Doris Ann Sanders

1944 - 2025

Doris Ann Sanders, a longtime resident of Sierra Vista, Arizona, passed away on October 7, 2025, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Born on May 5, 1944, in Virginia to John and Katherine Mooneyham, Doris spent her early years with her foster parents Hennan and Ada Benthall and their children Hennan Jr., Joseph, and Anne McCormick.
Graduating with Distinction from York High School in Yorktown, she earned her accounting experience at Richmond Professional Institute. Doris met Max Sanders in 1965 while he was stationed at the Yorktown Naval Weapons Station. They were married on July 31, 1965, and recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary – a testament to their enduring partnership.
Doris was a wonderful and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. As a dedicated Navy wife, she provided strength and stability for her family during Max's deployments and civil service travels. Practical, frugal, and thoughtful, Doris uplifted her husband's career and anchored her family throughout her lifetime.
She will be remembered as a nurturing caretaker and generous spirt, whose quiet presence was the foundation of her family, home, and community. Doris had a deep love for gardening and especially cherished caring for hummingbirds. Her feeders were always ready for the tiny visitors that brought her joy. She also enjoyed reading, cooking, sewing, and discovering hidden gems at estate/garage sales.
Doris is survived by her husband, Max; brother John (Barbara); children Carl (Chelsea), Frank (Nancy), Melissa (Jeff), and Penny (Michael); grandchildren Michelle (Michael), Anika (Richie), Rhiannon, Julia (Micah), Evan, Matthew, Oliver, Josephine, and Wesley; great-grandchildren Amanda, Vincent, Marlon, and Jaydan; sister-in-law, Geraldine and family; niece Karen Michelle and other beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother Ronald.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Valor Hospice and Synergy Home Care for their compassionate care. Although she is now in the loving arms of our Lord, Doris will always live on in the hearts of her family and friends. She will be interred at Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery on November 10th at 1:00 p.m. Requested arrival is 12:30 p.m. A celebration of life will be held at Landmark Café from 2:00-4:00 p.m.