It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dolores Sanders, a beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished member of the Centralia community, who left us on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the age of 94.
Dolores was born on August 9, 1930, in Centralia, Illinois, the daughter of Huey White and Olive (Monken) White. On June 5, 1954, she married Robert W. Sanders, and he preceded her in death on July 19, 1988.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in her honor on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Centralia, Illinois. Dolores will be laid to rest at the Calvary Cemetery beside her beloved husband. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during the visitation on Sunday, June 15, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia, as well as on Monday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of the Mass at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School. Contributions will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, located at 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801, who are honored to be of service to Dolores’s family. For online condolences, please visit www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Funeral Home Facebook page.
Dolores graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School, The Academy of Notre Dame High School in Belleville, Centralia Junior College, and Webster College in St. Louis. A dedicated educator, Dolores inspired countless young minds during her career as a teacher. She began her career teaching high school in Ohio and Breese, Illinois. Following her move back to Centralia, she taught at St. Mary’s Grade School and for years worked as a homebound teacher for Centralia High School. Lastly, she spent a number of years as the Director of Religious Education at St. Mary’s Church, where she combined her passion for teaching students and her love for the Church. Her commitment to her students left a lasting impression on the community. Beyond her professional achievements, Dolores was an ardent supporter of the St. Louis Cardinals and an active member of the Centralia Orphans community. Her faith was a guiding force in her life, as she was deeply involved in the activities of St. Mary’s Church.
Dolores leaves behind a loving family to cherish her memory: her sons, H. Robert Sanders and his wife Debbie of Glen Carbon, Rodney Sanders and his wife Robin of Murrieta, California, and Alan Sanders and his wife Julie of West Chester, Pennsylvania. She was a proud grandmother to Kara Cincotta (Tim), Lucas Sanders (Jerry), Drew Sanders (Kaesha), Shayne Lewis (Michael), Gwen Dickau (Kevin), Lily Sanders, Briana Sanders, and Alyssa Sanders. Her legacy continues through her six great-grandchildren, with another one on the way. She is also survived by her special friend, Lorraine Bassett, and her devoted caregiver, Kathy Sparling.
She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.
