Myrtle Sanders passed away peacefully surrounded by family and Pastor Noah Burgdorf, August 23, 2025 at The Lodge in Fayette, MO.  She was three days short of her 96th birthday.

Myrtle Louise Sanders was born August 26, 1929, in Drumheller, Alberta, Canada, the fourth child of Charles and Merle (Horn) Adsett.  Myrtle attended high school in Drumheller.  Myrtle then started her nurse training in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.  She later graduated from the Royal Jubilee Hospital nursing program in January of 1952.  This accomplishment was a goal, and a dream, of Myrtle’s since she was a young girl.  After saving money and traveling to Europe for several months, Myrtle ended up back in Canada, and then Bermuda.  It was in Bermuda, where on a blind date, she fell in love with Willard Sanders.  Willard was serving in the United States Air Force at the time, and was stationed at Kinley Air Force Base in Bermuda.  On February 8, 1956, the couple married at Kinley AFB.  Together, they enjoyed over 67 years of marriage.  Willard preceded her in death on September 3, 2023.

After Willard was honorably discharged from the service, the couple moved back to Willard’s home town of Forest Green, MO, where they farmed and raised their four children.  In 1965, Myrtle returned to nursing at Keller Hospital in Fayette, retiring in 1982.  She also worked for Home Health for several years.  Myrtle and Willard loved to travel.  They enjoyed trips throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and a special trip back to Bermuda.  In her spare time, Myrtle enjoyed crocheting, knitting, sewing and tending to her garden.  She was an active and devout member of Salem Lutheran Church.

Myrtle is survived by four children, Beverly (Joseph) Mane of Plant City, FL, Judy West of Madrid, IA, Geoff (Sandy) Sanders of Armstrong, MO, and Steve (Barbara) Sanders of Hinckley, IL; a brother, Ken (Margaret) Adsett of Victoria, BC, Canada; 12 grandchildren 20 great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents and husband, Myrtle was preceded in death by a grandson, Daniel West; two brothers, Fred and Vernon Adsett; one sister, Roxie Zeal, and a son-in-law, James West.

A funeral service honoring the life of Myrtle Sanders will be held at 11AM, Saturday, August 30th at Salem Lutheran Church, near Forest Green, MO, with Pastor Noah Burgdorf officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, at the church, starting at 10AM.  Burial will follow the service at Salem Lutheran Church Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Salem Lutheran Church, c/o Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service, 112 Market St., Glasgow, MO 65254.