Tamara L. Kanu, 65, of Winfield, Kansas passed away Saturday afternoon, March 2, 2013 at her home.

Born November 29, 1947, in Winfield, Kansas she was the daughter of James W. and Ila J. (Jamison) Baxter. She was raised and received her education in Winfield graduating from Winfield High School in 1965.

Tamara married Philip Sandstrum II, in Winfield in 1966. The couple made their home in Winfield, where she began working for Binney and Smith. She later became a Certified Nurses Assistant and began Working at the Winfield State Hospital and Training Center. To this union three daughters were born. The couple later divorced.

Tamara was married to Mohamed H. Kanu in Winfield, in 1981. She continued working for the Winfield State Hospital and Training Center until its closing. She then went to work for the Kansas Veterans' Home, where she remained until retiring due to health reasons.

Tamara was a member of Central Baptist Church in Winfield. She enjoyed reading, gardening, and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and her little dog, Mojo.

Her family includes:
Her daughters: Michele Barron and husband, Manuel of Holiday, FL; Melissa Green and husband, David of Derby; Marla White and husband, Darryl of Mulvane;
Her brothers: Don Purdue and wife, Mary of Hutchinson; Joel Purdue of Hutchinson; John Baxter of MN;
Her grandchildren: Kyle Barron of Holiday, FL; Christince Vumai and husband, Hung of Wichita; Blain White of Stanberry, MO; Britton White of Mulvane; Brook White of Mulvane; and
Her great grandchildren: Benjamin Vumai and Kennedy Vumai both of Wichita.

In addition to her parents, Tamara was preceded in death by two brothers, Chris and Paul Purdue.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, March 6, 2013, at Wilmot Cemetery, northeast of Winfield. Miles Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

A memorial has been established in Tamara's name for the Cowley County Humane Society. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.