In Memory of Marlys Sanders

Marlys (Dawson) Sanders, age 85, of Ida Grove, Iowa, died at her home on Tuesday, April 16, 2013.
            Born November 24, 1927, in Effington, South Dakota, Marlys Florene (Dawson) Sanders was the daughter of Delbert and Agnes (Beito) Dawson.  Her family moved to Aberdeen, South Dakota, when Marlys was two years old.  She attended Lincoln Elementary School and graduated from Aberdeen Central High School in 1945.  Marlys received the highest honor by her fellow classmates when she was voted Pageant Queen.
            She attended Northern State Teacher’s College in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and was later employed by the State’s Attorney in Aberdeen, for the U.S.E.S. employment office, and later for Farm Bureau in Worthington, Minnesota.  
            On May 29, 1947, she was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Joseph “Whitey” Sanders, following his honorable discharge from the Army Medics.  The couple made their home in Aberdeen until moving in 1950 to Worthington, Minnesota.  They were blessed with four wonderful children, Ronald, Kevan, Jana, and Darby.  The last years of her life were spent in Ida Grove. 
            Marlys was a homemaker, wife and stay-at-home Mom until the last of her children left home.  Family was very important to her and all activities were enjoyed as a close family, including band, sporting events, fishing, and traveling.  Marlys cherished with all of her heart      her nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
            A talented musician, Marlys enjoyed singing and playing the piano.  She also enjoyed journalism and horseback riding.
            Survivors include four children, Darby (Wendy) Sanders of Ida Grove, Jana (Jim) Moeding of Montevideo, MN, Kevan (Debora) Sanders of Fergus Falls, MN, and Ronald Sanders of Slayton, MN; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a brother, Dale Dawson of Sioux Falls, SD.
            She was preceded in death by her beloved husband in 1991; and her loving parents.