Ralph Edwin Sanders, 65, unexpectedly soared up to heaven to be with our parents at 8:35 am on March 18, 2015 from complications of diabetes. Ralph was born on July 25, 1949 in Shelbyville, Illinois, the oldest of four children of Howard and Clara Sanders of Stewardson, Illinois. He was a wounded Vietnam Veteran who proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, 11th Armored Calvary Division - the Blackhorse Regiment. He was drafted into service on September 5, 1969 and served in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Germany. He left service on September 4, 1975.

He leaves his sister and brother-in-law Leona and David Paul of Arvada, Colorado; his brother and sister-in-law, Howard and Beth Sanders of Dallas, Georgia; his sister and brother-in-law Wanda and Michael Cardinale of Arvada, Colorado. He also leaves behind his children Heather (and Rich) Spencer of Billings, Montana; Sarah Sanders of Evergreen, Colorado; and Matthew Sanders of Arvada, Colorado. Ralph had three grandchildren, Travis and Sydney Spencer, and Gabriel Sanders.

Ralph’s early years saw him baling hay and working on the chicken farm. His first job in Colorado was running the Tilt-O-Whirl at Lakeside Amusement park. He then went on to work over 47 years at B&F Tire in Wheatridge, Colorado. There he gained many loyal friends. He loved to fish, investigate state history, go camping, walk his beloved dog Roxy, and spend time with family and friends. His childhood nickname was Kate given to him by his Aunt Anna. He was a friend to everyone and gave his time to anyone that needed a helping hand. Ralph never complained and accepted everything in his life with grace and dignity.

Services will be held at 1 pm on March 31, 2015 at Newcomer Mortuary, 905 S. Sheridan Blvd., Lakewood, Colorado. Visitation is one hour before the service at the mortuary. Burial will follow at 2:30 pm at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado. A reception will begin at 4 pm at Wilmore-Richter Post 161 American Legion, 6230 W. 60th Ave. in Arvada.
In lieu of flowers donations may be given to the Wounded Warrior Project in Ralph’s honor.

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