William Ronald Sanders

William Ronald Sanders, age 102, died on February 7, 2025 in the early morning hours at his home in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was born on February 4, 1923 in Salt Lake City to Ansel Hansel Sanders and Kate Ronald Sanders. He married Edith Esther Perschon on July 8, 1946 in the Logan LDS Temple in Logan, Utah. They were married for 68 years until her death on August 24, 2014. Dad worked from the time he was 12 years old doing jobs to help buy himself clothes and help out financially. He worked at the Deseret News for 37 years and worked many other second jobs. Dad was very physically active over the years having interests in ice skating, skiing, fishing, biking, swimming, golf, and reading books (he loved history) and the newspaper. He rode his bike with his friend Dale Bain to and from work to the Deseret News for many years.

Dad graduated from West High School and attended the University of Utah studying in journalism. He also served in the Army in World War II and was stationed in New Caledonia, Bougainville in the Solomon Islands, and the Philippines when the war ended. Dad is survived by children Joe(Lana), Christy(Dennis) Mabey, Suzanne (daughter in law), fourteen grandchildren, twenty eight great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his sweetheart Edith, sons William Jr(1949), Greg(April 2006), and Steve(January 2016), his parents, sisters Lillian(Cliff)Pifer, and Mary(Ross)Cook. Our family wishes to thank grandson Bob Dunoskovic for his constant care, Liz and Talon for their physical therapy care, and nurses Kathy, Paulette, and AJ.

Dad was loved by everyone. He loved a good joke even if it was on him. He had such a good sense of humor and good laugh and was a joy to be around. He loved to play games and was the life of the party. He played his last game of golf at the age of 98. At age 95 he helped paint and remodel a bedroom at his home. He loved to reminisce about his life and living through the depression. He was grateful for everything and always expressed it. When asked about his life and good health, he would always say, “I’m just a lucky guy!” Dad, grandpa, uncle and friend, you will be truly missed. We love you more than you know and are looking forward to seeing you again!