TRAVERSE CITY —
Betty Lou Sanborn, 91, passed away Wednesday, April 13, 2011, at Munson Medical Center.
Betty was born Jan. 29, 1920, in Traverse City, to Vencle and Rose (Stanek) Kauer. She graduated from Traverse City Central High School, and continued her education at Michigan State University. She took great pride in the sisterhood she developed through her membership in Kappa Kappa Gamma.
Betty married James J. Sanborn on Feb. 7, 1946, who preceded her in death in September 1983.
Betty's compassion for others was evidenced through her career as a social worker. She worked for the Michigan Children's Aid Society and the Grand Traverse County Department of Social Services.
"Blu" was a devoted wife and mother. She loved life, and surrounded herself with friends and family. She found her greatest joy in watching her children and grandchildren follow their dreams. Aunt Betty to many, she always seemed to find a place in the hearts of those who knew her. She had a smile ready to welcome the many friends she developed over her lifetime.
Betty was an avid bridge player, hosting her last game of bridge with close friends just a week before her passing. She will miss her weekly bridge games with her longtime bridge partners at both the Elks and the Country Club. She will be watching for those "slams" from above, but will go "this hand alone."
Betty is survived by her four children, James (Susy) Sanborn, Mary (Sam) Pratt, Sarah Lackie and John (Suzette) Sanborn; her grandchildren, Jason, Marcus and Kali Pratt, Mara, Caitlin, Kelsey and Eric Lackie, Jill (Tom) Reed and Tyler Sanborn; step-grands Molly Stamic, Jermaine and Illaya Pratt; great-grandchildren Brady, Isaiah, Owen, Noah, Gabriella, Collin, Jet, Jermaine Jr., Shandree and Illaya Jr.; cousins Arlene Weitz, Jean Bensley and Jerry Stanek; Monsignor John Porter and Sr. Ann Porter; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Betty was preceded in death by her loving husband, James J. Sanborn; her parents; brother Clarence "Gob" Kauer; sister Lucille Thirlby; and son-in-law H. Patrick Lackie.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Betty's life will take place Monday, April 18, at 3 p.m. at St. Francis Church, with visitation one hour prior.
Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be directed to the Father Fred Foundation, Parkinson's Research or Bethany Christian Services.
Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories in Betty's online guestbook. The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.