Phyllis Swanson

Betty Sanders was born Oct. 17, 1926, in Oklahoma City, Okla. Betty had six brothers and sisters.

She received a bachelor of science degree in biology from Oklahoma College for Women, now the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO). She received a March of Dimes scholarship to physical therapy school, and received her certificate in physical therapy in 1951 from Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas. In 1954, she was awarded an NFIP (National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis) fellowship for graduate school, and received a master’s degree from Stanford University. Betty joined academia in 1956, and taught physical therapy at Kansas, the University of North Carolina, and Wichita State. She received tenure in all three positions.

Betty was a consultant for other state programs. While working full time, she became a tennis official. She was an avid tennis player and still plays tennis. In 1993, she was named Oklahoma Umpire of the Year and Outstanding Umpire for the Missouri Valley Section of USTA. As a dedicated physical therapist and tennis official, she was inducted into her alma mater’s Hall of Fame in 1996.

Betty moved to Sun Lakes in 2002. One of the first things she did was to volunteer with Neighbors Who Care and later in 2012 with the Sun Lakes Posse Medical Equipment. Betty considers herself gratefully blessed with good genes, strong faith, and a desire to help others. Her favorite quote is from Stephen Grellet: “I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good thing therefore that I can do of any kindness I can show any fellow human, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”