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Catherine "Cathy" Maxine Sanders passed away on April 12th, 2026, leaving behind love, laughter, and a lifetime of memories with the people who meant the most to her.
She was born on November 24, 1946, To Ralph and Rita (O'Brien) Fortner in Decatur, Illinois. Cathy was the seventh of thirteen kids - so it's no surprise she grew up knowing how to hold her own. In school, her favorite subjects were recess, lunch and chasing boys.
Cathy had her first date with the love of her life, Roy Dean Sanders, on her birthday in 1962. The two were married the next year on November 23rd, 1963 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Decatur, Illinois. The couple then had four children, Trisha, Timothy, Todd, and Thomas.
After moving to Woodward, Oklahoma, in 1981, Cathy spent many years working at Woodward Hospital as head of housekeeping, where she took pride in what she did and the people she worked with.
If you knew Cathy, you knew she was quite a firecracker - funny, strong-willed, and always herself. She also had a strong, lifelong Catholic faith that carried her throughout life.
Her favorite role, though, was being a Mom and Grandma. She loved her kids and grandkids more than anything, and nothing made her happier than having everyone together. And if you were there, you were probably being fed. Her kitchen was always full, and it was where a lot of the best memories were made.
Cathy enjoyed the little things, too - listening to new music, telling stories, shopping, playing cards, crocheting, and sitting out on the porch with a cup of coffee.
She is survived by her children: Trisha Sanders; Timothy Sanders and his wife, Melissa; Todd Sanders and his wife, Lisa; and Thomas Sanders; She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Austin Sanders, Jessica Sanders, Alexandria Baird, Brittany Sanders, Gabrielle McGregor, Blayn Sanders, and Fiona Sanders; her brothers: Samuel Fortner; and Billy Fortner and his wife, JoAnn; her sisters: Barbara Moody and her husband, Don; Martha Smith and her husband, Tom; Margaret Sommerfeldt; and Madelyn Beck and her husband, Tom; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Cathy was preceded in death by her husband, Roy; her parents, Ralph and Rita; and her siblings, Patty, Joe, Mary Deloris, David, Marelyn, and Mary Alice.
She will be remembered for her big heart, her sense of humor, and the strength she had in every chapter of her life.
Though she is gone from our sight, she will forever live on in our hearts - may she rest in peace.
A receiving of friends will be held at Billings Funeral Home in Woodward, Oklahoma, on Thursday, May 7th from 5-7pm. Memorial services will follow at St. Peter's Catholic Church on Friday, May 8th, at 10am.
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