Lena Fayrene Sanders

Lena Fayrene Sanders, 78, of Salem, Arkansas, passed away Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Mountain Home, Arkansas.

She was born April 4, 1947, in Santa Barbara, California, the daughter of the late Jack and Mary Kathryn (Muse) Degelia. Lena was united in marriage to Donley “Don” K. Sanders on July 2, 1967, in Atascadero, California.

Lena was a devoted homemaker and lovingly cared for foster children for many years. She was a member of Salem First Baptist Church and a life member of the Salem VFW Auxiliary, both in Salem, Arkansas. She enjoyed her work with the Auxiliary, especially supporting Veterans and children through the Community Fun Day. Lena was very active in church activities and enjoyed camping and riding motorcycles with Don.

She is survived by her husband, Don Sanders of Salem, Arkansas; her daughter, Christine R. Sanders of Longview, Washington; extended family through the Sanders family who will be in attendance; and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Barbara Jean Harris and Violet Louise (Harris) Feliciano; and her brother, William “Bill” James Harris.

Funeral services will be held Monday, April 6, 2026, at Salem First Baptist Church in Salem, Arkansas, beginning at 2:00 p.m., with Bro. Tom Doty and Bro. Tyler Fox officiating.

Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: https://www.stjude.org