Joyce Ludmilla Sanders Obituary (1941 - 2023)

On December 22, 2023, Joyce Ludmilla Sanders passed away in her sleep. Joyce, the second to the youngest of 15 children, was born on February 27, 1941, to Lillian and Joseph Efta in Wagner South Dakota. Her childhood was simple and full of joy. Joyce worked at the Spot Cafe and after high school enrolled in beauty college in Spokane, Washington. She married Jerome Sanders July 5, 1960. They raised their family of seven children in Maple Valley, Washington. Joyce's passion was being a wife and mother. Walking into Joyces home you would find her either in the kitchen baking bread, cookies, whipping up a delicious meal, or in her sewing room creating beautiful garments. She was always using her talents giving to others. Not only was she an attentive loving mother to her children but to so many of their friends. She welcomed anyone who came to her house, stopping whatever she was doing to listen, visit, and laugh with. Joyce "Nanny" loved spending time with all her grandchildren hosting "craft days" with them. Joyce enjoyed the opportunities she had to travel with her husband on business trips and traveling back home for family reunions. She was the life of the party, and her laugh was so contagious. Joyce had a deep faith and trust in God. Her life revolved around serving Him, her family, and all who she crossed paths with. Joyce was predeceased by husband Jerome Sanders who died September 16, 2023, and granddaughter Clodagh. She is survived by her sister Louise Mika, brother Leonard Efta, and her children: Mark, Neal (Nicollete), Carl (Stefanie), Alan (Elizabeth), Leon (Tanya) Lyle (Stephanie), Rita (James), 29 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren.