Terry Sanders

Funeral services for Terry John Sanders, a long-time resident of Fort Thomas, will be held at the Fort Thomas Ward building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 31, 2025, with a viewing held at 9:00 AM. He entered into rest on May 23, 2025, at Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center at the age of 83.

Terry was born July 14, 1941, in Aztec, New Mexico. He was the first of 11 children born to Vearl Moore Sanders and Norma Barney Sanders. His siblings included Gary, Norman, Clifford, Kathy, Arthur, Emalene, Jayne, Lucy, Sam, and Jonathan.

Terry spent much of his childhood in Solomonville and Pomerene, growing up on farms and ranches. His family put down roots in Fort Thomas his freshman year. He graduated from Fort Thomas High School, attended EAC, and served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Gulf States, primarily serving in eastern Texas. Upon returning to the Gila Valley, he married his high school sweetheart, Laurel Brown, on June 6, 1963, in the Mesa Arizona Temple. Together they had five children: Rod (Lisa) Sanders, Marti (Steve) McCabe, Greg Sanders, Mindy Sanders, and Mary (JT) Lines.

With Laurel’s support he was a life-long learner, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and certifications in counseling and school administration. He served in many educational roles including teaching high school in Sells, Pima, and Fort Thomas. His career in Fort Thomas spanned more than 30 years and grew from teacher to counselor, to elementary principal. Additionally, he taught night classes at EAC, GED classes in Bylas, and was a founding board member of the Gila Institute for Technology (GIFT).

Spending time with family was important to Terry. Often his summer vacations revolved around educational adventures. His family joined him in Flagstaff or Tucson where he took classes, seminars, and trainings. He loved taking the family to historic sites and exploring new places. He also included his family in his business of fixing pumps, electrical wiring, computers, and other services.

Terry’s hobbies included gardening, reading, welding, and farming. He took great pride in his Brangus cow herd that would run to meet him when he whistled. He loved telling jokes and stories and passing knowledge on to his 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren who loved spending time with him.

He lived true to his testimony as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Terry served in many church callings, including bishop, seminary teacher, stake executive secretary, and temple assistant recorder. Wherever he served, he served whole-heartedly. Family, friends, and the community always felt his love. He will be greatly missed!