Elizabeth Sanders

Elizabeth "Beth" Mae Kain Sanders, 92, Topeka, passed away January 23, 2012 at Midland Hospice House after a brief stay.

She was born on August 27, 1919 to Fred and Emma Kain in Cavalier County North Dakota in the midst of the harvest. Emma gave birth to her and then went and fed the harvest workers. Beth had three siblings Edytha Ringstrom, her older sister who preceded her in death in 1980 and two younger brothers who died as children.

Beth graduated from the "new" Devil's Lake North Dakota High School. Beth moved to St. Louis at the age of eighteen to attend Miss Hickey's Finishing School where she learned how to type in white gloves and many other office skills. Her Miss Hickey's training served her well because she was an able office assistant and bookkeeper until she retired.

She met Bob Sanders in St. Louis, Missouri and they were married on January 1, 1947. He preceded her in death in 1986.

Bob and Beth had three children. Their eldest son was Robert Kain Sanders. He married Denise Wallisch. They had a child named Blake whom Grandma Beth loved dearly. Bob died in 1998. Blake and Denise live in Leawood, Kansas. Their second child and only daughter Rebecca Anne "Becky" Sanders lives in Topeka, Kansas. Their youngest child is William David "Bill" Sanders who lives in Olathe, Kansas with Mary Gigstad.

Beth and Bob retired in 1985 to St. Simon's Island, Georgia. Beth continued to live at St. Simon's (her beloved island) after Bob's death where she was active in the arts community, played bridge and was a docent at the light house. She loved going on Audubon Society trips. Beth moved to Topeka in 2000 to be near family. Beth continued to live independently until three years ago, playing bridge, volunteering at the Mulvane Art Center and being active in the First Church of Christ Scientist, Topeka. She moved to Presbyterian Manor assisted living three years ago and lived there until her death. The family thanks the staff at Presbyterian Manor for their compassionate care.

Beth cast her first vote for President of the United States for Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Her last vote for President of the United States was for Barack Obama. She was pleased to have lived long enough to see the first African-American elected President of the United States. Beth caucused for Barack Obama at Topeka West High School in 2008. It was a long winter night with a lot of sitting in bleachers but she told Becky it was a blast.

Beth leaves behind many friends across the country. In addition to her children and her beloved grandson Blake, she leaves many nieces and nephews including Jim and Rosalie Ringstrom of Encinitas, California.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Midland Care Hospice Services for their compassionate care at the end of her life.

A memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Audubon Society of North America, First Church of Christ Scientist, Boston MA, Midland Care Hospice Services, Presbyterian Manor Good Samaritan Fund or the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).