Elizabeth Louise (Sandhaas) Sleeter

Elizabeth "Betty" Sleeter, age 90, passed away quietly on the evening of December 6th, 2022. In her waning years, her memories began to fade due to dementia and now, it is her family's honor to share some remembrances for her.

She was born on June 7, 1932, in Springfield, Illinois, to German immigrant parents, steps away from the state capitol building, next to the busy train tracks. Along with her older brother, Joe, they lived in a house with a mechanics garage that had been erected by her mother and father, Joseph, and Elizabeth Sandhaas.

In 1959, she and her husband Stanley R Sleeter, moved to the exotic and rustic frontier called "New Mexico" to raise a family, explore the enchanted outdoors, and pursue careers in teaching high school. She mentored many students, teaching English, and more specifically, creative writing to aspiring young minds. She and her creative writing students published their works in a journal titled "Mountain Song" for many years. Her love of travel took her to Europe and Germany, where she reconnected with her German relatives forging a bond for her and her children that has expanded and enhanced all their lives. She enjoyed reading and her book club, playing bridge, volunteering at the Albuquerque Museum and camping.

Her greatest loves and pride were in her family who survive her, Michael; David and his wife, Joan; Lisa and her husband, Tom; Richard and his wife, Debbie; along with nine grandchildren; and seven nieces and nephews spread across the United States.

A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at 11:00 am, at the Prince of Peace Catholic Community Church, 12500 Carmel Ave. NE. A reception at the back of the church immediately follows. Friends and family are invited to attend. Donations to Alzheimers.org are suggested in lieu of flowers.