Josephine E. Sanders, 97 of Rochester, was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at 12:05 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016, at Hickory Creek of Rochester.

On Nov. 27, 1918, Josephine Eloise Utter was born in Henry Township, a cherished daughter of Harley and Gertrude Johnson Utter. Growing up she shared her childhood with two sisters and five brothers.

On Oct. 26, 1937, near Bruce Lake, Josephine and Ervin Jay Sanders were married. They enjoyed more than 62 years of life’s adventures.  From their union came four wonderful children. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

As the matriarch of the Sanders family, Jo was proud to oversee four generations. She loved and adored her family. Known for her culinary skills, in greatest demand were her beef and noodles, a secret family recipe passed down thru the years. She enjoyed holidays and special family celebrations making memories of a lifetime.

Josephine is lovingly remembered by  two daughters and a daughter-in-law: Connie (Jimmie) Walters and Kay (Marvin) Nixon Davis, both of Rochester; and Marge Sanders, Mentone; a son: Marvin Sanders, Ruidoso, N.M.; nine grandchildren: Cindisu Dehne; Michael (Lori) Sanders; Chad Walters; Becky (Stan) Tressler; Jennifer (Charlie) Manns; Kristen Sanders; Kelly Sanders; Tracey (John) Bos; and Jay Nixon; ten great-grandchildren: Garrett Sanders; Nathan Sanders; Emily Sanders; Rachel Tressler; Ryan Tressler; Kate Josephine Manns; Lila Manns; Maxwell Bos; Benjamin Bos; and Malory Olive Nixon; special life long friends: Mary Jane Foley and Diana Foley Welker; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Josephine in death are her parents; beloved husband: Jay, Feb. 28, 2000; a cherished son: Larry Sanders, Jan. 17, 2015; two sisters; five brothers; and a daughter-in-law: Patsy Sanders in 2008.

“Yoo-Hoo!,” Thank you for your love and support and wonderful care  during my stay with Hickory Creek.

A celebration of the life of Mrs. Josephine Eloise Sanders will be at  noon Monday, Jan. 11, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester, with Chaplain Teri White officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 10- noon. Burial will follow in  Rochester’s IOOF Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church, 801 Jefferson Street, Rochester, IN 46975 or the donor’s choice.