Kayla Ann Sanford

Kayla Ann Grueber Sanford was born in Deshler, Nebraska, on January 5, 1941, to Arthur W. and Roberta Henderson Grueber. She is the oldest of three children. She passed away peacefully on February 1, 2024, in Omaha, at the age of 83, surrounded by her family. 

Kayla attended Beatrice High School, where she participated in many school programs and activities while also working as an assistant to the town's pharmacist. She was attending the University of Nebraska when her parents moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where she met her future husband, Jack E. Sanford. The couple married on February 16, 1962. They shared 62 wonderful years together. 

During Jack's 43 years of service with the Union Pacific Railroad, Kayla and her family were blessed to call many different places across the country "home," enabling her to build beautiful relationships with dear friends. Kayla was an active member of Beta Sigma Phi since 1966 and cherished her association with her many sorority sisters.

Kayla was known for her many talents, including her crafts and hobbies, which she was always willing to teach and share with others.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her parents-in-law, and her son Scott Arthur, who died shortly after birth. She is survived by her four children: Sonja Rene Brown (Doug), Jack E. Sanford Jr. (Julie), Todd C. Sanford, and Heather Dawn Harriman (Shane); her brother Randy Dean Grueber (Beverly) and her sister Patty Freeman (Ray); in-laws Dick and Barbara Cable; nephews and nieces; 12 grandchildren: Chantle, Adam, James, Amanda, Jacqualyn, Anna, Krista, Hallie, Hannah, Ellie, Parker, and Emma; and 11 great-grandchildren. 

The family expresses their deep gratitude and thanks for the loving healthcare professionals who tended to Kayla during her illness.

The family is planning to hold a celebration of Kayla's life in the spring when her favorite cherry blossoms are in bloom. Following the celebration services, she will be interred at Lakeview Cemetery in Cheyenne, Wyoming.