ELIZABETH "BETSY" COTTINGHAM SANDERS passed away Tuesday afternoon, the 22nd of September 2009. Betsy was born on the 29th of January 1928 in Houston, Texas. She graduated from the University of Texas in 1948, where she was president of her sorority, Pi Beta Phi. She was a elementary school teacher for six years. Betsy served on numerous boards, including the Junior League of Houston, the River Oaks Garden Club, Tanglewood Homes, Covenant House, and Adventure Play. She was an active member of St. Martin's Episcopal Church where she was a pastoral care participant. She also enjoyed playing tennis and bridge with her many friends; and loved gardening. Betsy will be deeply missed by everyone. Betsy is predeceased by her husband, the late Dr. E.K. "Sandy" Sanders, and her brother, the late Erwin Yandall Cottingham. She is survived by her four sons, Whit Sanders; Collis Sanders and wife, Jeanie, and their sons, Will and James; Key Sanders; and Jim Sanders and wife, Lynne, and their sons, August and Grayson. She is also survived by her sister, Katherine Cottingham LaRoche. The memorial service is to be conducted at eleven o'clock in the morning on Friday, the 25th of September, at St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road in Houston, where the Rev. Dr. Russell Levenson, Jr., Rector, will officiate. Immediately following the service, the family will greet friends in the adjacent Bagby Parish Hall during a reception. Prior to the memorial service, the family will have gathered for a private interment at Glenwood Cemetery in Houston. In lieu of usual remembrances, contributions in memory of Betsy Sanders may be directed to St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Rd., Houston, TX, 77056; the River Oaks Garden Club, 2503 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX, 77098; or to the charity of one's choice.
Published in the Houston Chronicle, Thurs., 9/24/2009