Robert Vernon Sanders, aged 75, passed away on December 12th, 2023, after a difficult, yet valiant struggle with colon cancer. He was a beloved husband, father, and brother, and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Bob was born on March 5th, 1948, in Fontana, California, to Guy Robert Sanders and Clara Alveta Dixon. He attended Ricks College before completing a mission in Southern California and Las Vegas. He loved his mission and sharing his experiences. After his mission he pursued his college education at Brigham Young University, where he majored in Political Science with an emphasis in Biology. It was there that he met his wife, Cathryn Alice Johnston, and they were married in the Oakland California temple in June of 1970. Last June, they celebrated 53 years of marriage. While attending BYU, their eldest child, Paul, was born. After graduation, Bob and Cathy moved to Brighton, Colorado, where he joined his father and brother in his father’s insurance business. He worked there his entire career, retiring in 2015. In 2019, they relocated to Springville, Utah where they have enjoyed living.
Bob was a devout and beloved member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served as Stake Clerk for the Denver North Stake for nearly 15 years, in a bishopric, and as a Bishop of the Brighton ward. He watched the church grow from a small branch to what is now a stake. Bob was passionate about gardening and landscaping, and loved anything to do with plants. He volunteered at the Denver Botanical Gardens for many years, and after coming to Utah, he and Cathy volunteered at Thanksgiving Point for the past four years. He also enjoyed photography and long walks. Bob cherished his family, and is survived by his siblings William Gerald Sanders (Karen), Kathryn Joanne Sanders Percy (Jim), and James Anthony Sanders (Christene). His children are Paul Robert Sanders (Holly) of Lehi, Utah, Anecia Sanders Reed of Brighton, Colorado, and Eric Douglas Sanders (Jamece) of Thornton, Colorado. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and four and 4/9ths great-grandchildren.
Services will be held on Monday, December 18th, 2023, at 11:00 am at the Spring Creek Stake Center, located at 760 North 4th East, Springville, Utah. He will be interred at Evergreen Cemetery, 1997 South 4th East in Springville, Utah, following the services. The family invites those unable to attend the service in person to join virtually using the link on this page. The family is grateful for the love and support of Bob’s many friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to the American Cancer Society in Bob’s name.
Condolences can be offered at www.springcreekmortuary.com.
