Rowena J. Sanders
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Rowena J. Sanders, 87, of Greenwood, formerly of Holton, passed away at 10:55 p.m., Sunday, September 8, 2024 at Demaree Crossing in Greenwood. She was born in the Hopewell Community near Holton on July 21, 1937, the daughter of Floyd and Ida Barricklow Franklin. She was married to Robert Aaron Sanders on December 22, 1986 and preceded her in death on December 13, 2021. She is survived by one son James Lee (Chris) Garrett of Greenwood; one daughter Cheryl (Robert) White of Nineveh: six grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren; step-daughter Angela Rogers; step-son Bradley Sanders; five step-grandchildren and seven step-great-grandchildren; two brothers Gene (Shirley) Franklin and Frank Franklin both of Holton. She was also preceded in death by her parents, brothers Allen and Benjamin Franklin and her sisters Leota Conover and Eva Mae Wagoner. Rowena was a 1955 graduate of Holton High School. Her working career spanned many years with employment at Sears, Beech Grove Healthcare, Indiana Masonic Home, and she retired from the Indiana Veteran’s Home in West Lafayette. After retiring she and Bob moved to Murray, Kentucky where they enjoyed golfing, boating, and fishing. Rowena was an avid golfer and she was proud of making two holes in one. She loved the outdoors and always had a yard full of flowers, especially roses and irises. She enjoyed time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and also enjoyed sewing and quilting. Rowena had been named a Kentucky Colonel and as a young girl she joined the Hopewell Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 13 at 12 p.m. at the Hopewell Baptist Church with Rev. Luke Koors officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will also be on Friday beginning at 10 a.m. Memorials may be given to the church in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles.