Gretta Berkley Sanders

Gretta Berkley Sanders passed away on June 26, 2016 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s and complications due to C. difficile infection at Marquis Shasta in Redding. She was born on August 24, 1931 to Simon (Sam) and Mary Gyorko in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.

Gretta was a true “coal miner’s daughter.” Her dad worked in the local coal mines surrounding Lethbridge. Growing up, she walked to school in 10 foot snow drifts and endured the over 100 mph Chinook winds coming down from the Crows Nest pass of the Rockies. These early hardships forged her into a tough and determined woman and were evident in her fight for life to the very end.

Gretta left home at a young age and began work as a hair dresser which became her lifelong career. She became a naturalized citizen of the United States and retired at 75.

In her leisure time Gretta loved playing BINGO or “Binks” as she called it, at various locations in Redding over the years, including the VFW Hall, Elks and Moose lodges and in later years at the Win-River Casino. It was her passion. Yelling out “Bingo!” in one of the many bingo halls can be the best description of a happy Gretta.

Gretta was preceded in death by her husband Joe Lee Sanders of 56 years and is survived by her son, Rick Sanders (Margaret); her daughter, Cindee Denton (Dave); four grandchildren, Sarah Sanders (Simone) and Henry Sanders, John Denton and Jenna Denton Bodner (Kody); and one great-grandchild, Klara Bodner.

Arrangements under the direction of Lawncrest Memorial Chapel, Redding, CA.