Obituary: Sandra Carol Stakenas, 83, of Free Soil

Sandra Stakenas

Sandra Carol Stakenas (Sanders), 83, of Free Soil, passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 13, 1942, in Muskegon to Jonas Henry Sanders and Ruth Bonnett Nelson Sanders.

Sandra married Gene Raymond Stakenas on March 4, 1961. Together, they operated Sanders Burial Vaults and Meadow Dairy Farm. Working side by side, they built their businesses while raising six children. Their door was always open to family and friends, and the coffee pot was always on. Sandra and Gene shared 44 years of marriage before his passing in 2005.

Sandra was a devoted mother who cherished family gatherings and loved hearing her children and grandchildren play guitar and sing. She was an outdoor woman at heart. Her love of animals and farm life filled her days with caring for the land and those around her. Whether she was cutting firewood, processing chickens, tending her flower and vegetable gardens, or preserving the harvest through canning, Sandra found joy and purpose in hard work.

Sandra was also a talented artist and craftswoman. She was well known for her beautiful ceramic painting, expert sewing, and the many crocheted blankets she lovingly created for family, friends, and those in need. She donated crocheted lap blankets to local nursing home residents, bringing comfort to many. One of her greatest joys was passing these skills on to her children and grandchildren, who treasure the memories of learning alongside her.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, Jonas and Ruth Sanders; her husband, Gene Stakenas; her sister, Violet Smith; and her sister, Alla Mae A. Sanders.

She is survived by her children, David (Carol) Stakenas, Janice Brower, Allen (Kelly) Stakenas, Mark (Mary) Stakenas, Sharon (Paul) Stakenas, and Jeff (Jen) Stakenas; her sister, Carla Gilbert; and her brother, Bruce Sanders. She was also blessed with 25 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Apostolic Christian Tabernacle, 190 N. Meyers Road, Amber Township (Ludington) on Saturday, November 21, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the service at 11 a.m. A luncheon will be served afterward.

Arrangements were entrusted to Grace Funeral Home and Cremation Services, www.GraceCremations.com.