Betty Jean Sandefur, 90, passed away at 5:13 am on April 9, 2025, at The Villages at Oakridge with her family by her side. Betty was born on April 27, 1934, and is the daughter of James Henry and Hattie Mae (Wood) Burns. She married Donald L. Sandefur on December 2, 1953, and he preceded her in death on August 3, 1994.
Betty’s professional journey began with her role as a bank teller, where she served with integrity and grace at various banks. Her passion for helping others led her to become an administrative assistant at several medical offices, including those of esteemed physicians such as Dr. William Damm, Dr. Inez Fabella, Dr. Robert Heyman, and Dr. Stephen Cullen at Cullen Medical Clinic. Through her work, Betty touched the lives of countless individuals, ensuring that they felt cared for and valued.
Betty was a member First Baptist Church in Vincennes, where she found solace and strength within her faith. She was proud of the fact she was a part of the Walk to Emmaus 13A. Betty was also a proud member of the Eastern Star and the Red Hat Club, where she fostered friendships and shared joyous moments with those around her.
Betty’s life was an embodiment of creativity and passion. She had a love for baking and cake decoration, showcasing her talents in homemade desserts that brought smiles to many. Her hands were skilled in sewing and gardening, bringing beauty into her home and the lives of others. A collector and seller of Longaberger baskets, Betty also cherished traveling, embracing new experiences and cultures that enriched her spirit.
Betty is survived by her daughters, Sharon Cullen and her husband Stephen of Washington, IN, Karen Robbins and her husband Ralph of Cumming, GA; her grandchildren, Jennifer Boyd and her husband Greg, Amy Archer and her husband Aaron, Daniel Cullen and his wife Carol, Kyle Robbins, Sarah Robbins, Rachel Abumaria and her husband Mohammad, Megan Chapman and her husband Kyle; her great grandchildren, Austin Boyd and his wife Katie, Alex Boyd and his fiancee Jade Browning, Aiden Boyd, Adrianna Archer, Avalynne Archer, Saif Abumaria, Silas Chapman and her great great granddaughter, Baylee Kay Boyd. Betty is preceded in death by her parents, James Henry and Hattie Mae Burns, her husband Donald L. Sandefur, siblings, Gladys Siedel, Barbara Kelly, Jack Burns, Elsie Sandefur, and her twin brothers, Donald and Ronald Burns.
Friends may visit with Betty’s family from 12:00 pm until the hour of service time of 1:00 pm on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at New Hope Christian Church, 559 E. 100 S., Washington, IN 47501 with Pastor Stephen Johnson officiating. Entombment will follow at Sugarland Memory Gardens. The Sandefur family has requested memorial contributions be made to The Villages at Oakridge in Betty’s name. Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home is privileged and honored to be entrusted with the care of Betty and her family.
