Irene Leona Sanders

Irene L. Benson, Sandell, Sanders, 95 years, died of natural causes on July 29, 2020 surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was born in Dayton, Iowa on December 3, 1924 to Carl P. Benson and Leona H. (Bygel) Benson. Irene was engaged to Joe T Sandell in 1940 and married in January 1946 after Joe served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and lived in Cadillac, MI. Irene and Joe worked together in Cadillac as owners of Sandell Storage and Wholesale and Sandell Auction House until 1984. They moved to Arizona and worked together in property management until Joe retired. Irene took a job as a Park Ranger in Tonto National Forest until she retired. Joe predeceased her in November 1995. She later married Robert R. Sanders who passed away in October 2013. Irene enjoyed life in spite of her health problems and has been an inspiration to all who knew her. Her hobbies were a true extension of her personality. She loved indoor gardening, sports, shopping, crocheting, movies, parties and politics. She was also a lifetime member in the American Legion, VFW, and the Moose Lodge. Our dear Irene will be greatly missed and is survived by her daughter, Betty Jo (Larry) Lyle, Mesa, AZ; sons, Dean (Sherrie) Sandell (Cadillac, MI), David (Francine) Sandell (Traverse, MI), and Dale (Tammy) Sandell (Morley, MI); grandchildren, Jeff (Amy) Lyle (Lake City, MI), Marcia (Rob) Hancock (Lake City, MI), Thor (Kerry) Sandell (Brentwood, TN), Kierstin (Nick) Drzal (East Lansing, MI), Reidar Sandell (East Lansing, MI), Kelly Jo (Dave) Trowbridge (Manton, MI), Stephanie (Kevin) Mack (Gaylord, MI), Kayla Sandell (Grand Rapids, MI), Mindy (Ray) Metcalf (Cadillac, MI), Leland Wincoop (Traverse City, MI), Shaun and Sean Stiles (Mason, MI); 18 great grandchildren and 25 great, great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Irene cherished special times with her niece, Connie, friends Jack and Sherrill Missieux, and dear friend Rony. A memorial service will be held on December 3, 2020 at Casa Serena Community Room, 661 S Hawes Rd, Mesa, AZ 85208 from 1:00pm- 4:00pm. Please call Mariposa Garden Funeral Care 480-830-4422 with any questions.