Janet Sanders

Margaret Janet Schaeper Sanders, 96, of Waco, Texas, passed away peacefully on Sunday night, July 13, 2025. Born on October 21, 1928, in Waco to Elsie Abel Schaeper and Walter C. Schaeper, Janet lived a life of faith, devotion, and adventure. A lifelong member of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Robinson, Texas, she was baptized in her youth and confirmed as a teenager. Her favorite Bible verse, John 3:16, guided her compassionate and generous spirit.

Janet was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, whose warmth and love touched countless lives. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elsie and Walter Schaeper, her brother Walt Schaeper, and Derrill Jack Sanders.

A proud graduate of Waco High School, Janet attended Baylor University, where her passion for learning and community flourished. She married Derrill Jack Sanders, and together they had three sons: Derrill Alan, Mark Stephen, and Larry Brian. Janet’s professional career was marked by her dedicated service at Baylor University’s Athletic Department, where she served as secretary to head football coach Grant Teaff. A passionate Baylor sports enthusiast, she cheered tirelessly for the Bears, embodying the spirit of her community.

Janet’s love for travel took her to breathtaking destinations across the globe. She marveled at the lush north shore of Oahu, Hawaii; the majestic Rocky Mountains of Colorado; the vibrant deserts of Arizona; and the serene plains of Kansas and Missouri. She treasured her time on the shores of Sanibel Island and Key West, Florida, dined at the iconic filming location of Night of the Iguana in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and was captivated by the jungles of the Yucatan, the turquoise Caribbean Sea, and the historic monuments of Washington, D.C., and Arlington National Cemetery.

Janet is survived by her three sons: Alan Sanders of Waco; Mark Sanders and wife Kathy of Corpus Christi, Texas; and Larry Sanders and wife Linda of Grand Junction, Colorado. She leaves behind six cherished grandchildren: Brandon Sanders (wife Tiffany), Jeremy Sanders (wife Ashley), Karen Lamkin (husband Zach), Daniel Sanders, Paul Sanders, and Ethan Sanders (wife Ashley). Her legacy continues through eight great-grandchildren: Alexis (husband Trevor), Matthys, Isabella, Grayson, Asher, Londyn, Maelee, and Oliver (Ollie) Jack; one great-great-grandchild, Paisley. She is also survived by nephews Thomas Schaeper (wife Paula) and Christopher Schaeper (wife Kristi), cousins Fred Abel and Polly Schaeper, and her loyal companion, Chip, her beloved dog.

A memorial service to celebrate Janet’s remarkable life will be held 11 AM, Saturday, July 19, at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Robinson, Texas, with a visitation one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. John’s United Church of Christ in Janet’s memory.