Ralph “Neil” Sanders, 81, died of natural causes Friday, December 6, 2013. Neil was born on September 18, 1932 to Ralph Newton and Delphine (Pouliot) Sanders in Great Falls, Montana. Neil attended public schools and graduated from Great Falls High School in 1950. Immediately following his graduation, he entered the U.S. Navy and served in the Construction Battalion for four years. Neil immensely enjoyed his time in the south pacific working as an electrician in the Seabees. His stories of big snakes and bigger boats were always a topic of discussion during family gatherings.
Upon return to Montana, he enrolled in Montana State University and graduated with a degree in Construction Engineering in 1959. While attending Montana State University, he met the love of his life Carol (Helterline) Sanders and they were married on July 25, 1959 in Plains, Montana.
Neil worked as a Safety Engineer for USF&G and inspected construction sites throughout Montana. In 1967, Neil enrolled in the University of Montana and studied accounting. In 1972, he moved to Helena and took an accounting position with the State of Montana where he worked until retiring in December 1993.
In his free time, Neil loved to hunt and fish. He spent many hours fly-fishing on the Blackfoot and the Sun Rivers, a passion he shared with his father. He enjoyed spending time with family listening to his father and uncles play old time music. He had a passion for woodworking and built the house where he and Carol have resided since 1977. There was never a tool that he did not love. During his retirement, Neil was an avid reader, took a great interest in new technology, and became the family researcher of Genealogy.
Neil was a role model for his children, siblings, and friends. He was often seen at his children’s activities, always providing support and encouragement. His granddaughters were the love of his life and were always the center of his attention. He was regularly heard bragging about their accomplishments to his friends during his morning coffee runs.
Neil was preceded in death by his parents, sister Lola Spitzer and her husband Donald Spitzer, and brother Keith Sanders. Neil is survived by his wife of 54 years Carol, son Michael (Patty), daughter Laura, his cherished granddaughters (Beth and Kelly), sister Vonnie (Bud) Adkins of Great Falls, uncle George Pouliot ; aunt Donna Ellis of Helena, aunt Jean Sanders of Missoula, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the medical staff of St. Peter’s Hospital and Dr. Weiner and staff for the amazing care, professionalism, and compassion they provided Neil and for the kindness shown to the family during this difficult time.
Neil will live in our hearts forever and his sense of humor, the sparkle in his eyes, and big-hearted smile are already missed.
Visitation will begin at noon on Wednesday December 11th, the family will begin receiving friends at 6:00 p.m. with a Rosary to be prayed at 7:00 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday December 12th at noon at the Cathedral of Saint Helena. A funeral reception will be held at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home social center immediately following the Mass. Burial with military honors will be approximately 2:45 p.m. Thursday at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Neil’s name may be donated to the Cathedral of St. Helena, St Peter’s Cancer Treatment Center, or to an organization of the donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 11, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Family and Friends Service
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 11, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
,
Rosary
7:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 11, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
,
Reception
Immediately following the Mass
Thursday December 12, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
,
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 11, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Family and Friends Service
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 11, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
,
Rosary
7:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 11, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
,
Reception
Immediately following the Mass
Thursday December 12, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
,
Share
Peggy Williams says
Carol and Family,
I’m so sorry to hear about Neil. I’ll always remember how helpful he was when he worked in Fiscal. My prayers are with you all.
Peggy Williams
Celeste Rogers says
I worked with Neil at the Labor Temple, he was one great guy! My thoughts are with the family.
Celeste Rogers
Gail McGillis says
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I will greatly miss Neil, he was a wonderful and kind person. My condolences to you and Mike, Laura and your family.
Marvalee Christofferson says
Carol and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I will remember Neil’s smile and his kindness. May your memories of Neil ease your pain.
Gretchen (Bird) Stenson says
So sorry for your loss. I pray you find peace in memories and comfort from your faith, family and friends.
Barbara Holbrook says
Dear Carol and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Neil was a wonderful and kind man. As a school mate I have great memories of Neil in our high school years and later at our school reunions. He had a great welcoming smile that won’t be forgotten and may your family gain strength from your memories of Neil as a husband, father and friend.
Mary Sark says
Mike and Patty, you and your family are in my prayers, I’m so sorry and sad for your loss. Remember all the wonderful times.
Jane and Ray Addison says
Neil was one of the best men I have ever known. His great smile and quick wit made him more than a pleasure to be around. I will always treasure the time spent with him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you all.
Love Jane & Ray
Judith Spitzer says
Uncle Neil was one of my favorites. I still remember and treasure the time we spent with both of you during our visit to Helena when we were small children. My thoughts and prayers are with you Carol, Mike and Laura and your extended family. God bless
Love Judith Spitzer
Renea Garong says
Our deepest condolences. God bless you and your family.
love,
Renea