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Betty Lou Sanders

02/02/1934 - 10/12/2017

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Obituary For Betty Lou Sanders

Betty Lou Sanders, 83, lifelong resident of Rapid City, SD and the local ranching community, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2017. She was surrounded by her family. At the time of her death, Betty was residing at Somerset Court. She was born on February 2, 1934, in Rapid City, SD to Julius and Katherine Hurley. She had one older sister, Patricia.

After graduating from Rapid City High School in 1951, Betty attended the University of Denver for 2 years. On a visit home, she met and later married her “cowboy”, Kenneth W. Sanders on October 18, 1953. Betty and Ken worked hard to build several cattle and buffalo ranches throughout their life together. She and her family survived the 1972 Rapid City flood, and later relocated to the Elk Creek area to rebuild their life.

Betty was an excellent cook and will be fondly remembered for her chocolate chip cookies, turkey dressing, suet pudding and “old hen and noodles”. She and Ken loved to travel. Some of their favorite destinations were Alaska, Canada, Hawaii and hot air balloon rides in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Her community involvement included serving as an elder at Big Bend Presbyterian Church; active member of the Canyon Lake Senior Center; lifetime member of the US Marshalls Posse; BPOE “Doe” at the Elks Club; Folsom Community Club and the Red Hat Society. In her earlier years, Betty was very involved with the South Dakota Cowbelles. She was also a strong supporter of the Johnson Siding Volunteer Fire Department. During her college years, and later with Ken, she greatly enjoyed square dancing. Betty loved to spend time in Deadwood, “contributing generously to the local economy”.

Betty is survived by five children: John (Susan) Sanders; Paula (Scott) Phillips; Jim (Sherri) Sanders; Mark (Lisa) Sanders and Cheryl (Todd) Bachman. She was very proud of her seven grandchildren: Casey Phillips, Tammy Hannan, Dan Sanders, Whitney Sanders, Blake Bachman, Sonya Heinrich, Jeremiah Sanders and Mary Sanders, and ten great-grandchildren – ALL BOYS! She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Ken, sister Patricia Carey, parents Julius and Katherine Hurley, and her very special aunt, “Auntie” Pat Bittner (aka Shorty).

Cards may be sent to Betty Sanders, c/o Somerset Court, 4001 Derby Lane, Rapid City, SD 57701. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Humane Society of the Black Hills, or the Battle Mountain Humane Society of Hot Springs, SD.

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