Ilse Elizabeth Sanders, age 84, passed away at her residence, 13240 Old Route # 86, Edinboro, PA on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 after a two year period of failing health due to pulmonary fibrosis. Born on February 28, 1927 in Marchegg, Austria, she was a daughter of the late Hans and Luise Knopp. On February 11, 1947, she married Ray A. Sanders and they together established their homestead in Washington Township.

Sanders, Ilse ElizabethIlse dedicated herself to her husband and family providing for them a loving home. She was a hard working homemaker, enjoyed flower gardening, and classical music. As a member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Drakes Mills, she was an adult Sunday School teacher for many years and was active in the Women’s Church League.

Surviving family members of Ilse in addition to her beloved husband, Ray, of 64 years, include a daughter – Renee of Pittsburgh; a son – Stephen and his wife, Kimberly; two grandsons – Tyler and Ryan; a granddaughter – Wendy Miller and a great granddaughter -Alyssa, all of Edinboro. Also surviving is a brother – Erwin Knopp and his wife, Erika of Marchegg, Austria and a sister-in-law – Loretta Mae Babbitt of Ft. Wayne, IN. Preceding Ilse in death was a son – Randy Sanders and a grandson – Kurt Sanders.

Friends will be received at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Drakes Mills on Friday morning beginning at 10:00 a.m. which will be concluded with a funeral service there beginning at 11:00 a.m. Vicar Brian Riddle will officiate. Interment will be in St. Paul’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 25812 Mount Pleasant Road, Cambridge Springs, PA 16403.