Betty Sandau

Betty Ann (Pelton) Sandau was born on April 28, 1933, to Wayne and Viola (Deurmier) Pelton of Avon, SD. Betty was one of eight children and attended Avon School. Betty married Lawrence Sandau on November 17, 1954, and together they had three children: Lynne, Doug, and Jeff. Betty was a bookkeeper at K&K Company following high school. After Betty and Lawrence were married, they moved to Le Mars, IA, where Hattendorf Construction built a church. They moved around to many towns building churches until 1963. They then returned to Tripp so their children could attend school in Tripp. Betty worked for Weber’s Grocery starting in 1964, working on and off for 32 years. In 1978, Lawrence and Betty started Sandau Construction. Moving back to Tripp allowed Betty and Lawrence to follow their children’s and grandchildren’s extra-curricular activities–something they truly enjoyed. Betty was also able to watch her great-grandchildren participate in sporting events, concerts, etc. Throughout her life, Betty was involved in many areas of the community. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary being Unit President and holding other offices. She was also a cub scout den mother. In addition, she took great pride in the Methodist Church where she was Sunday School Superintendent, a Sunday School teacher, and a member of the United Methodist Women where she held offices. Betty took great pride in Lawrence’s business. Following his death, she continued to complete bookwork by hand using pencil and paper until she was 87 years old. She was very proud of the work her family completed.

Betty died October 19, 2025, at Menno-Olivet Care Center. She is survived by her siblings; Merle Reiff and Ron Pelton; daughter Lynne (Don) Haenke of Chisholm, MN, and sons Doug Sandau and Jeff Sandau both of Tripp; 8 grandchildren: Jennifer, Nancy, Brian, Julie, Jamie, Nicole, Samantha, and Jessica; and 19 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Lawrence; her parents; her siblings Evelyn Knoll, Charlie Pelton, Carol Draughon, Larry Pelton, and Don Pelton; and great-granddaughter Caleigh Ziegler.