Obituary for Jodie Lee Sanders
Jodie Lee Sanders of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on December 6, 2022, at the age of 86. He was born June 3, 1936, in Madill, Oklahoma to Levi Simpson and Vera Mae Edgar Sanders. Growing up in southeastern Oklahoma, the family eventually settled in the Idabel, Oklahoma area, where Jodie grew up on the farm, developing his work ethic from a young age. He was driving a tractor at the age of six.
Jodie met Ruth Faye Gathright during his high school years, and they were married on August 31, 1954, in Idabel, Oklahoma. The couple moved to Oklahoma City, OK in 1954. They recently celebrated 68 years of marriage. Faye preceded Jodie in death on September 17, 2022.
Five children were born to Jodie & Faye: Diana, Michael, Jeff, Gary, and Nathan. Jodie and Faye were active members of Central Avenue Baptist Church, Jefferson Heights Baptist Church, and New Heights Baptist Church, where they served in various capacities until their health precluded them from attending. They were active with the Sonlighters, Choir, and various other activities over the years. Jodie served as Sunday School Superintendent for many years. He also served on the Board of Jefferson Heights Baptist Academy and was even Chairman for a time. Jodie worked various jobs over the years, but for many years he was an insurance man with National Life, and then returned to the trade for which he was very talented and skilled, working as a union carpenter. In his later years he drove a school bus as well. Among his interests were buying and selling cars, watching trains, and of course tractors, especially his Ford 8N. There were many family vacations, celebrations, and a lot of fun. Jodie and Faye celebrated some milestone anniversaries with trips to Hawaii and an Alaskan cruise and made so many great memories with their family.
Jodie is survived by his children: Diana Nick of Oklahoma City, Michael Sanders and wife Annette of Vacaville, CA, Jeff Sanders of Shelbyville, TN, Gary Sanders and his wife Terry of Oklahoma City and Nathan Sanders of Oklahoma City. He is grandpa to eight grandchildren: Donna Dreuth and husband John, Donald Stephens Jr and wife Tiffany, Jeffrey Sanders and wife Cassie, Michael Sanders and wife Danielle, Randy Sanders and wife Heather, Terry Sanders and wife Hayley, Shelby Sanders, and Austin Sanders; and twelve great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Sue Yaroslaski and her husband Charlie and their family, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, daughter-in-law Melissa Sanders and son-in-law Andrew Nick. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the healthcare professionals at Good Shepherd Hospice, especially nurses Darla and Wayne, as well as Integris Hospice House for their comfort and care in Jodie’s final days. We also want to thank Amy Gamble for the love and care she provided daily for both Jodie and Faye in the past year.
Jodie met Ruth Faye Gathright during his high school years, and they were married on August 31, 1954, in Idabel, Oklahoma. The couple moved to Oklahoma City, OK in 1954. They recently celebrated 68 years of marriage. Faye preceded Jodie in death on September 17, 2022.
Five children were born to Jodie & Faye: Diana, Michael, Jeff, Gary, and Nathan. Jodie and Faye were active members of Central Avenue Baptist Church, Jefferson Heights Baptist Church, and New Heights Baptist Church, where they served in various capacities until their health precluded them from attending. They were active with the Sonlighters, Choir, and various other activities over the years. Jodie served as Sunday School Superintendent for many years. He also served on the Board of Jefferson Heights Baptist Academy and was even Chairman for a time. Jodie worked various jobs over the years, but for many years he was an insurance man with National Life, and then returned to the trade for which he was very talented and skilled, working as a union carpenter. In his later years he drove a school bus as well. Among his interests were buying and selling cars, watching trains, and of course tractors, especially his Ford 8N. There were many family vacations, celebrations, and a lot of fun. Jodie and Faye celebrated some milestone anniversaries with trips to Hawaii and an Alaskan cruise and made so many great memories with their family.
Jodie is survived by his children: Diana Nick of Oklahoma City, Michael Sanders and wife Annette of Vacaville, CA, Jeff Sanders of Shelbyville, TN, Gary Sanders and his wife Terry of Oklahoma City and Nathan Sanders of Oklahoma City. He is grandpa to eight grandchildren: Donna Dreuth and husband John, Donald Stephens Jr and wife Tiffany, Jeffrey Sanders and wife Cassie, Michael Sanders and wife Danielle, Randy Sanders and wife Heather, Terry Sanders and wife Hayley, Shelby Sanders, and Austin Sanders; and twelve great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Sue Yaroslaski and her husband Charlie and their family, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, daughter-in-law Melissa Sanders and son-in-law Andrew Nick. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the healthcare professionals at Good Shepherd Hospice, especially nurses Darla and Wayne, as well as Integris Hospice House for their comfort and care in Jodie’s final days. We also want to thank Amy Gamble for the love and care she provided daily for both Jodie and Faye in the past year.