Evelyn Sondra Updike Alden, better known as Sondra, passed away in Olathe on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024, at age 88.
Sondra was born on Dec. 21, 1935, in Humboldt the daughter of Evelyn Emily (Hoover) and Ralph Emerson Updike.
She grew up in Humboldt and Olathe and attended multiple high schools, graduating from John P. St. John Memorial High School in Olathe. Sondra graduated from the University of Kansas in 1957, earning a degree in social studies education.
Sondra married John Robert Alden on Jan. 19, 1957, in Olathe. Though they later divorced, they first had three children together, Evelyn, John and Rebecca.
Throughout her career, Sondra always had a passion for history. She began as a library assistant for the rare books and Kansas collections at Watson Library at the University of Kansas and later taught as an adjunct professor at Emporia State University. She is perhaps best known for her time as director of the Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum in Chanute, where she wrote and edited journals and books on the two American explorers. During her decade as the museum’s director, Sondra made friends around the world.
Sondra is survived by her daughter, Evelyn Verna Alden; her son, John Ralph Alden, her daughter-in-law, Deborah Michelle Alden; and her grandchildren, Emily Gertrude Alden, Anna Marie Wenner, John Christopher Alden and Jamie Leigh Alden.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Evelyn Emily Hoover Updike and Ralph Emerson Updike; as well as her daughter, Rebecca Lee Alden Wenner.
The service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 20, at Overland Park Christian Church, 7600 W. 75th St., Overland Park, 66204. She will be interred with her parents at Mount Hope Cemetery in Humboldt at a later date.
The family suggests memorials to the food pantry at Overland Park Christian Church.
