Irene (Sanderson) Muller

Irene Hannahbelle Sanderson was born July 21, 1934 in Wray to John and Anna (Kibel) Sanderson. She was the second born of four girls. Her sisters were Gracie, Betty, and Violet. Irene graduated from Wray High School in 1952. That same year she met the love of her life, Max Muller from Bern, Switzerland. Irene always said, “it was Max’s beautiful blue eyes that made her fall in love with hime. ” On April 12, 1953 , Max and Irene were married, and were happily married 54 years.

Irene worked as a waitress and babysitter after they were married. Irene was blessed with three daughters, Charlotte, Sheila, and Chrissie. She was a stay at home mom and later worked parttime at the salebarn, Duckwall’s and various other places when needed. Max and Irene loved children and became foster parents for years. They loved, nurtured, and made a difference in many childrens lives. She has kept contact with several of the kids over the years. As her daughters were growing, Irene became a girl scout leader, 4-H leader, and a Sunday school teacher. She was always involved in their activities.

Irene had a strong passion for cooking. She spent many hours in her kitchen trying out new recipes. She was anavid canner and baker and did alot food dehydration. irene began entering foods in open class at the Yuma County Fair and it began a passion for her. She worked for months baking, canning fruits and vegetables, making candy, drying herbs. She has won many ribbons and awards over the years. In fact, she canned up until April and since she couldn’t go to the fair her daughters took it and she won a Best of Show Grand Champion Ribbon last week at the Yuma County Fair. She was very proud, and had it hung by her hospital bed. Irene was a cooking queen.

Over the years, Irene had four cancer surgeries, which ultimately took her ability to smell, taste, and swallow. This did not interfere with her love for cooking. She loved cooking for family and friends and was always giving someone food she had prepared. Irene even did volunteer cooking for Hospice when needed. She was very hard working, kind and loved to give to others. Even though she was in fragile health she never complained. She always said there were people in worse shape than her.

In 2007, Max passed away and it was a hard adjustment for Irene. Irene made friends easily and formed lots of long term friendships. She loved Jesus and had his picture on her refrigerator door. She always said, “it was her faith that kept her going.” Irene was an inspiration to many and showed strength,  courage, and compassion. She will be truly missed. she always had a smile and made time to talk to everyone.

Irene was proceed in death by her parents, her three sisters and brothers-in-law, and two grandsons.

She is survived by her daughters, Charlotte Hankins of Goodland, Kansas, Sheila Schwartz (Dan) of Wray and Chrissie Hankins (John) of St. Francis, Kansas; four grandsons, Brent Like (Jade) of Topeka, Kansas, Scott Schwartz (Crystal) of Wray, Aaron Schwartz and (Brianna Spelts) of Wray and Marvin Hankins of Goodland, Kansas, Chrissie’s step-children, Robin, Marie and L.J. and three great-granddaughters, Kaitlyn, Kayla and Kassidy Schwartz of Wray; nieces, Lois Spelts (Chuck) of Eckley, Colorado; Steve Newton of Eckley, Colorado and Glenda Warren of Wray.

Irene passed away on August 11, 2012 at the Wray Community District Hospital.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, August 15, 2012, 10:00 a.m. at the Spellman-Schmidt Funeral Home in Wray, Colorado with Pastor Randy Payne officiating. Memorials may be made to the Irene Muller Memorial Fund. Spellman-Schmidt Funeral Home in Wray, Colorado was in charge of arrangements.