TAHLEQUAH - Shirley Mae Sanders was born January 7, 1940 in Gravette, Ark. to Floyd and Nina (Barnes) Wilkins and departed this life on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008 in Tulsa at the age of 68 years, 11 months and 14 days.
Shirley lived life to the fullest and there was nothing that she wouldn’t or couldn’t do. She was involved in the restaurant service industry both as an owner and waitress in several locations throughout the years. She worked as an electrician for Sturdy Built in Livingston, Mont. where she lived from 1970-1990, and she also had a house cleaning business there. She worked for Walmart, in Tahlequah, as the Fabric and Crafts Department manager for over 18 years. She loved making holiday candy, watching Steelers football, collecting little angel and elephant trinkets and spending time with her family. She was especially proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her father Floyd Wilkins.
She is survived by a loving family which includes her husband of over 38 years, Larry Sanders, of the home in Tahlequah; three sons: Randy Edmisten, of Gravette, Ark., Rick Edmisten and wife, Maejean, of Tahlequah, and Larry Sanders, of Livingston, Mont.; one daughter, Debby Claytor, of Santa Barbara, Calif.; three sisters: Pat Monroe, of Kiefer, Sharon Warrington and husband, Jim, of Sapulpa, and Rhonda Edwards, of Tulsa; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous family and friends.
Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 27 in the First Baptist Church, Tahlequah, with Brother Jimmy Briggs officiating.
Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa.
Viewing will be Friday, Dec. 26, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Services entrusted to Reed-Culver Funeral Home. Reed-Culver Funeral Home, 117 W. Delaware, 456-2551.
