Viola Mae Sanders

February 8, 1918 – September 16, 2014

Mother of Marilyn Greenman and mother-in-law of Kenny Greenman of Johnstown CO. Viola was born in Clearwater FL. She married Arthur Sanders in l938 and spent the first years of marriage as a welder in the ship yards of Clearwater (Rosie the Riveter). After several years, they both entered the Salvation Army Training College and became ministers. They spent 25 years in service in the Salvation Army, starting churches all over the Southeast. In her 50’s, she went to work for the State of Georgia and received many awards including “Honored Employee.” She created a suggestion program allowing the state government to save thousands of dollars per year and was honored by Governor Jimmy Carter for her service. She lived in Atlanta GA until she was 92 when she moved to Johnstown to be with her Colorado family.

She was a long standing member of the Salvation Army. She loved her family, the Atlanta Braves, the Atlanta Falcons and desserts.

She is survived by her son Arthur, Jr, Duluth GA; daughter Marilyn Greenman and son-in-law Kenny, Johnstown, CO; Grandchildren, Debbie Smith (Rex), Auburndale FL; DeDe Jones (Brooks), Palm Harbor FL; Stacie Osmus (Terrell) Milliken CO; Blake Parish (Kellie) Thornton, CO; Shan Vonier (Ryan) Brighton CO; Blair Greenman, Denver CO; 10 Great Grandchildren and 3 Great Great Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur and grandson Derreck Smith.

A memorial service is being held at LifeBridge Christian Church in Longmont on September 20 at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Salvation Army, atlantatemple.org