Wanda Annagene “Jean” Sanders-Roberts, of Bedford, IN, passed away on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the Redcrest Hospice House in Bloomington, IN. She was 98 years old.
Wanda was born September 11, 1928, in Clarksville, Johnson County, Arkansas, to Thomas H. and Ruby (Harvey) Griffin, both deceased. She was the third youngest of 11 children, with six brothers and four sisters preceding her in death, including Marvin Griffin and Dorothy Arnold, both of Bedford. The others lived outside of the area.
She married John Gilbert Sanders on December 25, 1947, and he preceded her in death on July 12, 1981. They were blessed with four children, Tom (Pam) Sanders, Marilyn B. Sanders, James (Kathy) Sanders and David Alan Sanders. She later married Lyle E. Roberts, and he preceded her in death on February 5, 2009. She was also preceded in death by two sons, David Alan Sanders in 1964 and James E. Sanders in 2007, and granddaughter, Kristi A. Sanders-Miller.
In addition to her surviving children, left to cherish her memory are her grandchildren, Aaron (Angie) Sanders, Matt (Libby) Sanders, Gina (Mark) Thompson, and Debbie Sanders; her 13 great-grandchildren, Cameron Sanders, Jake Miller, Cole Sanders, Calvin (Nevi) Sanders, Savannah Thompson, Davis (Emma) Miller, Olivia Sanders, Madeline Sanders, Summer (Eli) Buckels, Lily Thompson, Evan Potter, and Gabriel Dusleag; and two great-great-granddaughters, Eliza and Izabel.
Jean leaves behind a lifetime of love, memories, and lessons that will continue through generations. Her faith, kindness, generosity, and love for her family will never be forgotten. May she rest peacefully knowing she was deeply loved and greatly missed.
Funeral services will be held at Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes at 1:00 pm on Monday, September 28, 2026, with Pastor Ron Craig officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Beech Grove Cemetery. Visitation will also be held on Monday, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Ferguson Lee Chapel.
The staff of Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes is honored to have been entrusted with the care of Wanda A. “Jean” Sanders-Roberts and their family during this difficult time.
Contributions in memory of Jean Susan G. Komen cancer research at https://www.komen.org/.
Memories and condolences may be shared and flowers ordered at www.ThorneFunerals.com.
