BESSIE ELAINE SANDERS

Bessie Elaine Sanders, age 65, was born on May 31, 1960, in Cabool, Missouri, to Donald Miller and Billie (Shelley) Miller. She passed away on June 21, 2025, in Springfield, Missouri. 

Bessie graduated from Houston High School in 1978. She went on to receive her master’s degree in education and became a teacher. She taught many grades but spent most of her time as a teacher in high school science. She attended First Baptist Church in Houston and enjoyed helping in children’s church and helping with VBS. Family time was important to her and she treasured time spent with those she loved. Some of her other favorite things were bowling, teaching/helping children, gameshows, taking trips to Silver Dollar City and collecting bears.

Bessie is preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Billie Miller; brother, David Miller; and grandson, Waylon Storm.

She is survived by her children, Jeremy Sanders, Amy Olalde (Nicolas) and Sarah Sanders; bonus daughter, Melissa Gentry; siblings, Irell Miller and Carol DeMoss; grandchildren, Daren Sanders, Isabell Pena, Emma Sanders, Killian Olalde, Isaac Storm, Celeste Storm and Everley Gottschalk; and many extended family, friends and former students. 

Bessie was loved dearly and will be missed deeply by those who loved her.

A Celebration of Life for Bessie will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, June 27, 2025, at First Baptist in Houston with Pastor Trevor Sudheimer officiating. A memorial visitation will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. at the church. Arrangements entrusted to Evans Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.evansfh.com.