Eleanor Ann (Thornberry) Sanders
Marriages
David Sanders - February 20, 1949
In Hotchkiss, Colorado
Burial Details
Obituaries
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel page 7 B Death Notice - November 26, 2016
Eleanor A. Sanders, 87, Montrose, died Nov. 22, 2016, at Colorow
Care Center in Olathe.
Services will be at 1 p.m. today at the Delta United Methodist
Church. A reception will follow. Interment will be after the reception
at Grand View Cemetery west of Montrose.
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel page 5 B Obituary - November 29, 2016
Eleanor Ann Thornberry was born into the loving household of
Marshall and Lola Williams Thornberry in Hotchkiss, CO on October
21, 1929. Being the seventh child of this union, she was
loved and adored by sister Leona, brother Harold (“Pete”), brother
Myrvill (“Merv”), sisters Bernelda (“Bernie”), Willetta
(“Billie”) and Nadine. In later years she would admit that she
was quite spoiled by her parents and siblings, and she loved
them equally. Times were tough during those Depression Era
years, but the family got by through hard work, determination,
and lots of love.
Eleanor went to school in Hotchkiss and graduated from
Hotchkiss High School in 1947. After graduation, she took a
job as a soda clerk in a local drug store there. One day a construction
crew came in for a work break. One of the crew was a
young man named David Sanders. The story goes that she
made incorrect change for his Coke, and he of course had to
bring this to her attention. From this simple interaction, a more
complex and deep relationship developed over time, and they
were united in Holy Matrimony on February 20, 1949 in
Hotchkiss. True to Eleanor’s humble tastes and upbringing, this
was a small and simple affair, with sister Willetta and brotherin-
law Neil Clay standing as Maid of Honor and Best Man.
This marriage was to last 67 years.
In 1950, daughter Rebecca was born to the young couple while
they were living in Glenwood Springs, CO. David was transferred
overseas during the Korean conflict but came home safe and
sound, after which he obtained employment in Uravan, CO.
There the family remained for the next 19 years. Becky was
joined by brother Grant (1954), sister Mardell (1956), and brothers
Glenn (1958) and John (1959); all born in Uravan.
When it became apparent that this last born child presented special
needs and challenges, Eleanor took up the calling with characteristic
strength and determination. She taught her young family
that God had given them a unique gift, and that the family
was very special to have been given this opportunity. Though
over the years she shed many tears of frustration and sadness,
there were an even greater amount of tears of joy and happiness,
in each small and large success. Eleanor more than excelled in
her God-given charge, and above all there was love, patience,
compassion; and lots of joy and laughter. And that’s how Eleanor
approached life.
In 1974, when David took up employment in Arvada, CO, Eleanor
naturally followed him there. She enjoyed working as a
waitress during those years at Jenny’s Pizzeria in Wheatridge,
CO. Eventually David and Eleanor and John moved to Casper,
WY and for years Eleanor volunteered many hours of her time
working as a “Pink Lady” in Natrona County Hospital.
In 1988, David and Eleanor retired and relocated to Montrose,
CO where they spent their remaining years enjoying watching
their family grow, and continuing to care for and nurture their
much loved youngest son. Eleanor volunteered her time on the
Board of Directors for Community Options from 1989 to 1992.
She also served on the Human Rights Committee and volunteered
with the Senior Program for many years. She listed her
special interests during this time as “crossword puzzles, cooking,
children and grandchildren”.
On June 30, 2016, David was called to his Eternal Home, and
on November 22, 2016, Eleanor once again followed him, for
one last time.
Eleanor was the last surviving member of the Marshall and Lola
Thornberry family. She leaves behind, and will be much
missed, by her five children: Rebecca (William) Hubbard, Loma,
CO; Grant (Shirley), Louisville, CO; Mardell (Bob) Sutherland,
Nucla, CO; Glenn (Anne), Larkspur, CO; and John,
Montrose, CO; 9 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren. She
loved and was much loved by numerous nieces and nephews;
many cousins and other extended family, and uncounted friends,
old and new.
The family would like to express their extreme gratitude to the
individuals of Montrose Hospice Care and to Colorow Care Center
of Olathe, CO. A Funeral Service in celebration of Eleanor’s
life was held on Saturday, November 26, 2016 at the Delta United
Methodist Church, and followed by a reception. Interment
was held at Grand View Cemetery, west of Montrose. Crippin
Funeral Home & Crematory in Montrose was assisting the family.
