Marlene Sanders

Marlene Chambers Sanders, 88, of Cross Plains, passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Marlene was born on August 9, 1937, in Rodessa, LA to Viola Fay (Sneed) Chambers and Van Everett Chambers. She was the oldest of six siblings. She married the love of her life, Andrew Newton Sanders, in Hobbs, NM August 14, 1954.

In 1972, Andy and Marlene moved their 5 rambunctious girls to Cross Plains, TX and settled on their beautiful ranch. Marlene was a woman whose love for her family and faith in God shaped every part of her life. Her home was the center of family life- a gathering place filled with laughter, warmth, and the comforting aroma of her home-cooked meals. There was nothing like waking up to her bacon and biscuits and gravy. To her family and friends her home was a refuge of unconditional love. Cooking meals for the family was not a chore to her, but her love language. Serving her family was one of her greatest pleasures.

Marlene was an amazing artist at heart. She used her talents generously for her family, friends, and church. From sewing clothes (patching clothes was her favorite) and crafting puppets, to decorating for special occasions, Marlene poured her imagination and skill into bringing joy to others.

Her faith was steadfast and unshakable. She trusted God through every season of life and built a legacy of faith that continues through her children and grandchildren. Her example of prayer, perseverance, and love for the Lord left a mark on her family and all who knew her.

Those who knew her best will remember her caring heart, her boundless creativity, her sense of humor, and yes- her persistent, “pestering” nature that often reminded us just how deeply she cared. She made newspaper swords for her grandchildren—each one a badge of bravery in countless living room adventures—and crafted delicate little dolls out of Kleenexes, each with its own personality and name. Those small creations weren’t just crafts; they were expressions of love, play, and the imagination she shared so freely.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Andrew Newton Sanders; her parents and one brother, Van Everett Chambers Jr.

Marlene is survived by her siblings; Jerry Chambers, DeeAnna Peacock and husband Gary, Develle Smith and husband Randy, Angela Whittington and husband Paul, children; Netha Carouth and husband Rickey of Cross Plains, Andra Jackson of Cross Plains, Renault Herrington and husband Mark of Senioa, Georgia, Lesa Lambright and husband Tommy of Austin, TX, Tina Thomas and husband Rickey of Cypress, TX; 10 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren; along with a host of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers Grandsons and Great Grandsons