Dolores (Dee) Mae Saggars

Dolores “Dee” Mae (Meyer) Saggars, 81 of Olathe, Kansas, a woman whose life was defined by compassion, faith, and service, entered into eternal rest on August 27, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on February 2, 1944, on the family farm in Baileyville, Kansas, she carried a spirit of selflessness from an early age. Dee embraced the rhythms of rural life on their family farm, helping with chores, caring for animals, and tending to the land - experiences that shaped her deep sense of responsibility, hardwork, and always placing the needs of others before her own.

Her calling as a nurse was not simply a profession, but a ministry. With gentle hands and a listening heart, she comforted the sick, encouraged the weary, and brought dignity to those in their most vulnerable moments. In addition to her bedside care, Dee dedicated herself to mentoring future nurses, sharing her knowledge, compassion, and unwavering commitment to patient care. She inspired others to pursue nursing with both skill and heart, leaving a lasting legacy that will withstand for years to come. She served in a variety of healthcare settings throughout her career, including Seneca Hospital, the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Hospital in Tuscon, AZ., Concordia Hospital, Goshen Hospital, Salina Hospital, the Veterans Administration in Leavenworth, and at Olathe Medical Center for 39 and ½ years, finally retiring at age 75.

Her life was rooted in an unshakable Catholic faith. A true pillar of the church, she lived as a mentor, a guide, and a prayer warrior, pouring out her time and energy to uplift others. Dee served her church in every avenue possible—faithfully attending weekly adoration, participating in Bible studies, daily mass, and even embarking on a pilgrimage to Rome—demonstrating unwavering dedication to her faith community. Her commitment also extended beyond the church walls—she volunteered tirelessly in her community, helped organize parish and hospital events, made candles to donate to Uplift to provide to the homeless, worked concession stands with the Spring Hill Parents for Kids organization, and offered comfort to those in hospitals and hospice. Just last year, she lovingly crafted twenty-five Quilts of Valor, each one dedicated to a classmate from her high school who had served in the armed forces. Through her selfless service, she lived out the Catholic faith she held so dearly and the deep devotion she had to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Family was one of her greatest treasures and she cherished family gatherings. She gave generously of her time and love, and her presence was a source of strength and comfort. Education was a priority in her life. Through determination and sacrifice, she worked two full-time jobs to ensure her three children could attend parochial schools, giving them the foundation of faith and learning she so deeply valued. Dee never turned down one of Steve’s motorcycle adventures, and lived by an open-door policy—always ready to welcome, comfort, and care for friends and family in need. Those who knew her will remember, not only her devotion to God, but also her smile, her wisdom, and the ways she poured love into the lives around her.

She is survived by her children Eric (Melissa) Saggars, Nashville; Aaron (Julie) Saggars, Kansas City and Kristin Dickinson(Jeff Rivers), Olathe. She is also survived by four sisters, Elaine Meyer(Jean Placke), Baileyville; Marilyn Holthaus, St. Benedict; Kathy (Richard) Buessing, Axtell and Jan(Tom) Tomlinson, Sarasota, FL; five sisters-in-laws, Alice Meyer, Baileyville, Thelma Meyer, Granger, IA., Judy Moser, Ligonier, IN.; Sandy Saggars, Ligonier, IN,  and Joann Meyer, Soldier, KS; two brother in laws David Saggars, Ligonier, IN. and Kent Saggars, Ligonier, IN. Dee will be missed by her grandchildren, Paige(Danielle)Saggars, Luke(Sarah Brandt); Grant Saggars, Jacob Dickinson and Ava Saggars along with three great grandchildren.

Dee was preceded in death by her husband Steven, her parents Henry and Clara Meyer, her brothers Vernis Meyer, Donald Meyer, Kenneth Meyer and Clarence Meyer. Her sisters, Mildred Meyer and Sister Mary John Meyer. Brothers-in-law, Dennis Holthaus, Quentin Saggars, Maurice Moser and sister-in-laws Marcy Meyer, Joni Saggars and Jean Saggars.

A visitation will begin at 4 P.M. on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Olathe, Kansas with a rosary beginning at 7 P.M. The mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 A.M. on Wednesday, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Olathe. Burial will take place right after mass at 12:30 P.M. at the Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, KS. The Luncheon will be provided by the St.Paul's Women's Group at 1:45 P.M. at St.Paul’s Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to St. Paul’s Catholic Church in memory of Dee, who has been anxiously awaiting the new church that will be complete in 2026.