Helen Marie Sanders

Helen Sanders, 103, peacefully departed this life on March 1st at Woodland Terrace in Niles Michigan.

Helen was born August 21, 1920, the oldest child of Vaughn and Marie Dohm.  She was a life long resident of the area, graduating from Eau Claire High School in 1937.  She married Melvin Sanders on May 27, 1940 in St. Louis, Missouri.  They were together for 54 years before Mel passed away.  Together they had 5 children; Charlotte (Richard) Schram, Nancy (Bob) Schilling, Beverly (Dick) Demski, Melba (Larry) Newton and Dar (Sharon) Sanders.  She had 16 grandchildren and too many Greats to count!  She was considered the matriarch of the Dohm family. She was known for her famous chicken and egg noodles every year for the family reunion.   She retired from Avion Coach after 22 years of making drapes and doing upholstery work.  After retiring, she and Mel traveled to Alaska in their 5th wheel camper and spent many summers camping around Michigan.  When not traveling, they spent time at their cabin in Baldwin.

At the age of 80, she decided to learn how to make quilts.  She made them for all the kids and many baby quilts for the family before giving it up at 94.

She was preceded in death by Mel, Dar, Melba, and seven of her siblings.  In addition to her three daughters, she is survived by siblings; George (Linda) Dohm, Benny (Sandy) Dohm, Earl (Sis.d) Dohm, Betty (Bob.d) Shembarger and special granddaughter; Edie.

Per her wishes, she has been cremated and there will be a celebration of life at Bowerman Funeral Home in Eau Claire on April 28 at 3:00 PM.  A private burial will take place at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in her memory to Harmony Cares Hospice or a charity of your choice.  

Arrangements have been entrusted to Bowerman Funeral Home in Eau Claire.