Gaylene Ceila (Sandlian) Armstrong
December 22, 1956 – June 9, 2025

Gaylene Ceila (Sandlian) Armstrong, 68, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away on June 9, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born on December 22, 1956, in Wichita to Donald Lee Sandlian and Virginia Lee Jones, Gaylene lived her life with deep compassion, unwavering strength, and a heart always open to others.

She was a devoted mother to six children, five of whom survive her: Pamela Farris (Josh) of Wichita, Sandra Dubbs (Daniel) of Haysville, Nichole Vaden (David) of Wichita, Preston Pierce (Brook) of Wichita, and Shane Sandlian (Angela) of Wichita. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Jamie Thompson of Wichita.

Gaylene was a proud grandmother and great-grandmother to eighteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, who were the joy of her life. She also leaves behind her cherished siblings: Sherry Creasey, Debra Aubert, and JR Sandlian, all of Wichita. She was preceded in death by her brother, Rex Sandlian. She is also lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bradford Armstrong, her parents Donald and Virginia, her daughter Jamie, her brother Rex, and her nephew Kenny Hendrixson.

Gaylene was known for her warm spirit and generous heart. She was a caring mother, sister, aunt, and friend who was always there to help others—often putting their needs before her own, even when she had little to give. She found joy in cooking for her family, spending time at the casino, and traveling with her sons while they worked out of town.

A breast cancer survivor, Gaylene faced life's challenges with strength and resilience. At the time of her passing, she was awaiting results related to a stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis that may have metastasized to the liver, a final chapter in her journey that she met with courage and grace.
A celebration of life will be held at High Park, Zimmerman Pavilion, in Derby, KS, on August 16th from 6:00PM to 8:00PM.

Gaylene's life was a testament to love, endurance, and generosity. She will be missed deeply and remembered always.