Irma Jean Sanders, 89, of Rockford, Ill., died Nov. 9, 2012, in SwedishAmerican Hospital.
She was born June 9, 1923 in Walworth to Carl A. and Dora F. (Bauermann) Recknagle.
She graduated from Elkhorn Area High School in 1941. She moved to Rockford in 1942 and married Julius M. Sanders Nov. 17, 1944. He preceded her in death Jan. 20, 1992.
She was a secretary for the Rockford Board of Education, retiring in 1983 and a member of First Lutheran Church, where she volunteered with other church members in helping the community. She was the past president of Rockford Association of Educational Office Personnel, and a member and past president of Rockford Association of Retired Educational Office Personnel. She was also a member of Ingersoll 9-Hole Golf League, she bowled in several leagues, and she enjoyed Friends Card Club since 1955.
She is survived by her children, Steven R. Sanders and Suzanne (George) Graham both of Rockford; grandchildren, Michael Graham, Amy (Jason) Newell and Jessica Sanders; great-grandchildren, Josh, Paige, Alana, Jackson, Hayden, Madelynn and Payton; great-great-granddaughter, Kayden; sister, Madgel Schluga of Lake Geneva; several nieces and nephews and beloved dog, Buddy.
She was further preceded in death by son, James Sanders and sister, Katherine Springsteen.
Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, at Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Ltd., Fred C. Olson Chapel, 1001 Second Ave., Rockford, with Pastor Jane McChesney officiating. Visitation from 10 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service in the funeral home. A private burial will be held in Willwood Burial Park.
Memorials may be made to Noah’s Ark, 125 S. Madison, Rockford, IL 61104; or First Lutheran Church, 225 S. Third St., Rockford, IL 61104; or to the charity of donor’s choice. To share a memory or condolence, visit olsonfh.com.
