Brenda S Sadler

Brenda Sadler, a cherished daughter, sister, wife, aunt, niece, friend, and recent resident of Southern Oaks Care Center in Pawnee, Oklahoma, passed away on April 4, 2025, at the age of 70.

Brenda Sue Rankins was born on August 23, 1954, the daughter of James Andrew “Jim” and Hazel May (Garner) Rankins in Fairfax, Oklahoma, where she spent her formative years surrounded by the community that would forever be a part of her life. Her paternal grandparents were William & Texarkana Maxwell Rankins and maternal grandparents George Washington & Tennessee Serina (Catlett) Garner.

Her educational journey began in the old Fairfax Grade School and continued at the present-day High School building. She was a loyal Fairfax Red Devil fan; many fond memories were made during her school days. A lover of life’s simple joys, Brenda enjoyed shopping with her mother, taking walks, reading her Bible, attending church at Full Gospel Assembly then later joining her friends at the First Osage Baptist.

She shared a special bond with her husband William whom she met at a singles gathering. They instantly became inseparable and were joined in the eyes of the Lord on Saturday, June 14, 1986 in the First Osage Baptist Church by Pastor Roy Edwards, former Pastor of the Nazarene Church. Together, they found happiness in shared hobbies, such as going to garage sales and caring for their beloved cats. It was a day she treasured—her wedding day, which marked one of her proudest accomplishments, as she married the love of her life, William Chester Sadler. They made their home in Fairfax and Brenda took immense pride as a devoted homemaker until after William’s passing when in 2017 she transitioned into the local nursing home.

She found great pleasure in the company of friends, whether visiting other residents, or gathering with them to play cards, bingo, board games, or celebrating with a party. Quite the merry-maker, Brenda never missed a party at the manor, she could be found singing, dancing, dressing up for the occasion and always had a smile on her face. Initially a resident at Fairfax Manor many staff and residents, became her “family” before spending the past two years at Southern Oaks. Her journey was enriched in countless ways, with others’ love and support Brenda faced her circumstances with grace and dignity.

Brenda was preceded in death by her husband of 26 years William (Feb. 2013), her dad Jim (Sept.1980), her mom Hazel (Oct. 1999), and one brother Eddie “Jake” Sawyers (June 2019). She leaves behind a brother Don Lady of Ponca City, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Brenda has been cremated and will be laid to rest beside her parents and late husband in the Fairfax City Cemetery. A graveside service will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 25, 2025 with Russ Hughes, pastor of the First Christian Church, officiating. Friends and family are invited to join in celebrating Brenda’s life and the memories she imparted with those around her.

Although she has left this earthly realm, her spirit lives in the hearts of those who loved her. Rest in peace, dear Brenda; your smile will be missed but never forgotten.