Ralph E. Sanderson

Ralph E. Sanderson, 87, formerly of Mechanicsburg, passed away on Wednesday, September 21, 2016 in Masonic Village, Elizabethtown.

He was a former employee with the United Methodist Home for Children, Shiremanstown, Welding Materials, Lemoyne and the Pennsylvania Railroad, Enola Yards. Ralph was a member of Emanuel Baptist Church, Mechanicsburg; a graduate of the former Lemoyne High School; a member of West Fairview School Association; president of Keenagers, Pheasant Hills, Harrisburg; and enjoyed golfing and woodworking.

Ralph was born in Harrisburg December 20, 1928 to the late H. Guiles Sanderson and Ruth (Stoner) Sanderson and was the widower of Mary M. (Laudenslayer) Sanderson.

He is survived by his children, Gwen Stoner and husband Samuel of Mechanicsburg, Michael E. Sanderson of Enola, Warren Miller of Washington, D.C. (Jenifer), Karen Davis of Lititz (Bob) and Barbara Miller of Portugal (Wayne Klitsch); six grandchildren, Greg, Jason and Samuel Stoner, Sean Sanderson, Matthew Miller and Brendan Davis and three great grandchildren, Nicholas and Jordyn Stoner and Levi Sanderson. Ralph is survived by his sister M. Elaine Freeman of Masonic Village Elizabethtown.

A devout Christian, he enjoyed singing tenor in the choir and was devoted to his family and church. In his middle years, he bought a Harley Davidson and rode around the country with his formerly buttoned-up wife. Whatever came his way; Ralph accepted and made sure it turned out okay. He was a wonderful role model. He was a favorite at Masonic with the residents and staff with his upbeat demeanor and sense of humor. Our thanks to all the caregivers of Lafayette East at Masonic Village for their kindness and caring.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ralph’s name are respectfully encouraged to Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, Compassionate Care Fund, Office of Gift Planning, One Masonic Dr. Elizabethtown, PA 17022.

To send messages of condolence to Ralph’s family, please visit www.Parthemore.com .