Betty Ann Sanders

Betty Ann Riddle-Sanders, 95, of Austin, Texas, peacefully passed away on August 5, 2022. She lived a long and full life of service to others.

Betty was born on January 14, 1927, to Melvin and Viola Riddle in Dale, Texas. After Betty graduated from Lockhart High School, she pursued a degree in Education at Southwest Texas State Teachers College (Now Texas State.) Later she earned a Master's Degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

In 1941, she met David C. Sanders, a west Texas boy, who came to UT and joined the Navy ROTC. They were married in 1945 while he was on a two-week leave from a tour of duty in the Pacific. They were married for nineteen years and had two children. David died in 1964 and Betty never remarried.

After her husband's death, Betty restarted her career in education, by first subbing, then teaching full time. She eventually became an Elementary Principal. She worked for 30 years in Austin ISD serving as Principal at Wooten and Sunset Valley Elementary Schools. After retirement, she stayed involved in professional organizations, (Delta Kappa Gamma, Phi Delta Kappa and Retired Teachers), she organized a group that drove cancer patients to appointments, and she was a spokeswoman for the Phonosaurus program for “latch-key kids.” She was on the Board of the non-profit In-Kind, and was highly involved in activities at her beloved Westover Church as well as countless acts of kindness to many people in need.

Betty was predeceased by her parents, her five siblings, (Leland, Alma, Nelta and Vivian), her husband (David) and her daughter (Joan.) She is survived by her son (Dave) and his wife (Sylvia), three grandkids (Rebecca, Erin and Austin.) and five great grandkids (Grayson, Eli, Brantley, Penelope, and Declan.) As well as a host of dear family members and friends that were so important to Betty.

Services will be held at Westover Hills Church of Christ 8332 Mesa Dr, Austin, TX 78759 on Saturday, August 13th at 2 PM. There will be a visitation on Friday, August 12th from 4-7 PM at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home, 5416 Parkcrest Dr, Austin, TX 78731. A family graveside service will be held prior to the service at 11:00 AM at Austin Memorial Park, Austin, TX 78731. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Westover Food Pantry.

Special thanks to the wonderful staff at Brookdale North Austin Assisted Living for their kindness and caring that brought dignity to Betty’s final days.

A final letter from Betty’s pen…

Dearest Loved Ones,

I have had a wonderful life. I have experienced the best of all, and the saddest of all. Knowing God was holding my hand has carried me through everything I faced. The death of my husband and my father in the same year was hard. Losing my daughter to cancer was painful. Helping educate children was fulfilling. Playing with my grandkids and later my great-grandkids was pure joy!

I believe there is a place in heaven saved for me where so many loved ones are waiting for me. I knew that after all these years, the golden bell would one day ring for me. I would hope that my being called home could be seen as a blessing and that the songs I have loved so much will help you rejoice with me. I wish I could be there now singing with you!

For each of you, I hope you will keep the faith as you await your golden bell. Keep God’s hand in yours to lead you home. I have recently been singing an old song, “I won’t have to cross Jordan alone….there’ll be somebody waiting to show me the way.” I thank God for his guardianship and blessings. My God will not leave or forsake me now, as I make the next journey. Help my family and friends to let me go, treasuring the sweet memories of our time together.

Finally, keep your Faith at the forefront, love and nurture your Family, and value your Friends. These are the real treasures on this earth.

With all my love, Until we meet again,

Betty Ann