BURLINGAME, Kan. – Donelda Ruth Sage, 86, of Burlingame, Kan., died Dec. 22, 2025, at Osage City, Kan. She was born July 6, 1939, in Woodlawn, Kan., the daughter of Donald Arick and Ruth (Beer) Arick.
Growing up, she attended the Church of Brethren, Sabetha, Kan. She went to Sabetha High School, where she graduated with the class of 1957. Donelda would go on to attend McPherson College, McPherson, Kan., receiving a bachelor’s degree in 1961.
On May 26, 1978, Donelda Ruth was united in marriage to Richard J. Sage, in Topeka, Kan.
Donelda had many careers, including acting as director of the student union at McPherson College for one year, doing clerical work for the Kansas State Board of Education, working as a librarian for the Burlingame Public Library, and serving as a substitute teacher at Bolingbrook, Ill., and Burlingame.
When she wasn’t busy working or serving her church, Donelda also enjoyed making cakes, canning, reading, and cooking for her family and workers on the farm. Her caring nature always impacted the people that worked on the farm and many of them felt like family. She was also active in her community as a member of the Lydia Circle at the Federated Church of Burlingame.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard J. Sage; daughter, Denise; her parents, Donald Arick and Ruth (Beer) Arick; brother, John Arick; sister, Martha Arick; and three grandsons, Johnathan Anstaett, David Anstaett, and Ethan Sage.
Donelda is survived by two daughters, Anje Anstaett and husband, Randy, of Olathe, Kan., and Edie Higgins and husband, Jerry, Chester, Va.; and a son, Eric Sage and wife, Crystal, Burlingame; 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; and many friends.
Funeral services were scheduled for Dec. 27, 2025, at Federated Church, Burlingame.
Memorial contributions can be made to Burlingame Library, and sent in care of Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, PO Box 194, Burlingame, KS 66413. Condolences can be left at lamb-roberts.com.
So sorry to hear about Mrs. Sage she was a great person and a great friend, she will be greatly missed by her family and friends.i enjoyed working on the farm with her husband, and son