Saundra Kay DeVore Manzer passed away in her Stillwater, Oklahoma, home on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, after a short, but well fought, battle with cancer.
Visitation with family will be held Wednesday, May 29, 6:00-7:30 pm, at Strode Funeral Home, 610 S. Duncan, Stillwater. Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 30, at 10 am, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2324 W. 26th Ave., Stillwater. Memorial donations can be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Saundra was born to Hugh Lavern DeVore and Phyllis Imogene Randolph on June 30, 1944, in Wewoka, Oklahoma. Her birth was at a significant time in world events, arriving while her father was serving in WW II, just after he fought at Normandy. Saundra grew up and graduated high school in Seminole, Oklahoma. She attended her first year of college at East Central University in Ada; then transferred to Oklahoma State University, where, on the first day of classes, she met her future husband, Lee Manzer. They married on August 14, 1964, in Stillwater. During the years after college, they lived in Michigan, Ohio, New Jersey, and Tennessee, before returning home to Stillwater for good in 1975. Three children were blessed to come to their home, Britton, Bryndon, and Brandye.
Saundra showed great love for her family and was a supportive wife and mother. She was an advocate for Lee in his career as a professor in the Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University and in his church service. She encouraged their children to explore and develop their talents, making sure they had every opportunity to learn and grow through varied experiences. Co-owning two dance studios, Dance Etc. and Dance Gallery, Saundra was able to nurture her daughters' love of dance and teaching. She was also an awesome sports mom. The number of sporting events and band, dance, cheerleading, and piano performances she attended cannot be counted.
Saundra was exceptionally talented, and she used those talents to bless the lives of others. The family's home was always welcoming and a place of beauty. A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Saundra served at church in many capacities, organizing events and serving as president of the women's organization. An accomplished pianist, she spent countless hours serving the congregation by playing the piano and organ for church services, choirs, children's singing time, and accompanying musical numbers. Many of those accompanying opportunities came when her daughters were singing.
Saundra had a great love for the state of Oklahoma and for Oklahoma State University. She was proud that 14 of her family members attended OSU, with more to come. She loved attending sporting events with her family, especially basketball while Bryndon was playing for OSU. Her career path included working at the College of Business Extension Office and also as the Program Coordinator for University Career Services. She is a lifetime member of the OSU Alumni Association. An avid sports fan, Saundra loved watching all kinds of sports including ice skating, tennis, her beloved St. Louis Cardinals, and especially when Bryndon was on ESPN.
Saundra had a deep testimony and love for our Savior, Jesus Christ. All who were around her were influenced by her light and faithful example. She will be greatly missed by family and friends.
Saundra is predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her sister, Dianne (Don) Murray, her brother, Terry (Cindy) DeVore, her daughter Britton (Scott) Fox, her son, Bryndon Manzer, her daughter, Brandye (Vance) Mix, and grandchildren, Lynley (Brett Dixon) Fox, Taryn (Cedar) Nye, Ashtyn (Tollie Pugh) Fox, Brooks Manzer, and Banks Manzer.