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Betty was born in Hazel Green, Kentucky on December 27, 1935 to R.E. and Stella Buchanan. She went home to Heaven on February 2, 2019 in Fresno, California, but it was the life lived between those dates which was so important. Betty was filled with this joy that permeated her life and bubbled over to those she knew and loved. She was a Christian, a woman of time tested faith who loved her Lord and lived to honor Him. It was her love for God that was demonstrated in the warmth she conveyed, the “Betty hugs” she freely doled out and the unconditional love she lavished. Betty joined her siblings Roger, George, Bernard and Eula Mae in the winter of 1935 and was cherished by her family. As an adult she spent many summers flying "home" to see the family she loved. Betty attended Hazel Green Academy and was one of thirteen students in the graduating class of 1953. She lived her first 22 years in Kentucky and loved to wear her “It’s hard to be humble when you’re from Kentucky” sweatshirt. She was an avid fan of her University of Kentucky Wildcats basketball team and never tired of Kentucky green beans and corn bread. After graduation from high school Betty attended Berea College, also in Kentucky, where she pursued a degree in teacher education. Upon completion of her training, Betty moved to Michigan where she taught elementary school and, most importantly, met George who would become her husband. The couple was married in Louisiana and moved to Arizona to begin their married life. Daughters Margo, Michele and Melissa were all born in Arizona. Betty delighted in her role as a wife and as a mother. In 1965 the Sundermeier family moved to Fresno, California. Betty loved to reminisce that the day after the family moved into their house, they went to church down the street at Northwest Baptist. Betty and George enjoyed the friendships formed at this church, many spanning 50 years at the time of Betty’s passing. In 1968, Betty resumed her teaching career at Alice Birney Elementary in Fresno. More than just a place of employment, Birney became the place where deep friendships would begin. Betty often commented that God was around the corner before she got there. Her job at Birney was illustrative of this thought. Betty began teaching at Birney when jobs in education abounded, but in 1978 when her husband died, few jobs were available. She knew that God had provided the job and dear, dear friends before her need presented itself and she was thankful. Betty retired in 1997 and was delighted to have more time available to spend with her grandchildren and serve in her church. She was quick to help in the kitchen during Vacation Bible School, to mentor kids in the church’s outreach program, to bring a meal and encouragement to those who might need it. She was always ready to pray for the needs of family, friends and even those she did not personally know. She loved her church and all the people within it. She also appreciated the friendships made at Uncle Harry's Bagels in Fig Garden Village; her family would joke that Betty had an "office" set up at Uncle Harry's. She visited there most days and cherished the friends she met there for coffee and to work crossword puzzles. Betty is survived by her daughter Margo Sue and husband Kevin, daughter Michele Sundermeier, daughter Melissa Solomon and husband Jim. Additionally, she is survived by her grandchildren: Lindsey Stull and her husband Drew, Drew Solomon, Lauren Solomon, Matthew, Marin, Micah, and McKenzie Sue. She was preceded in death by her husband George, her parents R.E. and Stella Buchanan and her siblings Roger Buchanan, George Buchanan, Bernard Buchanan and Eula Mae Hutchins. We are beyond thankful to have been a part of Betty’s life and heart; she was a gracious and loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend who encircled us with love and prayer. She left us a legacy of faith in Christ and for which we will always be grateful. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at 11:00 am at Campus Bible Church, Palm Avenue Campus, 222 E. Fountain Way, Fresno, CA 93704. The family requests that those who wish to make a remembrance in Betty's name, consider the following ministries which were close to her heart: Child Evangelism Fellowship: 1322 E. Shaw; Suite 110; Fresno, CA 93710 Youth for Christ: 1401 Divisadero Street, Fresno, CA 93721 Campus Bible Church: 222 E. Fountain Way; Fresno, CA 93704

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Betty Lou Buchanan Sundermeier

December 27, 1935 - February 2, 2019