Eva Sanders


Leaving a legacy of love, our kind spirited Eva Sanders, of Eaton Rapids, Michigan passed away on December 11, 2021, at the age of 86. Her battle with multiple medical conditions in recent years showed us her courage in facing life’s challenges with a smile and positive attitude. Eva is now reunited with her parents, Gordon and Alice (Rood) Twitchell and sisters Irene Twitchell, Ellie Shaw and Jeannie Lampman.
Eva started her beautiful life on March 1, 1935, in Dimondale, Michigan. Her family moved to Eaton Rapids where she graduated from Eaton Rapids High School. Eva furthered her education graduating from Lansing Business University, then advanced her career to become Business Manager for the Eaton Rapids Medical Clinic, a position she held for numerous years. There was nothing Eva liked better than meaningful conversations with good friends and offering a helping hand in whatever way she could. Her love of family, friends and the Eaton Rapids community were evident to all.
In 1952, Eva met the love of her life, Army Corporal, Ellis Sanders. They married and enjoyed a caring and collaborative relationship for over 68 wonderful years. Eva was a woman with many passions and gifts. An avid reader, tournament bowler, sports and country music enthusiast, expert card player, board game challenger and family recipe collector. She shared her passions with those she loved the most–her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren (or as Eva would call them- Honyocks). They were her pride and joy! She loved traveling to be with her family and friends. Always ready for a road trip, she adventured to Tallman and Loon Lakes, Florida, multiple places out West and even a trip to Europe. Eva’s zest for life will live through many of us for years to come.
In addition to Ellis, Eva will be lovingly remembered by her children: Steve (Ann) Sanders and Julie (Jim) Hannon of Eaton Rapids, Rick (Jackie) Sanders of Henderson, NV. Grandchildren: Allison (Josh) Hummel of Palm Harbor, FL, Jessica (Erik) Smith, Kelsey (Aaron) Look and Zach (Kasidy) Hannon of Eaton Rapids, Stephanie (Jimmy) Wood of Van Alstyne, TX, Grant (Hayley Standage) Sanders of Portland, OR and Gabrielle (Tyler Witte) Sanders of Bend, OR, and nine beautiful great grandchildren who she adored. How thankful she was for her sister-in-law Evelyn (Doug) Stall, brother-in-law Norm Sanders, niece Rosa Hector and numerous other cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends along with the special women of her Red Hatters Group.
Family and friends are encouraged to share memories on Eva’s tribute page at www.vickersfuneralhome.com. A Celebration of Life will be held on January 29, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 600 S. Main Street, Eaton Rapids. Memorial contributions may be made in Eva Sanders name to Sparrow Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, 1210 W. Saginaw Street, Lansing, MI 48915. You can make donations online at www.sparrow.org/give. Arrangements entrusted to Vickers Leslie Funeral Home, 109 N. Church Street/P.O. Box 503, Leslie, MI 49251. 517-878-6600.