Nadine Sanders

Obituary of Nadine Sanders

Nadine passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 18, 2008. She was born August 9, 1913, along with her twin sister, Pauline, to Rob and Martha McCutchen in Urbana, Missouri. Mom was an athletic tomboy who rode horses without a saddle or bit, taught herself to swim in the creek, and played basketball on the Urbana High School girls' basketball team. She married Joe Sanders in 1932 and they were married 72 years at the time of his death. During the Depression Mom and Dad drove to Idaho in a Model A Ford and settled in the Jerome area. They lived in converted turkey shack during their first winter. Mom loved Idaho because there was always plenty of food. You could grow anything and hunt and fish. She kept a full freezer at all times. During the early years she cooked for sheepherders, and Idaho Power crews who were setting poles to carry electricity. During the war years she worked at the bean house. In 1944, Joe and Nadine moved into town. A daughter, Kathy, was born in 1947. Mom was full of energy and never sat still. She kept an immaculate home. Dust was her enemy and bleach was her friend. She didn't like to cook but she cooked 3 meals a day and left the kitchen spotless every time. Nadine tirelessly sewed clothes and doll clothes for her daughter and her daughter's friends. She learned to fish and spent many happy hours trying to out fish Joe. Mom and Dad engaged in marathon pinochle parties, picnics, and potlucks and lots of laughter with many friends & relatives. Mom's specialty was deviled eggs because "you never have to take any home." Mom was the epitome of common sense and friends came to her when they needed good advice. She was a favorite mom to her daughter's friends. She didn't beat around the bush. You knew what was on her mind and she was usually right. She tried to act tough, but she had an incredibly soft heart. She always fought for the underdog. Mom spent the last 10 years living in Nampa, close to her daughter & son-in-law. We will miss her everyday of our lives. There could be no better mom. She knew how tough the world could be so she prepared her child to cope with life's challenges. She had high expectations, but you always knew she was on your side, no matter what. She was the world's best granny. Her granddaughter was the light of her life from the day she was born. As a mother-in-law, she thought her son-in-law could do no wrong. Nadine was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Joe; brothers, Don, Otis, Dale, & John McCutchen; sisters, Ressie Scott and Pauline Sommerhouse. Nadine is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Kathy & Terry Martin of Nampa; granddaughter Joey Martin of Austin, TX; sister, Lucille Booth of Springfield MO. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for the wonderful care and affection Mom received during her last years from Pat, Kerrie, Angie, Penny, Nancy & Phyllis. A celebration of Nadine's life will be held at a later date. Memorials can be made in Nadine's name to the Nampa Meals on Wheels program at Mercy Medical Center, 1512 12th Avenue Road, Nampa, 83686. Service Information
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