Shirley Joan Sanders

Shirley Joan(n) Sanders, 92, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home in South Carolina on July 8, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family, friends, and community.

Shirley was born on October 31, 1933, in Carthage, Missouri, to Raymond and Alice Martin. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 48 years, Ralph Sanders; her son, Steve Sanders; her parents; and her sister, Clydene Walls.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Susan (Dave) Dunn, Scott (Cathleen) Sanders and Steve’s wife, Debbie Sanders; her grandchildren, Emily (Fred) Furlong, Matthew (Jennifer) Goyea, Kate (Phil) Kraft , Christine Sanders, Olivia (Tyler) DeBlaze, and Chloe Sanders; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Jackson, Ava, Lina, Emmett, Ruby JoAnn, Vivian, and Declan. She is also survived by her sisters, Rilla Rae Martin, Luanna Reddick, and Cecil Hargrave, along with many extended family members and dear friends.

Shirley dedicated 35 years of service to Central Hardware before beginning a second chapter at St. Joseph’s Hospital, where she not only worked but also continued to give back as a volunteer for 20+ years. She believed in serving others with compassion and generosity, qualities that defined her throughout her life.

A talented quilter, Shirley never missed picking up her Block of the Month on the first Saturday of each month and faithfully attended her Tuesday evening quilting group at Faith United Methodist Church. She found great joy in creating many beautiful quilts, hand stitching together not only fabric but lifelong friendships and memories that her family will treasure for generations.

She was a devoted member of the American Legion Post 312 Auxiliary, where she became such a familiar face that “Shirley’s parking only” spot was not only designated but honored. She especially looked forward to the monthly spaghetti dinners, live music in the Foxhole and Post 312 baseball. She truly treasured the friendships she built there over the years.

As avid travelers, Shirley and Ralph took full advantage of their Delta Air Lines travel privileges, creating cherished memories across the country with family and friends. While she enjoyed traveling far and wide, her heart always found its way back to Daytona Beach, Florida. The sunshine, ocean views, and early morning beach walks, collecting shells, brought her some of life's greatest happiness, and it remained her favorite destination throughout the years.

If there was one thing that rivaled Shirley’s love for her family, it was baseball. Whether cheering on Scott, Steve, Matthew, or her beloved St. Louis Cardinals, she never missed a game. Scorebook in hand, she faithfully kept score inning after inning, pitch after pitch. Baseball wasn’t simply a pastime—it was woven into the fabric of her life. Shirley and Ralph measured life’s seasons by the innings they spent together in the stands, in front of the television, or listening to the game on the radio. Some of their family’s most treasured memories were made with the crack of the bat in the background, a scorebook open on Shirley’s lap and a plan to find a sausage pizza after the game.

Above all else, Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Her home was filled with laughter, “rock solid support”, a cold drink and usually a snack size Snickers bar in the refrigerator. She taught those around her the value of hard work, kindness, and showing up for the people you love. Her quick-witted, playful, joking personality and unwavering support will be deeply missed, but the countless memories she created will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Visitation will be held on July 16, 2026, from 8:30 to 10:30am at Baue Funeral Home located at 620 Jefferson St. in St. Charles, MO. Funeral services will immediately follow on July 16th at 10:30am, with burial at St. Charles Memorial Gardens located at 3950 W. Clay St. in St. Charles, MO. Lunch will be provided after burial at the American Legion Post 312 located at 2500 Raymond St. also in St. Charles, MO.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to American Legion Post 312 Baseball Program in Shirley’s memory. Checks can also be mailed to American Legion Post 312 Baseball - 2500 Raymond Dr., St. Charles, MO 63301 and listed in the memo line in Shirley's honor.

The family finds comfort in knowing that Shirley has arrived at the home team dugout, convertible top down, hair blowing in the wind and at last reunited with Ralph and Steve for the final inning.