Mary L. Sanders

Mary L. Sanders, 93, of Centralia, passed away Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at Odin Health Care Center. Mary was born December 5, 1925 in Central City, IL, the daughter of Charles Francis Woolbright and Anna Catherine (Buda) Woolbright. She married Augustus L. Sanders on December 31, 1946 in Central City and he preceded her in death on April 24, 1984. Mary is survived by her two children: Michael Sanders and wife Jo of Marshall, IL, and Mariann Wrone of Centralia, IL; five grandchildren: Jason Wrone of Effingham, IL, Nis Lovstad of Marshall, IL, Jennifer Patton and husband Nick of Effingham, IL, James Sanders of Marshall, IL, and John Evan Sanders of Marshall, IL; three great grandchildren: Elizabeth Lovstad, Hunter Lovstad, and Tinley Kate Patton; also surviving are many loving nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her parents: Charles and Anna Woolbright; husband: Augustus L. Sanders; six brothers: Clarence Woolbright, Thomas Woolbright, Alva Woolbright, John Woolbright, Harold Woolbright, and Robert Woolbright; four sisters: Anna Tillman, Gladys Woolbright, Edna Jackson, and Helen Hall; and several nieces and nephews. Mary was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She dedicated her life to taking care of people, most notably her family and the generations of other families through her home daycare for over 50 years. Many of those she cared for remained in touch with her throughout her life. The children she cared for will long remember her spaghetti and taco salad lunches. Around Halloween, children would line the block for her homemade popcorn balls. If ever there was a child in the room, Mary instantly won them over with her warm heart. She enjoyed gathering with her family and friends to play games (Rummikub was her favorite) and her quick wit always created laughter. Mary found solace in gardening and caring for her yard, where even in her later years she was known to cut down a tree or two on her own. She was an active member of the First Christian Church in Centralia. Mary’s lasting legacy of loving and caring for others will be carried on with her family and the countless lives she touched. Funeral Services for Mary L. Sanders will be held Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with Rev. Elaine Bush officiating. Burial will follow in the Elmwood Cemetery in Centralia. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to the time of service on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Christian Church in Centralia, or to the Central City Lions Club and will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, IL 62801 (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Sanders family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com

Mary L. Sanders

December 5, 1925 - December 18, 2018