WILMINGTON —- Ruby Christine Sanders, age 87, of Wilmington, N.C., passed from this life into the arms of her Lord on Oct. 11, 2016, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Ruby was a delight, and wanted everyone to call her “Granny!” It made her feel like family and very loved she said, so for that reason this obituary will be written as Granny would have wanted.
Granny was born in Halifax County, N.C. on April 5, 1929, the daughter of Cova Clemmons and Annie Bell Green. She met the love of her life, Woodrow Sanders, of Big Stone Gap, Va., shortly after WWII. They were married on Nov. 10, 1945. Sharing their life together in Wilmington, N.C., they raised two boys, Mike and Terry Sanders. They were married until Woodrow’s passing on Nov. 6, 2009.
Granny is survived by her sons, Michael Sanders of Kyle, Texas, and Terry Sanders of Wilmington. She is also survived by her two daughter-in-law’s, which she always called her “daughters,”Kathy Sanders of Kyle, Texas, and Sharon Sanders of Burgaw, N.C.
Her love of family was of utmost importance to her and she is survived by four grandchildren, Shane Sanders and wife Misty, and Justin Sanders of Austin, Texas; Krystle Cochrane and husband, Isaac, of Leland, N.C; and Christopher Sanders of Burgaw, N.C. She was blessed with five surviving great-grandchildren, Abigail and Alexa Sanders, along with Kylie, Aiden and Tylon Cochrane.
Granny had a heart of gold and enjoyed fun and teasing of everyone she loved. There were many fun memories of her cutting up with all of us, especially the grandkids. She had an infectious sense of humor and loved to laugh with those who visited her. As her husband Woodrow worked in the ceramic tile business, she went about the business of making sure her kids were loved beyond measure and their home was well cared for. She expressed her love, with the worry and care of a mother hen, and was told by many of us, “Granny you always come up with something to worry about!” That was Granny’s way to love and she did it with passion. She had such empathy for those less fortunate and wanted to take care of everyone, even right up until she transferred herself over to Memory Care, because she said she could help her friends and wanted to be there for them. Even as her own mind was failing her, she was worrying about her friends in Memory Care.
We the family would like to thank everyone who had a hand in assisting us with Granny’s care. There is no way to express how grateful we are for all of the beautiful caregivers inside of New Hanover House Assisted/Memory Care and others who supported us in her care throughout this time.
In our absence, we had “Angels” who volunteered their time to check in on Granny and make sure all was well and she felt loved. You all know who you are and there is a special place in heaven for people like you, thank you for all that you did for our Granny. You have all been a blessing and we are forever grateful.
A service to celebrate Granny’s life is planned for November 2016 at Wilmington Funeral Chapel. A time and date will be announced once plans are finalized.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to your favorite charity in honor of Ruby C. Sanders.
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