Janet "Aunt Susie" Sanders

Janet Sue “Aunt Susie” Sanders, of Steelville, MO, was born on Thursday, January 17, 1946, in Steelville, MO, to Vernon Estel Sanders and Agnes Eunice Sanders, nee Dierking.  She passed away at her home on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the age of 80 years, 3 months and 7 days.

Susie’s life was one of quiet strength, steady devotion, and a deep, abiding love for the people and community around her. A proud graduate of Steelville High School’s Class of 1962, she began her journey into the working world shortly thereafter, taking a position at FCNB before moving to Wentzville, where she spent three years working for a phone company. Though she ventured away, her heart never strayed far from home. She returned to Steelville, where she built a meaningful career—first with Lefler Realty for 13 years, and then with remarkable dedication at the Crawford County Health Department, where she faithfully served for 33 and a half years until her retirement.

But Susie’s life was far more than her work. She was a pillar of Straightway Baptist Church, giving generously of her time and talents. Whether teaching Sunday School, helping with Vacation Bible School, leading music and choir, organizing programs and cantatas, or working in the kitchen to prepare meals, she served with a joyful and willing heart. She also gave back to the next generation as a 4-H leader for many years, guiding and encouraging young people with the same patience and care she showed in every part of her life. Her faith was not just something she spoke of—it was something she lived, every single day.

She found joy in simple pleasures and shared them freely with others. She was an avid bowler, traveling with her family league and creating memories along the way. Music was another thread woven through her life, as she sang with her family in “The Gospel Heirs,” traveling to share their message through song. At home, she loved reading, tending to her plants and flowers, and filling the house with the warmth of her cooking and baking.

Susie held family traditions close. Easter meant hundreds of carefully dyed eggs, and Christmas was a time when every child received a gift and every adult was remembered with her homemade baked goods. These weren’t just traditions—they were expressions of her love.

She was independent, intelligent, and quietly determined. She showed the women in her family, not just through words but through her example, that they were capable and strong, and that they could stand on their own. She lived with a sense of practicality—frugal in her ways—but she also found joy in life’s little indulgences, whether flipping through catalogs or heading out for Black Friday shopping.

Her compassion extended beyond her immediate family. She cared deeply for her community, supporting causes like Golden Echoes and the Steelville Food Pantry. And though she never had children of her own, she poured her love into her nieces and nephews and into those she cared for throughout her years of work. To them, she was more than an aunt or a caregiver—she was a steady presence, a source of wisdom, and a loving guide.

Above all else, Susie treasured her family. That love—steadfast, generous, and unconditional—will be her lasting legacy. She leaves behind a life well lived, a community made stronger by her presence, and a family forever shaped by her example.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Agnes Sanders; siblings, Tom (Jean) Sanders, Jane (Bob) Richardson and Mabel (Doyle) Moutray.

Sue is survived by her siblings, Alice “Fay” Halbert and Vernon “Estel” (Violet “Sis”) Sanders both of Steelville, MO; best friend since 2nd grade, Shirley Stulce of Steelville, MO; many special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation was from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Hutson Funeral Home in Steelville, MO.  Funeral Service immediately followed at 1:00 PM with Bro. Bill Towns officiating.  Burial was at Straightway Baptist Cemetery, Steelville, MO.  Memorials were suggested to Golden Echoes. 

Arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, MO.

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