Diana Jane Sanders

Diana Jane “Janie” Thomas Sanders passed away on July 31, 2024, in Olathe, KS, at the age of 76. Born on August 28, 1947, in Kansas City, MO, Janie attended both elementary and high school in Odessa, Missouri where she graduated in 1965. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, Odessa where she was baptized.

Upon high school graduation, Janie attended the University of Missouri where she pledged Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. She was known to be an avid Mizzou fan. 

Janie married Robert “Bob” Sanders on May 4, 1969. They were blessed to have their only son, Craig, while living in Odessa. One year later, they built their home in Lee’s Summit Missouri where they resided until her death.

Janie spent most of her adult life investing in the lives of young girls. She served as the Mother Advisor for Rainbow Assembly No. 19 in Odessa Missouri. She also was a member of the Grand Cross of Color, awarded to her for outstanding service to the Order of Rainbow for Girls. She later became the State Preceptor of Grand Cross of Color as well as the State Dean for the state of Missouri. She also served as the District Deputy of Rainbow for girls as well as other roles in the State of Missouri. Her talents and gift of helping were greatly used.

Janie excelled in organization and planning where she used her talents not only in the home but also in her business career. She served as the Marketing Manager and Event Planner for DeMarche Associates, Kansas City, Mo. Using her strong talents, she created the company’s first RFP database and was lovingly referred to as “she who we all depend upon”. She ended her career as the Business and Operations Manager for Nicholson Capital, Kansas City, Mo where she retired in 2019. She was a very beloved employee and thoroughly loved her career and those she worked with.

Janie leaves behind a family who loved her deeply, including her husband, Robert “Bob” Sanders; son, Craig (Ashley) Sanders; grandchildren, Ella and Wyatt; sister, Marcella (Rob) Green; nephew, Bryan (Marta) Green; niece, Jennifer Latimore; great-niece, Grace Latimore; great- nephews, Samuel and Josiah Green. Janie was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Lou Thomas Bennett; and uncle, Raymond Ferguson.

Janie's life was marked by her ability to create a warm and inviting home for her friends and family. Holidays were always made special with her warm, loving touches. Her creativity benefited all who knew her. She was always ready to help her friends and family in any way she could. She will be sadly missed by all who were touched by her loving and giving nature.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the First Baptist Church in Odessa, Missouri on August 17, at 1:00 PM. A Fellowship gathering will be held after services. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly and gratefully suggest contributions be made to the First Baptist Church in Odessa, Missouri.