Betty Jo Sanders

Betty Jo Gideon Sanders, 84, of Weinert, Texas, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, December 27, 2014. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 29, 2014, at the First Baptist Church in Weinert with Rev. Dan Bullock and Rev. Terry Sanders officiating. Interment will take place immediately following the services at Weinert Cemetery under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Homes. Visitation is planned for Sunday evening, December 28 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home located at 304 N. 2nd Street.

Betty Jo Gideon was born on February 4, 1930, to Ras and Katie Cannon Gideon in Winters, Texas. She attended Winters High School and graduated in 1947. In 1948, Betty met and fell in love with the love of her life, R.S. Sanders. They wed on March 25, 1948, at her home near Winters, Texas, after three months of dating. R.S. and Betty moved to Weinert, Texas, in 1951. They were blessed with two children: Larry Dwaine and Janice Elaine. Betty and R.S. were privileged to spend the next sixty years together.

After her children started to school, Betty attended Hardin-Simmons University and earned a degree in Elementary Education. She taught 20 years at Weinert ISD, retiring in 1981.

In the years that followed, Betty and R.S. traveled to Europe, the Middle East, Canada, Nova Scotia, Hawaii, and many of the eastern states where R.S. researched his family. With R.S. doing the research, Betty wrote Just Passing Through Weinert, The Alexanders of Plum Creek, Cowpokes and Sod Busters, and Gideons From Europe to America. In 2003, she edited R.S.'s biography that he had written in 1998. She added pictures and had it bound to give to her children and grandchildren.

Betty loved her church and was a faithful member for sixty-three years. She joined the Weinert Baptist Church in 1951, and served her Lord in numerous ways. She served on committees, taught the Friendship Sunday School Class, and assisted in Vacation Bible School. With her beautiful voice, Betty sang many solos and duets, and she also played the church organ for more than 30 years.

Betty loved to work in her yard and flower garden. She was also a professional artist working with oil paints, water colors, and chalks. Betty loved to sew, crochet, and helped her friends make several quilts to sell at the Rehab Auction. She was a member of several clubs such as the Brazos West Art Club, Extension Homemakers, Delta Kappa Gamma, Texas Retired Teachers Association, and Burger Buddies. Always active, kind, and thoughtful, Betty will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Jan Boatright and husband Randal of Brady, TX; daughter-in-law, Linda Sanders of Los Alamos, NM; sister, Virginia Gideon Black of Winters, TX; sister-in-law, Betty Ann Sanders of Austin, TX; two grandchildren, Robert Sanders and wife Claire of Los Alamos, NM, and Lynette Kennard of Santa Fe, NM; four great-grandchildren, Chase Kennard of Santa Fe, NM; David, Sarah, and Emily Sanders of Los Alamos, NM. She also had many loving nieces and nephews who were always willing to help Aunt Betty with anything that she needed. Her pastor, Dan Bullock, was very special to Betty, and she treasured his friendship and the love that he showed to her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, R.S., and son, Larry.

Memorials can be given in Betty's name to the First Baptist Church, Weinert, Texas.