Velma June Sanders, 78, of Chanute, passed away Friday, October 17, 2008 at her home.

Velma was born in Kiowa County, Kansas on June 8, 1930, the daughter of Terry Bruce and Olivia Emma (Ochs) Crowe. She graduated from Coldwater High School, Coldwater, KS in the Class of 1948. She then attended Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS, graduating in 1953.

Velma was united in marriage to James C. (J.C.) Sanders on August 19, 1956 at the Coldwater United Methodist Church. He preceded her in death on January 26, 2008. They moved to Chanute in 1968.

She was a homemaker.

Velma was an active member of the First Baptist Church, where she directed the choir for many years. She was also a member of P.E.O. for 52 years, serving in various offices including President.

Velma is survived by a daughter, Cynthia Frisbie and her husband Mike of Pleasanton, KS; one grandchild, Garrett Jennings of Athens, GA; four step-grandchildren, Michael Frisbie of Shawnee, KS, Mary Ogden of Pleasanton, KS, Joshua Frisbie of Overland Park, KS, and Katherine Frisbie of Noel, MO; two step-great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Lucille Davis of Tulsa, OK and Shirley Schenk of Wichita, KS.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband J.C..

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 24, 2008 at the First Baptist Church in Chanute. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 23, 2008 from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Penwell-Gabel Gibson Chapel.

Memorials in her name may be made to the NCCC Endowment Fund, the Dr. and Mrs. J.C. Sanders Scholarship Fund at NCCC, or the First Baptist Church and may be left with the funeral home.

Penwell-Gabel Gibson Chapel is in charge of arrangements.