Martha Elizabeth Foster
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Martha Elizabeth Foster passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026, in Overland Park, Kansas,
at the age of 82. She was born on September 21, 1943, in Monroe, Louisiana, to Emmett
Jefferson Foster and Eva Orma Odom Foster.
She was a spunky, fun-loving little girl who thrived on adventure and the outdoors. Some of her
happiest memories were riding in the jeep with her dad, mudding through the back roads of
Louisiana, swimming in the pond at Pea Ridge, and spending time with family and friends at the
small cabin her father built. That sense of joy, imagination, and playfulness stayed with her
throughout her life.
In her younger years, she worked as an elementary school teacher, a role well-suited to her
nurturing spirit, patience, and love for children. She was a devoted Christian and raised her
children in the ways of her faith. Prayer was central to her life; her prayers were her way of
blanketing her family in love and protection. Her love for God never wavered, and her faith only
grew stronger throughout her life.
She is survived by her son, Lt. Col. (retired) Scott Foster Sanders, USAF, and daughter-in-law,
Jill Sanders of Vancleave, MS; and by her daughter, Leslie Sanders Quinn, and son-in-law,
Robert Quinn of Overland Park, KS. Scott could always make her laugh, even as her cognition
declined. Leslie and Robert cared for her for 21 years, in their home in Kansas and later in
assisted living and skilled nursing, supporting her with love and compassion.
She was affectionately called “Mamae” by her five grandchildren: Jessica Sanders Coggin and
her husband Ben Coggin, Emma Sanders King and her husband Sam King, Nicholas Foster
Sanders, Christopher Scott Quinn, Caden Jefferson Quinn, and two beautiful great-grandchildren
Audrey and Nathan Coggin. They introduced her to love and fun on a whole new level. She
adored them, and they were her most profound source of joy and pride. She loved a good
production, and whenever Scott’s family visited, there was sure to be a play, video, or photo-
book in the making. She delighted in creating imaginative, playful narratives and sharing
laughter with her grandchildren, filling their time together with creativity and fun.
Though she faced many serious health challenges throughout her life, her loving nature and
lively sense of humor always defined her far more than her struggles. She will be remembered
for her kind spirit, her sense of humor, her faith, and the deep, lasting impact she had on
everyone who knew her.
I will always love you Momma. I remember being a child and thinking how beautiful you were, rocking in the rocking chair with you when I was little, shelling bushels of purple hull peas with you and how good they tasted with your hot water corn bread, playing Clue late at night with you and Scott, walking outside on a clear night to sit in lawn chairs and watch the shooting stars. My sons were incredibly blessed to have known you all their lives. You always brought the joy, the listening ear, and the humor. Even when things got really hard for you, it never lessened your loving spirit. It has been a privilege to be your daughter. I’ll remember your prayers and all the things you taught me about how to love generously, how to see the good in people, and how to keep finding the humor in life. I would say I will miss you but I’ll be carrying you safely in my heart.
What a beautiful lady! We shared so much love and laughter! I marveled at her sweet spirit, no matter her circumstances! She was able to find beauty and laughter in each day! Looking forward to spending eternity with her with our Savior! Blessings! ❤️
I will always remember you Elizabeth as a very beautiful, gracious and loving friend. You could be very funny and entertaining at times with your little tootie song. We had so much fun together!. I will miss your happy smiling face but ,l will be with you in heaven again , with our Loving Savior . Love you Elizabeth.
I only worked 2 months 60 days with Tootie My Lizzy Boo… This lady could put a smile on your face no matter how bad of a day your having. She was always a glam girl in my eyes. She told me daily how beautiful I was and Oh How She Loved Her Red Head Girl With Lashes. It’s a struggle daily to go to work and not have you there waiting and being Sassy. You Are Truly Missed and We Loved You So Much. I’ll Always Remember My Time With My Red Head Sassy Pants. Until We Meet Again My Lady Rest Peacefully😘
Heaven has gained another beautiful angel. I miss you dearly Mrs.Elizabeth. But I find comfort in my heart knowing that you are free of any pain and you can now dance; like how you would tell me you would when you were younger with your husband. It was an honor being able take care of you for many years.Thank you for the beautiful memories and for the kindness you shared with us and all those around you. May you now rest with our Heavenly Father. With so much love, Ms.Dee ( the one with a big smile, as you would say) you will forever be in my heart.