Frances Sanders

Former Hibbing resident Frances (Fran) Alma Sanders passed away June 1, 2018 at Oak Crossing in Detroit Lakes, MN. She was 91 years old. Fran was born Nov 12, 1926 in Crookston, MN, the daughter of Laurence and Katherine Ristau. June 18, 1948 she married Harold Sanders. The couple made their home in Crookston, then Duluth and resided in Hibbing for over 46 years.

Fran was an avid outdoor person enjoying biking, golfing, skiing and walking. She was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, Hibbing. Couples, duplicate and her ladies bridge club were an important part of her life, as was her book club. Fran excelled at taking loving care of their home and was an amazing cook and baker, welcoming new residents to her Greenhaven neighborhood with breads or cookies. Fran and Harold traveled extensively with their children throughout the U.S., and when their children left home they took on the world visiting Equador, China, Egypt, Yugoslavia, Austria, Scotland, Africa, Scandanavia, New Zealand and many more countries.

Survivors include her husband Harold, Detroit Lakes; daughters Julie Sanders and her husband Bob Merritt of Detroit Lakes, Pam Sanders and her husband Bruce Thompson of Dubois, WY, and Nancy (Lizzy) Sanders of Bozeman MT; son Hal Sanders and his wife Ronda of Bemidji, MN.  She is survived by 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Memorial service will be held at Detroit Lakes United Methodist Church on June 7, 2018 at 12:00 PM.  Visitation will be at the church one hour prior to the service.

Fran will be interred at Maple Hill Cemetery, Hibbing, MN. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Hospice of the Red River Valley or Hibbing Public Library.