Gertrude P. "Gertie" Sanders, 81, of Defiance, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2015 at the CHP Defiance InPatient Hospice Center, with her family at her side.

She was born on November 23, 1933 to Carleton and Edith (Van Wagner) Collins in Stryker, OH. On January 20, 1951, she & Fred Sanders were married by Pastor Anthony Drake at the Drake Methodist Parsonage in Sherwood, Ohio.  Gertie and Fred lived in Defiance, Ohio.

Gertie was homemaker and a great seamstress. Her children were lucky to have a stay at home Mom who loved them and devoted her energy to all their needs. She also enjoyed all types of dancing, bird watching, crossword puzzles, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, card games, camping, fishing, and bowling, but most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Gertrude is survived by her loving spouse of 64 years Fred Sanders of Defiance, OH, daughters; Marcia (Mike) McMillen of Defiance, Diana Meyer of MI, Lori (Rodney) Buehrer of Stryker, and son, David (Julie) Sanders of Defiance, 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by father, Carleton Collins, mother, Edith Collins, sisters, Betty Young, Mary Collins, Ruth Etoll, & Norma Fitzenrider, brother, Robert "Bob" Collins, and twin grandchildren, Peyton & Miley Buehrer.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 3, 2015, 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home, Inc., Defiance, Ohio.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, March 4, 2015, with viewing one hour prior
at the St John Lutheran Church, Defiance, Ohio, with Rev. Donald L. Luhring, officiating.

Burial will take place in the Sherwood Cemetery.

The family is suggesting that Memorials be made to the Defiance CHP InPatient Hospice Center. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.