Donna Lee Sanders

Donna Lee Sanders, a beloved daughter, sister, and aunt, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at MyMichigan Medical Center in West Branch, MI at the age of 74.

Born on April 10, 1950, in West Branch, to George and Arletta (Vogan) Sanders, Donna grew up in a log cabin in Alger. She attended a one-room schoolhouse until the eighth grade before graduating from Ogemaw Heights High School in 1970.

Donna possessed a kind and caring spirit, dedicating many years of her life to providing in-home care for others. An animal lover at heart, she shared her life with a menagerie of pets, including a fox and a badger. Though she adored all animals, cats held a special place in her heart, and dogs were always a welcome presence in her life.

Donna was a devoted daughter to her mother, always quick to lend a helping hand. She had a mischievous streak, often hiding whenever a chicken was chosen for Sunday dinner. Fond childhood memories include swimming in the Tittabawassee River and enjoying rides in her father's old jeeps.

A passionate sports fan, Donna found great joy in cheering on the Detroit Tigers and Lions on television. Country music filled her home, and she possessed a creative talent for drawing beautiful pictures with colored pencils. A skilled knitter, she generously gifted hand-knit crib blankets to the staff at the Villa of Rose City.

Donna was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in West Branch.

She is survived by her sisters, Carol (Ronald) Stephens of White Lake and Lorraine (George) Pappas of Houghton Lake, as well as numerous cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Gary.

To honor Donna's life, a graveside service will be held at Edwards Township Cemetery in West Branch on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM, followed by a luncheon at 12:00 PM in West Branch.

Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch. www.steuernolmclaren.com