Beatrice Sanders

Beatrice Helen Pries Sanders, 85, died at 8:10 p.m. March 9, 2011 at Vancrest of Convoy, Ohio.

She was born April 27, 1925 in Olean, New York to Albert and Mary Pries, who preceded her in death.

She and Lewis Edward Sanders married in Perrysburg, NY September 4, 1943 having been married almost 55 years. Lewis passed on July 3, 1998. Prior to moving to Ohio, she and her husband and sons worked together on their dairy farm.

Her eldest son, Leroy, died at 38 years in Cattaraugus, NY on September 13, 1984. His wife, Ellen De Groff, resides in Florida. Their children, Matt (Robin) Sanders of Cattaraugus, NY and his children, Tyler (Shannon) Sanders of Salamanca, NY and Jena Sanders of Olean, NY; Laurdean (Harold) Church and son, Dillon of Cattaraugus, NY; and Allyson Sanders (FiancAC.: David) of Jamestown, NY.

She is also survived by her devoted son, David and wife, Carol of Van Wert; Their children, Kari (Jason) Shininger and daughter, Emma, of Bryan, Ohio; Kris (Jeff) Loughrie, children Quinn, Gavin & Aiden of West Chester, Ohio; Michael (Denise) Sanders and sons, Garrett and Jack of Eaton, Ohio.

She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Edna Gross of Jamestown, NY; Iola Press of Gowanda, NY and Faye Pries of Brandywine, MD; 6 nieces and 5 nephews in New York State and 1 nephew in Tennessee. Preceding her in death was her sister Betty (Gilbert) Pfleuger and brothers, Robert (Louise) Pries of Alleghany, NY and James Pries of Brandywine, MD and in-laws, Marian and Earl Harvey; Eva and Dick Pfleuger; Herb Press, Forest Gross and Pearl and Lee Sanders.

Mrs. Sanders was a homemaker. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, walking, cross country skiing much of her adult life. She loved refinishing antique furniture and garage saling. She loved baking her much loved apple pies, cinnamon rolls and dinner rolls.

She loved and cherished her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She graduated from Forestville High School, Forestville, New York and was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church, in Van Wert and the women's society. She helped with the strawberry festival and other meal events of the church.

Memorials are to Alzheimer's of Toledo, Vancrest Convoy Aviary/ Activity Fund or the Salvation Army of Van Wert, Ohio.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 AM Monday March 14, 2011 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory, Van Wert, Ohio. Friends and Family may call from 4:00 - 6:00 PM Sunday March 13, 2011 at the funeral home.

Burial will take place at Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert, Ohio.

Rev. Mary Ann Tomlinson will officiate.