Ronald Ray Sanders, 70, of Midland, Texas was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 29, 2010. Ronald was born August 5, 1939 in Champaign, Illinois to the late Donald and Dortha Deal Sanders. In his youth, he worked alongside his father in their trucking business and graduated from Mahomet High School in 1957. Ronald enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Schweinfurt, Germany as Armored Tank Support for the 3rd Infantry Division, 7th Calvary Unit from 1958 to 1960. Upon his return, he married his high school sweetheart, Margaret Hinners, September 25, 1960, and was blessed with 48 wonderful years of marriage. Added to this union were their two daughters, Melinda and Michelle. Ronald continued his trucking business while simultaneously completing flight school. He was employed for six years under Hartzog Aviation while he resided with his family in Rockford, Illinois. He and his family relocated to Midland, Texas in 1977 where he was employed for twelve years with Chaparral Aviation. Ronald was very blessed to spend the next twenty years employed with Cutter Aviation in Midland, Texas until his recent retirement. Ronald has always had a true passion for life as evidenced by his love for flying, racing, and traveling abroad with his loving wife, Margaret, and their dear friends. His gentleness and loving kindness made him a cherished father and grandfather and a true friend who will be missed by all whose lives he touched. Ron was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Margaret Sanders; brother, Dale Sanders; and sister, Carolyn Kay Green. Ron is survived by his daughter, Melinda Jimenez and husband, Oscar, of Midland, Texas; daughter, Michelle Chuber and husband, Eric, of San Antonio, Texas; four grandchildren, Malarie and Grant Jimenez, and Bruce and Olivia Chuber; brother-in-law and his wife, Charles and Carolyn Hinners of Champaign, Illinois; six nephews and two nieces. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the many caregivers at Midland Memorial Hospital, Allison Cancer Center, and Hospice of Midland for their professional and intimate care over the past several years. Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 1, 2010, between the hours of 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. at Ellis Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will be held 11:00 A.M. Monday, August 2, 2010 at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church of Midland with Pastor Robert Pase officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park of Midland. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home. To place online condolences please visit www.ellisfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hospice of Midland, P.O. Box 2621, Midland, Texas 79702.
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