Lois Ann Sanderson

Lois Ann Sanderson, 92 of Sun City Center Florida, passed away April 9, 2017. Lois was born to the late Harvey and Marcella (Zimbal) Vanderyacht September 20, 1924 in Sheboygan Wisconsin. Lois graduated from Polaris High School in 1942 and began working at Blue Cross Blue Shield reaching the level of management after several years. Following the end of WWII, Lois married Archie Lee Sanderson September 19, 1953. She discontinued working to be a fulltime homemaker and raise their three daughters, Wendy, Holly and Nancy, spending much time volunteering at church and classrooms. Lois was a sunday school teacher, brownie and 4H leader, as well as an avid knitter and taught the girls as well. They moved to Greenwood, Indiana in 1973 where Archie took a position with General Motors Allison Division Plant in Indianapolis. Together they enjoyed designing, building, decorating and landscaping three homes before retiring to Sun City Center In 1986. They were married 43 years before Archie's death in 1997. After Archie's death, she became active in volunteering for Hospice, reading to children and volunteering for the emergency squad. Lois married the late Arthur Blumenthal in 2001 after meeting in grief support group. Finding love after loss, they had many enjoyable years; they traveled and cruised to numerous places including an unforgettable trip to Israel. Arthur preceded Lois in death January 14, 2016 Lois was well known for her culinary skills, her quick-witted sense of humor and was extremely well versed in current events and politics. She loved to organize block parties and book clubs, was a skilled bridge player, seamstress, rosemaller artist, avid reader, enjoyed daily swimming, taking classes, Elderhostle trips, volunteering and was a member of the dance club. She and Archie became members of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in December of 1996. Lois was preceded in death by her two husbands: Archie Lee Sanderson; Arthur Blumenthal; sister and brother in law Ellen Bratonja; Vincent Bratonja: brother in law: Gerald Sanderson. She is survived by her three daughters: Wendy Stieff, of O'Fallen, MO; Holly (Michael) Welch, of Indianapolis, IN; Nancy (Jay) Matthewson, of Spring Branch, TX; granddaughter: Guenevere Welch, of Indianapolis, IN; grandsons: Andrew Stieff, China; Tim (Erin) Stieff, of Springfield, MO; Jeff (Mellissa) Stieff, of Springfield, MO; Pat (Kelley) Stieff, of Wentzville, MO; Noah Stieff, of Springfield, MO; Robert Welch, of Bloomington, IN; Ben (Karen) Matthewson, of Victor, CO; Drew Matthewson, of Spring Branch, TX; Hayden Matthewson, of Spring Branch, TX; sister in law: Rosalie Sanderson, of Madison,WI and numerous nephews and nieces. The families of both Lois Sanderson and Arthur Blumenthal would like to express deep gratitude to the caring and kindness of Mrs. Veronique Earnst. A Celebration of Life Service to be held May 22, 2017 11am at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church 1239 Del Webb Blvd. West, Sun City Center, FL 33573. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to LifePath Hospice, 3725 Upper Creek Drive, Sun City Center, FL 33573.