave Sara her first grandchildren, Mason George and Ethan Vincent. Maggie married CJ Koechner and gave her two more grandchildren, Aaron Joseph and Ella Jane. Sara helped Emilie plan her wedding and looked forward to having Adam Collins join the family this coming October. Her favorite moments were spent being a Mema. Sara happily attended soccer games, baseball games, dance recitals, school programs, band concerts, and weightlifting competitions. Sara worked as a secretary for USD 365. For 37 years she took care of students and staff at Irving Elementary School, Garnett Elementary Center, and Garnett Elementary School. She enjoyed seeing the kids and their families around town and at the baseball fields where she managed the concession stand during the summer. Everywhere she went, a child waved and said, "Hey, Sara!" On Saturday, April 1, 2017, Sara left this world to be with the Lord. Sara is survived by her husband of 48 years, Gary Teel, of the home; three daughters, Trish and husband Mark Bandré of Salina, Kansas; Maggie and husband CJ Koechner of Paola, Kansas; and Emilie Teel and fiancé Adam Collins of Topeka, Kansas; sister Sandra and husband Anthony Mehaffy of Baxter Springs, Kansas, sister Susan and husband James Kidder of Grove, Oklahoma, and brother James Frere and wife Jo of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Mason and Ethan Bandré of Salina, Kansas and Aaron and Ella Koechner of Paola, Kansas; and several nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at the Garnett Church of the Nazarene. Inurnment will follow in the Greenlawn Cemetery, Columbus, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Sara Teel Memorial Fund. Contributions will benefit the Garnett Elementary School Library Fund. You may send your condolences to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .