Caroline Bailey

Wilhelm's Portland Memorial Funeral Home

Bette Brandis

Funeral Alternatives of Washington - Tumwater

Join Mary's family for lunch to celebrate and cherish her life by sharing in a time together.
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Please wear something that would make Mary smile.
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Celebration of Life

Gabriela Blank

Mary Sanders

Emily Sanders

Nick Blank

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).

When words can't fully express what we want to say, sometimes a small gift can. Visit our Memorial Store for personalized gifts, keepsake jewelry and to plant a memorial tree.

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Mary Sanders Obituary | Keeper Memorials