Merle Ann Sanford

Merle Ann Sanford 92 years of age passed away on Tuesday April 25, 2023, at Baptist Hospital East, through her final days she was surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great grand children whom she adored with all of her heart.

Merle Ann was born May 30, 1930, in Washington DC to Merlin and Henrietta Bauer. She was the oldest of two children. Merle Ann was a graduate of Roosevelt High School and went on to meet the love of her life, Robert Edward Sanford whom she married on June 17th, 1950. Merle Ann retired from Kaplan Barron Pediatric Group as an office manager.

She was an accomplished artist whose love of painting and sketching spanned many decades, and her artwork is hanging in homes all over the United States. She has done Christmas Cards for Kosair Children's Hospital and displayed her work at many art festivals throughout the years. Her talent and passion for art and painting gave her so much joy and was so therapeutic.

She loved her younger sister Shirley Bauer Jenks whom she worked with, and they had many fun adventure’s traveling and spending time together.

Merle Ann gave her life to Christ as a child and loved to read the bible and was faithful in her morning devotions and prayer. She enjoyed helping others, volunteering, and attending regular worship. She instilled this love for the Lord in her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was a member of Immanuel United Church of Christ, and later Hikes Point Christian Church where she was loved and cherished by its members.

She was preceded in death by her parents Merlin and Henrietta Bauer, her husband Robert E. Sanford, sister Shirley Bauer Jenks, her son in law Phil Paris, and a great grandson Benjamin Sanford.

To cherish her memory is her son Stephen Sanford (Paula), and Carol Sanford Paris. Grandchildren Christina Sharp (Jeff), Matt Sanford (Leanne), David Paris (Erin), Chris Sanford (Samantha), Brian Sanford (Amber), and Sarah Rideau (Beau). 15 Great Grandchildren, her nieces, and nephews as well as many lifelong friends.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her name to Hikes Point Christian Church or the Alzheimer’s Association, or St. Jude Children's Research.

A visitation in Merle's honor will be held on Monday May 1, 2023 at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven Funeral Home (4400 Bardstown Road Louisville, Kentucky 40218) from 2PM-8PM. A funeral service will be held the following day on May 2, 2023 at 11AM in the funeral home chapel. Merle will be laid to rest at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.