Mary F. Sanford

Mary F. Sanford, 97, of Grace Ridge, Morganton, NC, died unexpectedly on Monday, January 21, 2008 at Grace Hospital. Born in Cass County, MI on September 25, 1910, she a daughter of the late James and Jean Curtis Sturges. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Gilson Ellis Clarke; her second husband, Colman G. Sanford; a daughter, Barbara O’Dell; and a sister, Jean Corlette. Mrs. Sanford was a member of Grace Episcopal Church and vice-president of the Episcopal Church Women. She was past state treasurer of DAR in Michigan, president of the Saugatuck Women’s Club in Saugatuck, MI; and worked at the Pentagon from 1961-1962.She is survived by a daughter, Lynn Beucus and husband, Dick, of Banner Elk, NC; grandchildren from Michigan and Illinois, Tammy Andrews, Michelle Jansma, Monica Fogler, Robert Andrews, Amy Reed, and Melisa Engelsma; a step-son-in-law, John Sanford and wife, Peg, of MI; and nine great-grandchildren.A memorial service for Mary will be held 1:00 p.m., Monday, January 28, 2008 at Grace Episcopal Church with Father Bruce Walker officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, 303 S. King Street, Morganton, NC 28655 or to the Grace Ridge Friendship Fund, 500 Lenoir Road, Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.