Obituary of Betty Lou Sauber

“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me, that you also may be where I am”. John 14:2-3

Jesus came and took Betty Lou (Thornton) Sauber home on March 7, 2023, at the age of 87 years old. In heaven, she was reunited with her husband of 55 years, Herbert Lee Sauber, and her children Bonnie Catherine Sauber and Ivan Carter Sauber. She has been waiting for this reunion for many years!

She is survived by her children Debbie Sauber, who was Mom’s faithful caregiver since her stroke in 2014, Cheryl (Tom) Furrier, Herbert (Patricia) Sauber, Brenda (Mike) Aldrich, Scott (Cindy) Sauber, 18 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren, with one on the way.

Betty’s true loves in life were Jesus, Mother Mary, her devoted husband, and her children and grandchildren. She also loved the USA, and those who knew her well know that she was a patriot through and through.

Betty’s joys in life came from serving the Lord, her husband, and her family. She loved making hot meals and baking. During Christmas, she could be found baking dozens and dozens of cookies to give away as gifts, at least those that weren’t first eaten by everyone coming in and out of her kitchen. The Sauber house was labeled Grand Central Station because the door was always open. Everyone was welcome at any time and all were made to feel at home. If a meal was on the table, a chair (or two, or three) was pulled up so visitors could sit down and break bread. If Betty knew of anyone during the holidays that didn’t have a place to go, she would graciously invite them to partake in the festivities. Herb and Betty’s home was a place where many wonderful memories were made over the years - Sunday bar-b-ques, Christmas Eve parties, Thanksgiving feasts, Easter-egg hunts, Halloween parties, birthday parties, and so much more. At church, where Betty spent much of her time, she found a way to serve those in need by providing meals to the homeless, weekly, for many years. 

Betty liked waking up early on Saturday mornings to go yard-saling, but in recent years she spent more time thrift-shopping. Her dear friend, Janet, would pick her up to take her to Savers and Casas de los Ninos, and occasionally they would go to the movies. Betty was an avid reader, and loved to recommend books to others. She enjoyed visits with her family, and was fortunate to get to see her sisters, Beverly and Sandy, within the past couple of months. Betty was blessed to have many close friends; her sister-in-Christ, Norma, was always praying with and for her; she was a faithful friend and a great support. But, her sisters-in-law were her best friends. The most fun years of her life were spent with them and all of their shenanigans. Betty had a wonderful sense of humor and an infectious laugh and smile. God blessed us with extra time with her where we had the advantage of hearing stories about her life and had many belly-laughs. For this, we are thankful. She will be greatly missed on this side of heaven.

If you ever see two red birds flitting around, know that Herb and Betty sent them to say, “hi.”

Special thanks to Betty’s granddaughters, Megan Sauber and Kara Calvo, who tirelessly helped Debbie care for Betty during her two months in at-home hospice care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Catholic Community Services or to St. Vincent de Paul.