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Mary Ellen Sanders
December 13th, 1959 - May 4th, 2025
December 13th, 1959 - May 4th, 2025
Forever in our hearts.
Mary Ellen (Partaka) Sanders, age 65, of Haslett, Michigan, passed away on May 4, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on December 13, 1959 in Sandusky, Michigan to John and Isabella Partaka, growing up on her family’s farm in Minden City, Michigan. Mary engaged in a variety of careers, including spending many years organizing auto shows, which she often remembered fondly as an exciting time of her life. She was greatly proud of her accomplishments and successes working alongside her spouse, Mark Sanders, to run their family business.
Mary is survived by her husband Mark and their six children, Brandon Sanders, Nicholas (Joni) Blank, Alexander (Gabriela) Blank, Allen Sanders, Kyle Blank, and Emily Sanders. Mary found great joy in her three granddaughters, Adelynn, Coraline and Liliana, and she was thrilled for the arrival of her fourth granddaughter, Marielle, who was born in the weeks following Mary’s passing. Among Mary’s family, whom she all loved dearly, she was especially close with her siblings, Joan (Tom) Staroska, Sheree Hendrick and Joseph (Barbara) Partaka, and she had a special heart for her brother, John. Mary was preceded in death by her parents and older brothers, William, Edward, and sister, Patricia Affer.
Mary will be remembered for her kindness, generosity and dependable joyfulness, always wearing a smile and sharing in the delight of others. Blessed by Mary’s continuously thoughtful giving, her family and friends will always be able to survey their homes and find something that “Mary got them”. She will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Bengel Wildlife Conservancy, Bath Township, Michigan on October 26th, 2025 from 1 - 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please honor Mary’s memory by treating yourself to something special, just as she would have wanted.
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NIV).
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Tributes
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Lindie Henry
Hi I’m lindie Henry I loved Mary as many did she’s one that will never be forgotten she had a heart like no other she’s definitely going to be missed by many thank you for having Fudd and I be blessed you all
Janet Shue, AKA Miss Piggy
Moira Roger’s said “The two hardest things to say in life is hello for the first time and goodbye for the last.” When I first met Mary I was in awe of her physical beauty but soon learned her inner beauty shined beyond belief. She valued the unique characteristics of others and had a way of making all feel welcome. Mary was so proud of her children, brought her such delight to share what was going on in their lives. And then she became a grandmother! We often talked about the love a grandmother feels for grandchildren and how we couldn’t imagine life without them. Mary was looking forward to the arrival of her fourth granddaughter, as eager to meet her as she was the others. I’m sorry Mary you weren’t here for baby’s arrival. She’s a beauty! Hope you had safe passage. Keep a watchful eye over Mark and all the kids. Perhaps we’ll meet again, love and miss you, Janet PS - miss your beautiful smile and sweet laughter
Morgan Mercer
Trying to find the words to say so much about such an amazing woman. My Aunt Mary always made me feel so loved. She gave the best hugs — the kind that made you feel warm and safe and completely cared for. She just had this way of making people feel special, like you mattered to her no matter what. I want to carry that with me — to love people the way she did. I want others to feel that same warmth and kindness from me, because that’s what she gave to all of us. She will be so missed and I am forever grateful to have felt her love. I love you.
Cindy Dodge
Mary was a treasure I found not so long ago when my son rented one of their houses. He was not in the greatest place in life, and Mary never judged him and often gave me words of wisdom from her own experiences that made me ferl like I was not the only parent struggling. She also came to be a rental mentor of sorts gor me. I did not get to tell her about my new project in Bay City Phoenix Valley recovery. I know she would have had been happy for to see this help coming to the community. This is so sad to learn of her passing. May peace be with her family. Cindy Dodge
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