Wanda Lee Sanders

Wanda Lee (Dew) Hornet-Sanders was born on November 15, 1948, in Leach, OK, at the family home, the daughter of Sanders and Mary Jane (Dew) Dry. Wanda was the eldest of six sisters, Minnie, Geneva, Edna, Kathy, Jackie and Marilyn, and two brothers, Elvis and Kenny. She attended Messina School and grew up in the Tahlequah area. She later married Julian Hornet (Jr.) and for a short time, they made their home in Colorado. They had and raised two sons, Carl and Randy. She loved the time spent raising and caring for her boys. They moved back to Tahlequah, OK and sometime later, she began working for the Cherokee Nation. She had recently retired after working as a Certification Clerk for more than 30 years. She and Randy then made their home in Tahlequah. Wanda was proud of her heritage and enjoyed spending time just reminiscing about the old times. She was a fluent Cherokee Speaker and loved sharing conversation spoken in Cherokee. Wanda was a bit shy and quiet. When family gatherings were planned, she would just tell you, “just tell me what to do or bring.” Times spent with the family usually included food and usually a game of Bingo. Times sitting at Edna’s backyard watching the kids play brought her such joy. When time allowed her, She and Randy could be found visiting extended family , eating at a favorite restaurant, or just taking a scenic drive.

Wanda also loved sports. One of her favorite teams were the OU Sooners. She loved them so much she named her puppy Sooner. She enjoyed watching the Cherokee Holiday Tournament, whether or not she knew anyone that was playing.

Her husband Julian passed away in 2004 and a few years later she married Johnny Sanders. They enjoyed several years together spending time with the family, and taking drives. Johnny preceded her in 2019.

Wanda was a member of Elm Tree Baptist Church in Tahlequah, OK, and a Christian by faith. The lord called her home from her labors on October 6th, 2021 in Tahlequah, OK, after reaching the age of 72 years. Wanda will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Johnson and Rachel (Spade) Dry, James and Charlotte (Dirttrack)Dew, her parents, Sanders and Mary Jane (Dry) Dew, one brother, Kenneth Dew, and three sisters, Geneva, Marilyn, and Edna. She most recently laid her beloved son Randy Hornet to rest.

She is survived by her son, Carl Hornet and wife Janis of Tahlequah, OK, one brother, Elvis and wife Debbie of Tahlequah, Ok, and three sisters, Minnie Dew of Tahlequah, OK, Kathy Vanbuskirk and husband Perry of Moodys, OK, and Jackie Clayton and husband Robert of Tahlequah, OK, one uncle, Bob Dry and wife Billie Ann of Kenwood, OK and Aunt Betty Sixkiller of Leach, OK as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends and loved ones too numerous to mention.