Saundra Elaine Grampsas

We all lost Sandy this week. Saundra Elaine Grampsas passed away Thursday, July 30, 2026 only 2 weeks after turning 86. Born on July 16, 1940 to Kenneth B. Hood in Ottawa, Kansas, Sandy was mainly raised by her father’s family. She was born a wanderer, moving from household to household. Amazingly, Sandy remained stable within herself. By her teen years, she was a straight-A student playing the tenor sax for Paseo High’s band, writing articles for the school newspaper and downing french fries and Cokes with friends at Max’s Drive-In. She was full of poise and grace. A few years after graduation, she saw Tony Grampsas, perched on the fender of his snazzy white Chevy convertible at the drive-in. Oh, and Tony saw her. This is when each caught the attention of the other, both finding their TRUE LOVE. Those glances led them into a modern-day Romeo and Juliette romance. In those mid-century days, the Greek community frowned on Greeks dating non-Greeks. However, over time, Sandy found her way into the hearts of the Greek community. On February 18, 1962, Anthony Samuel Grampsas and Saundra Elaine Hood married at the Greek Orthodox Church in Kansas City. In 1964, they expanded their family to three with first-born Lisa Elaine (David Zeis). Four years later they welcomed Samuel Anthony (Rachel) to the family. After Tony received the opportunity of a lifetime, the family relocated to Evergreen, Colorado in 1971. At that point, Sandy was the devoted wife and a loving, fair, and caring mother who still made room to follow her passion as a scholar. In 1976, she graduated from the University of Colorado, Denver. Later she went on to attend graduate school. She was an accomplished writer, poet, and journalist. In the 1980s she became a Stateswoman serving as Vice Chairman, then Chairman, of The Jefferson County Republican Party. This opened the doors for Tony to become a Colorado State Representative for five terms before being elected as a State Senator. She was truly the woman behind the man. Through her love and guidance, they were a successful “power couple”. Losing Tony in 1999 broke her heart in two. She relocated to Nebraska in 2002 to be close to family. She became a YiaYia in 2000, having 2 grandchildren, Anthony Samuel and Annabella. Sandy’s passion for books continued, running The Valley Book Club at the local library. She loved literature, plays, poetry, and all things sophisticated. Her life was one of resilience, and she met challenges with courage. She was a wise woman from a young age. Her legacy is one of encouragement and guidance for her family and friends. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who offered support, prayers, and kindness during this difficult time. Though Saundra will be deeply missed, she lives on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved her. May Saundra rest in eternal peace. She can now make her heart complete again by joining Her Tony. Forever remembered, forever loved. A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026 from 4-6 PM at Reichmuth Funeral Home in Elkhorn. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 2:30 PM at Calvary Cemetery, 6901 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64131. Sandy's family will host a dinner from 5:30-8:30 PM at Tasso's Greek Restaurant, 8411 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64114.

Saundra Elaine Grampsas

July 16, 1940 - July 31, 2026