Phillis A. Sanford, 88, of Defiance, peacefully passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 11:15 pm surrounded by her loving family.  
  
She was born in Kendallville, Indiana on September 23, 1928 to Orland LeRoy "Roy" and Dorothy Esther (Kinner) Hale in Kendallville, Indiana. On March 22, 1947 she married Cecil A. Sanford, who preceded her in death on January  8, 2002. 
  
Phillis enjoyed spending quality time at family gatherings, holidays, and supporting her grandchildren at their sporting events. Some of her favorite hobbies were spending hours putting puzzles together, playing cards, gardening, and spending time with her friends. Upon retirement from their family business, SNS Express, she and Cecil traveled in their RV throughout the states, making many friends along the way. 

She was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, where she donated her time to various church activities. For many years she enjoyed volunteering at Defiance Regional Medical Center's auxiliary gift shop.
  
Phillis is survived by her loving family, daughter Lynn Froelich, sons, Thomas (Pat) Sanford, and Rick (Pamela) Sanford of Defiance, Randy (Diana) Sanford of Vista, CA, grandchildren; Tricia (Mark) Speiser, Thomas (Karen) Sanford, Casey (Mary) Sanford, Katie (Victor) Fuster, Amanda (Phil) Jarrett, Jessie (Quentin) Stover, Barry (LuAnn) Froelich, Anna, Nathan, Shawn, Chad, and Jason Sanford, Kate (Cody) Carlson, Stephanie Wagner, Scott Sanford, Stacy (John) Yeutter, Sarah Sanford, and 22 great-grandchildren. 
  
In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents, her sister Gloria (Hale) Stuckey, and brother Dean Hale.
  
Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 8:00 pm on Thursday, April 6, 2017 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, April 7, 2017 at Schaffer Funeral  Home, with Pastor Joe Payne officiating. Burial will follow the service at Riverview Memory Gardens.
  
Memorials are suggested to St. Paul's United Methodist Church. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.

"They that love beyond the world cannot be separated by it. Death cannot kill what never dies."
-William Penn