Mrs. Josephine E. Sanders, 97, of Rochester, was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at 12:05 a.m. Saturday, January 9 , 2016 at Hickory Creek of Rochester.

On November 27 , 1918, Josephine Eloise Utter was born in Henry Township, a cherished daughter of Harley and Gertrude Johnson Utter. Growing up she shared her childhood with two sisters and five brothers.

On October 26 , 1937, near Bruce Lake, Josephine and Ervin Jay Sanders were married. They enjoyed more than 62 years of life's adventures.  From their union came four wonderful children.  The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

As the matriarch of the Sanders family, Grandma Jo was proud to oversee four generations. She loved and adored her family.  Known for her culinary skills, in greatest demand were her beef and noodles, a secret family recipe passed down thru the years.  She enjoyed holidays and special family celebrations making memories of a lifetime.

Josephine  is lovingly remembered by  two daughters: Connie Walters and husband Jimmie, Kay Nixon Davis and husband Marvin, all of Rochester; a daughter-in-law, Marge Sanders of Mentone; a son, Marvin Sanders of Ruidoso, NM; nine grandchildren: Cindisu Dehne, Michael and Lori Sanders, Chad Walters, Becky and Stan Tressler, Jennifer and Charlie Manns, Kristen Sanders, Kelly Sanders, Tracey and John Bos, and Jay Nixon; ten  great-grandchildren:  Garrett Sanders, Nathan Sanders, Emily Sanders, Rachel Tressler, Ryan Tressler, Kate Josephine Manns, Lila Manns, Maxwell Bos, Benjamin Bos and Malory Olive Nixon; special life long friends Eugene and Mary Jane Foley and Diana Foley Welker; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Josephine in death are her parents; beloved husband Jay on February 28 , 2000; a cherished son Larry Sanders, January 17 , 2015;  two sisters and five brothers; and a daughter-in-law, Patsy Sanders in 2008.

"'Yoo-Hoo!,' Thank you for your love, support and wonderful care  during my stay with Hickory Creek."

Chaplain Teri White will officiate services. Burial will follow in Rochester's IOOF Cemetery.