Mary Sue Sanders

November 13, 1932 - December 6, 2013

Mary Sue Sanders, age 81 of Higginsville, Missouri died on Friday, December 6, 2013, at her home. Born Sunday, November 13, 1932 in Higginsville, she was the daughter of Lester Gillilan and Bessie (Bodenhamer) Gillilan. She and Ronald V. Sanders were united in marriage on Saturday, December 18, 1954. Mary Sue worked at the downtown Higginsville office of REA and then did office work for Sanders-Wood Construction as well as Ron Sanders Masonry while also being a homemaker. She was a 1951 graduate of Higginsville High School and was a lifelong resident of Higginsville. She was a member of Central Christian Church and the Christian Women's Fellowship. She also taught Sunday School for several years. Mary Sue helped deliver Meals on Wheels and was a member of Preceptor Xi of Beta Sigma Phi sorority. She enjoyed playing cards with several Bridge clubs, and also loved playing Pitch with family and friends. Preceding her in death are her parents, one brother, Bill Gillilan and one sister, Tricia Schroer. Surviving are her husband, Ron Sanders of the home; two sons; Kevin (Dawn) Sanders, Jim (Susan) Sanders, and one daughter; Julie (Glenn) Opfer all of Higginsville; one brother; Bob (Mary Lou) Gillilan of Jefferson City, Missouri; 8 grandchildren; John Opfer & fiancé Amber Williams, Tim Opfer & fiancé Abby Garlich, Kyle Sanders, Casey Sanders, Cody Sanders, Jordan (Kandice) Sanders, Ryan (Jill) Terry & Dane Terry; and 1 great grandson, Hunter. A Funeral service will be at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, December 12, 2013 at Central Christian Church, 16 W. 20th St. Higginsville with Rev. Matt Limback officiating, Sharon Pragman as organist and Colleen Sanders as vocalist. Interment will be in the Higginsville City Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday at Hoefer Funeral Home, 1600 Main St., Higginsville. The Family suggests Memorials to the Higginsville Heat and Hunger Fund or Central Christian Church. Pallbearers are John Opfer, Tim Opfer, Kyle Sanders, Casey Sanders, Cody Sanders and Jordan Sanders. Honorary pallbearers are Cindy Schroer, Ryan Terry and Dane Terry. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.hoeferfuneralhome.com