MECCA — Russell L. Sanders, 84, of Mecca, passed away at 1:03 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, in his residence. He was born on Jan. 27, 1925, in Mecca, the son of Ren Sanders and Edith Done Sanders. He retired from public Service Indiana, serving as a local representative.
He was a member of the Mecca Weslyan Church, Mecca Historical Society, Mecca A.R.A.B.S. He was a longtime coach for Mecca Softball and served as assistant coach for softball at Riverton-Park. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He dedicated his retirement life to the restoration and upkeep of the Mecca School and the Mecca softball diamonds. He was a graduate of Mecca High School Class of 1943.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Hazel Sanders, on June 4, 2008; and three brothers, Bill, Collett and Danny Sanders.
He is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Ronnie and Judy Sanders of Mecca; grandchildren, Angie Bullington, Toby (Colleen) Sanders , Punkin Sanders, Jenny (Brian) Benjamin, Jeremy (Emily) Bettis and Jason Bettis; 11 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Ruth Ann (Owen) Harper of Mecca.
Services are 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 21, 2009, at the Mecca School. Entombment will follow in Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation is 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009, in Frist Funeral Home, 458 Blackman St., in Clinton, and one hour before services in the school. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to A.R.A.B.S., P.O. Box 4, Mecca, IN 47860. Envelopes will be available.
