Geraldine “Gerry” Sanders

Geraldine M. “Gerry” Sanders 89, loving wife of Burt Sanders, died Sunday, March 1, 2015 at Schowalter Villa in Hesston, Kansas after a long recurring battle with cancer. She was born January 24, 1926 in Luray, Kansas to Robert E. and Edna (Fulkerson) Irby.  Gerry married Burton Sanders on June 5, 1949 at Hill City, Kansas and he survives of the home. She was a charter member of the Trinity Heights United Methodist Church in Newton where she was very involved including serving with United Methodist Women and singing in the church choir.  She worked as a receptionist at a uniform company in Wichita and also worked part time as a cashier at Graber’s hardware in Newton.  Gerry enjoyed yard work and flower gardening.  She and her husband were known for their peony flowers that they grew and shared through the years. She enjoyed being a homemaker and was known for her good cooking. Gerry enjoyed playing tennis and was a loving wife, mother and a good friend to many.

She is survived by her husband Burt of the home; daughter Cheryl Stansbury of Lawton, OK; 6 grandchildren and several great grandchildren. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, son Craig Sanders and sister Juanita Brookshire.

Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 5, 2015 with the family receiving friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Petersen Funeral Home.  A memorial service and celebration of life will be in two weeks at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at Trinity Heights United Methodist Church with Pastor Amy Lippoldt presiding. Inurnment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Newton.

Memorials are suggested to Trinity Heights Building Fund. c/o Petersen Funeral Home.