Betty Mabel Sanders

Betty Mabel Sanders (87) passed away at her home on September 1, 2017.  She was born December 22, 1929, in Greenwich, England and was the daughter of Jason and Ethel Finch.

Betty was a survivor of the London Blitzkrieg Bombing during WWII.  In December of 1952 she married a serviceman, Charles Sanders of the U.S. Air Force, and spent her life as a loving wife and mother. She lived in many locations during their military career, always making a happy and nurturing home. Her other interests included dancing, walking, knitting, and reading. Betty was known for her compassion, kindness, and generosity. She was a volunteer at the Topeka Public Library, a member of the British Wives Club, and an active member and volunteer at Topeka, First United Methodist Church.

Survivors include four children, James Sanders (Theresa Pfeifer), John Sanders (Gina Hefner), Jane Opp (Gilbert), and Jennifer Waters (Christopher).  She has eight grandchildren, Elizabeth Sabau (Scott), Jason Sanders (Belinda), Sarah Carter (Joshua), Erica Graham (Daniel), Sean Sanders (Megan), David Opp, Rachel Tolbert, and Rebecca Tolbert, and three step-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Caroline, and Benjamin Waters.  She has seven great grandchildren, Audrey and Charlotte Sabau, Violet and Jameson Sanders, Charles Carter, and Eve and Rose Graham.  Also surviving is John Wright, our dear "Uncle John" who was married to Betty's twin sister Peggy Wright and many nieces and nephews.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Charles of 58 years, her identical twin sister Peggy Wright, and her older sister Joan Muth.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday in the Celebration Room at the First United Methodist Church, 600 SW Topeka Blvd. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday at the First United Methodist Church Klasse Chapel. Cremation will follow with private inurnment at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Topeka First United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society.  Donations can be made at the church service or sent to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave, Topeka KS, 66603.