Joyce A. Sanders

FRANKLIN GROVE, IL – Joyce A. Sanders, 79, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Meadows of Franklin Grove Nursing Home in Franklin Grove, Illinois.

Born on November 16, 1945, in Rockford, IL, Joyce was the beloved daughter of Albert J. and Jennie (Nuppenau) Nordman. A lifelong area resident, she was a devoted member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Oregon, IL, where she married the love of her life, Carl Sanders, on September 26, 1965.

Joyce held various roles throughout her working life, beginning at Kable News in Mt. Morris and later serving as a hospital receptionist and buyer at Etnyre. She was known for her warm heart, loyalty, and kindness.

Joyce had a passion for travel, enjoying adventures throughout the United States and Europe. She found great joy in gardening, canning, and watching classic westerns like Gunsmoke. A proud and patriotic American, Joyce loved collecting Americana and celebrating her country’s heritage.

Her greatest joy, however, was her family. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and time spent with them was her most cherished gift.

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Alan Nordman; sister, Janice (Jay) Miller; brothers-in-law Jay Miller, James Henn and Randy Buskohl; and nephews, Jason Miller, Jason Henn, Robert Buskohl, and Ryan Buskohl.

She is survived and will be deeply missed by her loving husband, Carl Sanders of Franklin Grove, IL; daughters, Cheri (Jody) Clemmons of Eads, TN; Jenni (Ken) Yingling of Polo, IL; and Christina (Doug) Kitson of Polo, IL; sister, Judy Buskohl of Sterling, IL; grandchildren, Kennedy (Brandon Ramirez) Yingling, Abigail Yingling, Nathaniel Yingling, Emily Kitson, and Zoey Kitson; and her best friend and sister-in-law, Sharon Nordman of Leaf River, IL.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home in Oregon, IL. A second visitation will take place prior to the funeral on Friday, October 24, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, beginning at 9:00 AM until the start of services at 10:00 AM, with Reverend Terese Whitten officiating. Joyce will be laid to rest at Franklin Grove Cemetery in Franklin Grove, IL.

Memorials in Joyce’s name may be directed to Serenity Hospice and Home of Oregon, IL. Online donation Link for Serenity Hospice and Home is provided below. 

Serenity Hospice & Home of Oregon, IL