Ruth C. Sanders, 90, of Oklahoma City, died March 5 in Oklahoma City. She was born Sept. 28, 1922 in Ingalls, Kansas to John and Catherine Baumgart. Graduating from high school at age 15, Ruth and a sister moved to Oklahoma City to attend and graduate from Hill's Business College. She then worked at Cordell National Bank until meeting and marrying Edward C. Sandy Sanders, Jr. Ruth and Sandy were co-owners and operators of Oklahoma City restaurants, including the Uptown Pit Barbecue and Patrick's Steaks and Seafood, until retiring in 1974. In 1970, Ruth worked tirelessly with her husband as he ran and won election to the Oklahoma House of Representatives, where he served for eight terms. She was president of the Ohoyahoma Club whose members were wives of the members of the Oklahoma Legislature. She also served in many roles for her children's elementary, junior high and high school PTAs. She was president of the OU Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity mother's club, and was an avid OU, OSU and Oklahoma City Thunder fan. A woman of many talents, Ruth loved music and played the piano and organ. She sang soprano in the church choir for many years, and shared her love of music with her children and grandchildren. She was active in St. Paul's Lutheran Church and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, serving on many committees and coordinating meals and special events. Ruth is survived by her son, Edward C. Sandy Sanders III, mayor of Fort Smith, AR, and his wife Sandi; five grandchildren: Susan Sanders Johns and husband Michael Johns of Fort Smith; Elaine Sanders Dlabach and husband Dr. Jeff Dlabach of Germantown, TN; Robert Strain and wife Dani of Flower Mound, TX; Michael Strain of Bethany, OK; Valerie Strain and fianc Wade Ratliff of Oklahoma City; 10 great-grandchildren: Ian, Faith and Jack Johns; Isabel, Nicholas and Reese Dlabach; Billy, Anna and Catie Strain; and Carter Strain. Also, two sisters, Alice Goeringer and Thelma White, and brother-in-law, Clifford (Bud) Sanders. She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 60 years, E.C. Sandy Sanders; daughter, Charlotte Ann Sanders, sister, Florence Ware and brother, Walter Baumgart. The memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 14, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Oklahoma City. The family will visit with friends in the church activity center following the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church or the charity of the donor's choice. Memorial Service Thursday, March 14, 2013 10:00 AM St. Paul's Lutheran Church 10600 N. Council Oklahoma City, OK