Maxine Ramona "Rae" Sanders

Rae was a mother first but an artist at heart. Her children always came first, not only with time but thoughts, livelihood, and support. She was a working single mom in the 60's to provide for her boys. Thinking back, hard work was not a stranger. She waited tables for her parents, the late John and Neva VanAllen, at two restaurants in Loveland at an early age. She always did more than expected. She was not just a waitress but a hostess, a cake decorator, and a florist. Rae was the smiling face. As an artist, we had dried flower arrangements, painted pictures of fruit and flowers, homemade Halloween costumes, party dresses, and fancy decorated food. Nothing was plain, jane.

Holidays were always a big production. Doors open wide, sometimes serving hundreds of people. Teenage dances and baseball teams kept the houseful of laughter. Rae also cared for her mother, father, aunt, and uncle. Mom was so proud to be an employee of the month at Citizen Bank of Aurora, where she was a notary.

Dal-Rae’s High Country was a dream. In 1989, Rae opened and operated the restaurant in Red Feather Lakes. CO. In 1990, she was joined by Dallas. The kids were grown, so the restaurant became the place of work, play, and love for over 20 years. Mom was known for Rae’s Fresh Homemade Pies.

Rae was married to Wilbur Seagren from 1954 to 1962 and had three boys, Bill, Ron & Greg. In 1965 she met Dallas Sanders, they were married 53 years, until his death in 2018. Together they had one daughter, Raejean. Together they blended their family with Dallas' boys: Tim and Todd, and many other children they cared for and nurtured. It would be impossible to list all the youth that looked up to them as parents.

Rae is survived by one sister, Joni; her children; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren. Whether you knew her as Ramona, Rae, mom, friend, colleague, or friend, you were lucky enough to be a part of this beautiful woman’s life. Thank you!