Mary Ann Sanders

Mary Ann Sanders, 88, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully passed away on January 8, 2025, in her hometown of Indianapolis, Indiana — where she was born on August 29, 1936. 

“My mom always had an ability to make us laugh and feel loved,” her daughter Debbie Lindauer said. 

Her children remember Mary Ann’s kind and welcoming spirit and her grandchildren fondly recall competitive game nights, sweet treats, and a deep love for all Indianapolis sports. Throughout her life, her home was warm; filled with laughter and joy. She enjoyed friendly competition, particularly when playing card games, Boggle, or Yahtzee — occasionally trying to sneak in an extra dice roll. She loved ice cream, brownies, and cookies and even inspired the term “Sanders Sweet Tooth.” She kept up with the Colts and Pacers teams and watched the Indy 500 with her family, who would randomly draw drivers’ names out of a hat and win prizes for the top drivers. 

“She loved to cook and always welcomed friends and family to our home,” her daughter Denise Settlemyre said. 

Mary Ann deeply loved her husband Tommy of 40 years. She loved her parents and cared for her father — doing his laundry, balancing his checkbook, and cleaning his apartment — for years. She was a keeper of stories, constantly telling her children about her parents and her upbringing.

“Raising five kids was her main focus, and she was the best mom,” her daughter Donna Sanders said. 

Mary Ann attended Little Flower Catholic School, St. Agnes Academy, and Marian College on a full scholarship. She studied dietetics, excelling at math and chemistry. After graduation, she worked at Procter & Gamble Company. 

She was a proud member of St. Barnabas Catholic Church for decades. Her presence was felt within the church community as she engaged wholeheartedly in parish activities and volunteering. She tutored at St. Barnabas School and volunteered at Riley Hospital, Hunger, Inc. and the Indianapolis Archdiocese Christmas Store. She also sponsored families from Vietnam and Cambodia through St. Barnabas.

“She was one of the most selfless people out there,” her grandson Chris Sanders said. “She only wanted to help and spend time with her friends and family. Whether it was time, money, or an act of service, she always gave all she had when it was needed.” 

Mary Ann is survived by her children: Dianne (Robert) Mohr, David Sanders, Debbie (Keith) Lindauer, Donna Sanders, Denise (Mark) Settlemyre, cousin Suzanne Rhea, 9 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Thomas Sanders, parents Edwin and Delia Cummins Schantz, and sister Carol Lamping. 

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Barnabas Catholic Church, located at 8300 Rahke Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46217, where friends and family will come together to celebrate her remarkable journey. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Riley Block Family Library https://give.rileykids.org/campaign/riley-hospital-library-fundraiser/c290540  or a charity of your choice in honor of Mary Ann. 

Services entrusted to O’Riley—Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227. 

Please visit www.ORileyBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.