Mary Martha (Laudenslayer) Sanderson

Mary Martha Laudenslayer Sanderson passed from this life on August 1 at Masonic Village in Elizabethtown.

Born in Detroit on January 5, 1923, Mary, the last of her immediate family, is survived by her husband of 54 years, Ralph Sanderson; her children; Warren Miller, Karen (Miller) Davis, Gwen (Sanderson) Stoner, Michael Sanderson, and Barbara Miller; along with six grandsons and two great-grandchildren. She was proud of her family.

She and Ralph tried to “raise up [their children] in the way [they] should go....” Mary was constant in her faith in Heaven.

She was a graduate of Oddfellows Orphanage, Sunbury High School, and Central Pennsylvania Business School. In her youth, she played the violin; later, she played piano and organ and sang in the church choir.

Mary taught and supervised several children’s Sunday schools and ran a Good News Club from her home for many years. She spent many hours creating craft projects and lessons for the children. She supported the work of missionaries and enjoyed meeting with friends to study the Bible and pray.

Mary and Ralph enjoyed trips on the motorcycle and by car. After retirement, Mary particularly loved a two-week trip to the Midwest, where she didn’t have to lift a finger—she “felt like a queen.” Whether traveling or at home, the main source of her joy was her sweetheart, Ralph.

Eventually beset with Alzheimer’s, Mary did slow down in her eighties, moving to Masonic Homes two years ago, where her congenial nature was a pleasure to see. Very special thanks go to the caregivers of Lafayette East at Masonic Village for their kindness and caring.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Masonic Villages at www.masonicvillages.org. For more information or to send messages of condolence, please visit www.Parthemore.com.