Betty Jean Saunders

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint."
- Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)
Betty (nee Luckey) Saunders, age 85, peacefully entered eternal rest on July 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. A woman of profound faith, generosity, and grace, Betty lived a life marked by devotion-to God, to her family, and to her calling.
Born on October 4, 1939, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Betty was the beloved daughter of the late Elizabeth McMullen Wheeler and Clifford Wheeler, and the granddaughter of Sally McMullen and Augustus McMullen. She grew up in a large, close-knit family, where she first embraced the values of faith, resilience, and service that would define her life and her walk with Christ.
On June 4, 1983, Betty married Michael Saunders, and together they shared 42 beautiful years of love, laughter, and unwavering partnership.
A woman of creativity and warmth, Betty had a gift for crafting, often creating stunning floral arrangements and keepsakes that brought joy to those around her. She also had a fondness for classic Westerns-especially Gunsmoke-which she enjoyed watching alongside her husband.
Betty's faith guided every aspect of her life. She attended New Covenant Fellowship where she served faithfully as a Deaconess and ordained as an Elder December 2, 2018. She poured her heart into ministry, steadfastly serving God's people both within the church and throughout the community. Whether preaching from the pulpit or offering quiet encouragement, Betty uplifted others through her love for God and people. Her daily life reflected her deep spiritual convictions, radiating kindness, wisdom, and grace.
Professionally, Betty devoted over two decades to special education, teaching with compassion and excellence at Fayetteville High School and Western Brown High School. She was a fierce advocate for students with disabilities and a respected colleague among peers. Earning her Associate's Degree from the University of Cincinnati was a personal milestone and a testament to her belief in lifelong learning and educational equity.
Betty was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed. She was a devoted wife to Michael Saunders, a loving mother to Theresa Little, William (Terry) Wright, Dwayne Wright, Valerie Patrick, and Steve (Jeannell) Wright (preceded by death). She shared a special bond with her stepdaughter, Jessica Saunders, and was a proud and devoted grandmother to DaKishaBritton, William Wright Jr., Dwayne Wright Jr., Candace Ladd, Tiffany Jackson, Nicole Holden, Angela Dews, Steven Gerald Wright II, Stephanie Burnette Green, Christopher Wright, Essence Marsh, Shawn Hope (preceded by death), and Sydney Patrick (preceded by death).
She is also survived by her siblings Mary (Mary Lou) Campbell, Deborah Wheeler, Esther Herrington, Tempie Luckey, and Maurice Wheeler, and was preceded in death by Margie Wheeler, Clifford Wheeler Jr., and Ronald Wheeler. Betty leaves behind a host of step-siblings, great-grandchildren, extended family, and dear friends.
Betty will be remembered as a woman of unwavering strength, gentle kindness, and a radiant love for the Lord. Her presence brought light, her words brought comfort, and her life left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Though she now rests in eternal peace, her legacy of love and faith will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
Visitation will be held in the Chapel of Vineyard Cincinnati Church, 11340 Century Circle East, Cincinnati, OH 45246 on Saturday, August 9 from 9:00-10:00 AM followed by a funeral service at 10:00 AM. Entombment will follow at the Lakeside Mausoleum at Spring Grove. Family and friends are invited back to Vineyard Cincinnati Church for a Celebration of Life luncheon at 1 PM.