Shirley Sanders

Shirley Sanders, 85, long time resident of Bradford, Iowa passed away Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Franklin Country View Nursing Facility in Hampton, Iowa. Services will be held Monday, September 15, 2025, at 11 am at the Lee Center United Methodist Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.  A luncheon will follow the service. The family will hold a private family burial. With honor, Adams Celebration of Life is serving the family. 

Shirley Ann (Willms) Sanders was born September 18, 1939, to her parents John Louie and Tena (Karsjens) Willms in Iowa Falls. At the age of 5 she moved to Bradford, Iowa. Shirley graduated from Iowa Falls High School. 

She married Bill Sanders on November 27, 1964. She worked at C & H grocery in Bradford. She found her calling for bookkeeping while working for Ben Mulford Enterprises, Payless Cashways for 9 years and Iowa Falls State Bank, retiring after 30 years of service. 

Shirley and Bill enjoyed traveling, spending winter months in Florida, going to the North Shore in Minnesota, going to Twins baseball games, cheering on the Hawkeyes and Vikings. Shirley was a volunteer for Care Initiatives Hospice. Shirley’s happiest moments were spending time with family and friends, having a cup of coffee, winning at card games or playing Mexican Train Dominos. 

Shirley is survived by sister-in-law Charlene Willms; brothers-in-laws Randy (Sherry) Sanders, Verne (Brenda) Sanders; many nieces and nephews. 

She was proceeded in death by her husband Bill of 60 years; her parents; 4 brothers; 3 sisters and many nieces and nephews.