Mary A. Sanders, 97, of Olney, passed away on Thursday, March 14, 2019 at Carle Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney. Mary was born on April 25, 1921 in Lawrence Co., IL, the daughter of Albert and Viola (Valley) Stangle. She married Byron A. Sanders on August 5, 1939 in Lawrence County and he preceded her in death on January 27, 1968.
Mary was a housewife and mother, but she also held various jobs. She worked at Richland Memorial and Lawrenceville Memorial Hospitals. One of her favorite jobs was as cook at the Richland County Jail where she was known for her chocolate chip cookies. She was also a babysitter for several day care centers in Olney. When her daughter owned the jazzercise facility for many years, she became known as Grandma Mary.
Mary was never idle. In her free time, she loved to crochet. Every child and grandchild has a dish towel with a crocheted tab on it from her. She spent many days watching her beloved Cubs and was so excited when they won the World Series. She was also an avid Illinois fan. She loved fishing in and around her many fishing holes with her grandsons.
Mary always had a passion for gardening, and she had a green thumb. She spent many hours working in her flower beds. She loved roses and azaleas and loved her morning coffee and a good book.
Mary is survived by her son, Byron David (Diane) Sanders; Daughter, L. Diane (Doug) White; Son, Philip N. Sanders; Son, A. Alan Sanders; Daughter, Deborah C. Leaf; 9 Grandchildren, and 26 Great grandchildren, and 4 Great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 3 brothers, daughter-in-law, Sherry Sanders, and son-in-law, Larry Leaf.
Memorials can be made to St. Joseph Foundation Trust.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday, March 18, 2019 at the Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at 10:00 AM at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Olney, with burial following in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery in St. Francisville, IL.
Online condolences may be left at www.kistler-patterson.com.