Leah Mae Sanders

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Leah Mae Sanders, 89, passed away Dec. 10, at South Ogden Post Acute Center. Leah was born Dec. 9, 1928, to Parley and Gladys Rawson in Slaterville, Utah. She was the oldest of five children and she grew up on a farm in Plain City, Utah.

She married Blaine Sanders on Oct. 13, 1950, in Plain City, Utah, and their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they raised two children, Chris and Paul.

While living in Utah, she worked as a pediatric nurse for several doctors. In 1964, she moved with her family to Evanston to help run the Ramada Inn and the F Bar M Cafe with her husband. After several years of doing that, she started a new adventure with Blaine, building and running the Three Knights Restaurant, where she enjoyed baking in the kitchen and serving the people of Evanston. Together they later built and ran Westgate Convenience Store and finally retired after many years of hard work together.

She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served many years as the Relief Society president. She was also involved with the Job’s Daughters, Bethel No. 19 for many years working with the girls, overseeing their gowns and taking them on many trips. She loved being involved and getting to know each one of them. 

She loved to sew, knit, crochet and bake. She also loved going camping at the family lot and taking trips with the Good Sam’s Club. Leah was very kind and loving and enjoyed being with family and friends.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Blaine Sanders; two children, Christine (Brad, deceased) Welling and Paul Sanders; four grandchildren, Amie (Matt) Petrie, Jessica (Steve) Mensing and Tara Sanders, all of Evanston, and Lindsey Sanders of Phoenix.

She is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Melissa Petrie, Jaxson Petrie and Maddie Mensing; three siblings, Cleo Wagstaff, Verl Rawson and Karlene Oelke; brother- and sisters-in-law, Mike (Dauna) Sanders, Richard (Jeri, deceased) Sanders, Raymond (Rose) Sanders and Pam Sprouse; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Karl Rawson; niece, Nyla Oelke; nephews, Brian Rawson and Dean Wagstaff; and son-in-law, Brad Welling.

Funeral service will be at noon on Wednesday, Dec. 13, in the Evanston LDS Ward Chapel on Sage Street.  Viewing will be from 10:30-11:45 a.m. on Wednesday, prior to the service.

Interment will follow in the Evanston Cemetery.

Online condolences may be given at crandallfhevanston.com.