Rosella Joan (Hauf) Sanders went to be with the Lord on Monday, September 19, 2022. Visitation will be held from 2-4 P.M. on Sunday, September 25th at the Johnson Family Funeral Home in Stuart. Funeral service will be held at 12:30 P.M. on Monday, September 26th at the Johnson Family Funeral Home in Stuart. Committal service will follow at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Van Meter. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family for future designation. Online condolences may be left at www.johnsonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Rosella Joan Hauf Sanders was born to John D. and Cora Hauf on June 9, 1943 in Winner, South Dakota. The Haufs moved to Bradgate, Iowa in 1951 and later to Stuart in 1953. Rose went to the Pioneer Country School House in Guthrie County and then to Stuart High School.
Rose was married to Merlin Sanders on April 17, 1960 at the Dexter Methodist Church. They went to McGuire AFB, New Jersey in 1960. Merlin was later stationed at Charleston AFB in South Carolina for 20 years, Jacksonville, Florida for five years, McAlester, Oklahoma for seven years before returning to Iowa to retire. Rose and Merlin were blessed with four sons: Douglas, Merlin Jr., Paul and Kevin.
Rose drove a school bus for 13 years and worked in the cafeteria in the Summerville, SC school. She loved working with the church youth groups and doing bake sales. Participation in church functions was very important to her. Hobbies kept her busy; reading, puzzles, painting and cross stitch. Rose was active in the working band at the Fairview Church in Stuart during the time she was able.
Rose and Merlin loved to travel in their motorhome. They spent winters in Florida and other southern states including Arizona and California.
Rose is survived by her husband, Merlin; four sons: Doug (Libby) of Mims, FL, Merlin Jr. (Cathy) of Urbandale, Paul (Dayle) of Blythewood, SC and Kevin (Michelle) of Clive; grandchildren: Brandon (Christa) Sanders of Muskogee, OK, Justin Sanders of Des Moines, Rebecca Sanders of Altoona, Wesley Sanders of Urbandale, Elliott Sanders of Blythwood, SC, Kelsey (Adam) Krebs of Clearwater, FL; great-grandchildren: Layden and Emorie Sanders both of Muskogee, OK and Anthony Sanders-Nguyen of Merritt Island, FL; siblings: Linda Foster of Casey, Belva Hanner of Stuart, Melvin (Kay) Hauf of Stuart, Norman Hauf of Stuart and John (Karen) Hauf of Stuart; and a host of extended family and friends that will miss her dearly.
Rose was preceded in death by her parents, John and Cora Hauf; grandson, Dustin Sanders; and sister-in-law, Peggy Hauf.
She always had a smile to share and was thankful for when others did things for her. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Merlin is thankful to have his longtime friend, Bob Bailey with him. They have been friends since Charleston AFB South Carolina.
25
Sep
123 North Second Street
Stuart, IA 50250
26
Sep
123 North Second Street
Stuart, IA 50250
26
Sep
34024 Veterans Memorial Dr
Adel, IA 50003
34024 Veterans Memorial Dr
Adel, IA 50003
Johnson Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Stuart Chapel • 123 Northeast Secon Street, Stuart, IA 50250 • Phone: (515) 523-1200
Dexter Chapel • 814 Wash Ave. Box 57, Dexter, IA 50070 • Phone: (515) 789-4621
Earlham Chapel • 140 NW 2nd Street, Earlham, IA 50072 • Phone: (515) 758-2500
Redfield Chapel • 902 1st Street Box 404, Redfield, IA • Phone (515) 789-4621
© Johnson Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Funeral Home Website Design By Frazer Consultants & TA
