Barbara Ann Sanders

Barbara Ann Sanders, 73, (formerly of Bethany, MO), passed away on June 26, 2015 at Circle of Life Hospice House in Bentonville, Ark. after battling cancer. She was born on March 4, 1942 in Bethany, Mo. and was the daughter of Earl and Mary Belle (Lester) Tilley who preceded her in death. On Oct. 7, 1962, she married James Sanders of Bethany, Mo. They lived in Harrison County until 1988, at which time they moved to Bella Vista, Ark. Barbara was a mother and homemaker on the family farm and then managed the Bethany Gym until their move to Arkansas in 1988. She then became employed at the Walton Life Fitness Center from 1989 until she retired as Director in 2004. Barbara is survived by her husband of 52 years, James and her two children, Jeff Sanders of Tulsa, Okla. and daughter, Alicia (Rodney) Saunders of Savannah, Mo. and grandchildren, Sydney and Colton Saunders. Additional survivors include her sister, Earlene Sweeten of Kansas City, Kan. and brother, Lester (Wanda) Tilley of Payson, Ariz., and many nieces and nephews. She leaves behind many friends and family members who will miss her greatly. Barbara will always be remembered for her love of health and fitness, the outdoors, golf and most of all, her family. She will also be remembered for her witty personality, unique sense of humor, and ability to make people laugh. Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, Mo. with burial in Antioch Cemetery near Bethany, Mo. The family will receive friends from 9:30–11:00, Tuesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Circle of Life Hospice of Bentonville, Ark. in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Bethany, MO 64424. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.