Sandy Rison 1958-2026

Sandra “Sandy” K. (Bernhardt) Rison, 67, of Topeka, formerly of Sabetha, passed away on Friday, July 31, 2026, in Topeka.

Sandy was born on Oct. 21, 1958, in Topeka, the daughter of Warren Dean Bernhardt Sr. and Nelda Mae (Wells) Bernhardt. She grew up and went to school in Holton. She worked at the Family Bowling Center and Jolly Troll in Holton and graduated from Holton High School in 1976.

Sandy married Steven D. Rison on Feb. 10, 1979, in Holton. After their marriage, they moved to Sabetha, where Sandy babysat in her home and pursued her interest in floral design by becoming the owner of the Forget-Me-Not floral shop. After selling her shop, Sandy continued working as a floral designer for over 30 years.

Sandy was a creative and artistic person and engaged in a variety of arts and crafts. She particularly enjoyed creating Christmas ornaments and diamond art paintings, which she generously shared with family and friends.

Sandy was preceded in death by her father, Warren D. Bernhardt Sr.; her husband, Steven D. Rison, on Jan. 2, 2022; and her son, Brandon D. Rison, on Feb. 20, 2026.

Sandy is survived by her beloved dachshund, Benny; her mother, Nelda Bernhardt Rolfe; her daughter-in-law, Martie Rison; her grandson, Gavin P. Breedlove; her brother, Dean (Dawn) Bernhardt; her sister-in-law, Kathy (Mark) Munsterman; her two brothers-in-law, Roger (Liz) Rison and Jerry (Pam) Rison; her niece, Mandy (Chris) Johnson; and her nephews, Mike (Kelley) Rison, Doug (Kerry) Rison, Paul (Mindy) Rison, Bryan (Kristy) Rison and Daniel D. Bernhardt.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7 at Popkess Mortuary in Sabetha. Interment will be in Sabetha Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Mission Township Firefighters Association and the Kansas Music Hall of Fame, sent in care of Popkess Mortuary, 823 Virginia Street, Sabetha, KS 66534. Condolences can be shared online at www.popkessmortuaries.com

(PAID OBITUARY)