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Samuel Sanders Obituary

Samuel Patrick Sanders, beloved son, brother and friend died June 28, 2013, at the age of 26 from injuries in a car accident in Greer, Ariz. Sam was born Sept. 10, 1986, in Phoenix, Ariz., and moved to New Mexico in 1989. At the time of his death, Sam was completing his final course work for a degree in Fire Science and was working his fifth season as a firefighter with the Forest Service based in Alpine, Ariz. Sam found his calling as a firefighter and hoped to pursue a career with the Forest Service. Sam was a wonderful child with a great sense of humor who could always make his loved ones smile, and grew into a tall strong man who loved his family and would lend a hand to anyone in need. Sam grew up in Las Cruces, enjoying the outdoors, playing sports, and spending time with his many friends. Sam is survived by his parents, Tim and Nancy Sanders, of Las Cruces, sister Rebecca Routh and her husband Tim of San Diego, California. He is also survived by his Aunt Carolyn Sanders, of Huntsville Ala., Aunt and Uncle Mike Sanders and Linda Nelson of Albuquerque, N.M., sister-in-law's Anna and Cyndi Ehrhart, much loved nephews Andrew, Nicholas, and Jordan Ehrhart, Uncle Wayne Palmiter of Rochester, N.Y., Aunt Norma Cooper of Knoxville, Tenn., and Aunt Lorraine Dilbeck-Harper of Florida. Sadly, Sam is also survived by his girlfriend, Lisa Boberg of Las Cruces, N.M. Sam was pre-deceased by his grandparents, Dr. Richard and Barbara Palmiter, John and Patricia Sanders, Vadna Sanders, and his brother Chris Ehrhart. Sam's time with all of us was too short; he will always be missed and remembered with great love. In lieu of flowers, a scholarship has been set up at DACC, so that a future firefighter can pursue their dreams in fire science. Donations should be made to the NMSU/DACC Fire Science Scholarship Fund in memory of Sam at PO Box 30003, MSC 3DA, Las Cruces, NM 88003. A viewing is scheduled for 10 a.m., followed by a remembrance of Sam's life at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 3, 2013, at La Paz-Graham's Funeral Home, located at 555 W. Amador Ave, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88005. Services will be followed by a gathering to celebrate Sam's life. Condolences can also be sent to http://www.lapaz-grahams.com.

Published by Las Cruces Sun-News from Jul. 2 to Jul. 3, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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Dear Sanders family and Lisa, My son Caleb was in Band with Sam at Picacho and Mayfield. He & I both were extremely saddened to hear of your tremendous loss of Sam. Please know that your whole family and friends are certainly in our prayers. I cannot begin to imagine how horrible you must feel right now. May the Lord wrap you in His loving, comforting arms right now and forevermore until you meet Sam again. With love and prayers, Beth and David Harrelson

July 24, 2013

Tim, Nancy,Lisa....We are so sad to hear of Sam's loss, May the memories of all the good time's you had together comfort you in these hard times...God Bless you all

Dorr and Sue Sandell

July 5, 2013

Sander's Family

My heart goes out to Tim, Mrs. Sanders, Becca and the rest of Sam's Family. Sam has always been a dear friend since middle school. I will always remember Sam for his funny sense of humor and the Sanders as an amazing family and great people. Mrs. Sanders my heart goes out to you for you're lose, May God bless you (an amazing lady and great mother).

Richard Herrera

July 4, 2013

Dear Tim & Nancy,
Words can't express the sorrow Sue and I Feel for the loss of Sam. What a wonderfull human being. He will be forever missed. Our Love and prayers go out to you. Ted & Sue Gaskins

July 4, 2013

I haven't seen Sam in years. I went to high school with him. My heart goes out to his family. He was an amazing person, always had a smile on his face. May his memory live on. And may the Lord comfort you all during this difficult time.

Lisa Padilla

July 4, 2013

Sam was a very sweet and very polite to everyone we will miss dearly. My prayer's are with the family and close friend's. Rosie Lucero

July 3, 2013

My prayers and sympathy goes out to the Sanders family. I worked with Sam at Peppermill and will always have the best memories of that special person he was.

Thomas Pouliot Jr

July 3, 2013

Tim, Nancy, and all the Sanders family, I know you are heartbroken. Sam was a great guy and I feel certain he felt your love. I will be holding you all close in my thoughts.

Cym Doggett

July 3, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, Sam was a wonderful fun loving young man, much loved by our family. Sam was like another brother to our Josh we are just happy he was apart of our lives. We are just so sorry for your pain and loss our deepest condolences go out your family.
Mike, Peggy & the Mitchell Family

Peggy Mitchell

July 3, 2013

Sam was an amazing guy who could always make me smile. He will be missed dearly.

Markie Maestas

July 3, 2013

Our buddy! Prayers and peace be with his family and wonderful friends.

Sylvia Burns

July 2, 2013

My deepest sympathy goes out to the family, Lisa and friends Sam was an incredible young ma that left us too soon he will be loved and missed deeply but never forgotten

Carol Al-Anazi

July 2, 2013

Tim and Nancy, I am so very sorry for your loss. I can not begin to imagine what you are going through. I will be proud to make a donation to the scholarship fund in Sam's name.

Ron Dunton

July 2, 2013

Sam was like a brother to my brother Josh Mitchell, Sam always had a great big smile and made everyone around him smile.
Thoughts and Prayers to his family and friends.

Melissa & Adrian Bush

July 2, 2013

My condolences to Sam's family. I worked with Sam at the Peppermill and I will always remember his great attitude and his sweet nature.

Konnie Still

July 2, 2013

I know Sam took a part of our son's heart with him and he will never be forgotten. Prayers and condolences to his family and his many, many friends. He was taken much too soon.

Gary and Armida Rachele

July 2, 2013

Sam was always trying to make people laugh and feel better. He always put smiles on peoples face and I will forever remember him for his pure heart. My prayers go out to his family during this difficult time. Sam definitely left an impact on anyone he came into contact with. I feel blessed to have known such an angel.

Ashley Babbey

July 2, 2013

Nancy,
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved son. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, and I hope your hearts will heal from this wound. Love, Sky Armijo RN--LCPS

July 2, 2013

To the Sanders Family:
Our deepest condolences on the loss of your son, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Community Development

July 2, 2013

We will miss Sam but know his journey continues. With love from the Kerr and Magel Clan.

July 2, 2013

We offer our prayers and condolences to all of Sam's family and friends during this difficult time. He was a dear friend to our son who I know will never forget him. His memory will live forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
God Bless, Janet and Rick Boy

July 2, 2013

Nancy, Please accept my most heartfelt condolences for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. God Bless.

Carla Guerra

July 2, 2013

My sincere condolences go out to his family and friends. May God comfort you now and forever during this tragic loss,

Gary Warren

July 2, 2013

We have some pretty special memories and great stories of Sam and the Sanders during our short 4 years in Las Cruces. Our thoughts are with you all.

Bob and Kathy Dennis

June 30, 2013

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Funeral services provided by:

Perches - Graham's Funeral Home (La Paz - Graham's Funeral Home)

555 West Amador, Las Cruces, NM 88005

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