Obituary of Lois M. Sanford

DAVENPORT _ Lois M. Sanford, 94, of Davenport, passed away on Friday, March 18, 2011, at Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown. She was born in Lodgepole, S.D., on Jan. 4, 1917, the daughter of Charles and Amanda (Dradoo) Warner. She married George Sanford on July 5, 1938, in Schenevus. He predeceased her June 1, 1979. Lois attended a one-room schoolhouse in Lodgepole, S.D., and attended Brookings Agricultural School in Brookings, S.D., before moving to New York State. She then attended SUNY Delhi. She retired from Charlotte Valley Central School serving from 1955 until 1980, as a teacher's aide, and cook in the cafeteria. Around 1938, she worked as a switchboard operator in Davenport for the telephone company. A 74-year member of Davenport United Methodist Church and Women's Society, she also enjoyed membership in the Davenport Historical Society, Davenport Senior Citizens and the Davenport Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. Mrs. Sanford was known for her lovely cross-stitching creations; her green thumb and especially the beautiful Christmas Cactus and orchids she grew. She always loved to travel and eat out. She is survived by her loving family, her children, son, Leslie (Virginia) Sanford, daughter-in-law, Judy Sanford, daughter, Charlene (James) Herron, son, Warren (Shirley) Sanford, daughter, Patricia Sanford and daughter, Betty (Daniel) Dunnigan; grandchildren, Deborah, Daniel, Regina, Rhoda, Richard, Jeffery, Kevin, Paul, Brian and Michelle; stepgrandchildren, Norman, Anthony and James; 19 great-grandchildren; seven stepgreat-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves a sister, Ruby Swantak; and two sisters-in-law, Sharon Warner and Betty Warner; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, George; a son, Richard; daughter and son-in-law, Ellen Monroe and Edward Monroe; daughter-in-law, Mary Sanford; grandchildren, Rebecca, Matthew, Charles and Eric; and her siblings, Francis, William and Arthur Warner and Mary Stuit, Esther Graig, Charlotte Barker and Charlene Warner. Memorial services will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, March 25, 2011, at the Davenport United Methodist Church, Davenport, with Pastor Nancy Russell officiating. There will be no calling hours. Burial will be in Davenport Cemetery, Davenport. The family requests donations in her memory in lieu of flowers, they may be made to Davenport United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 204, Davenport, NY 13750 or Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820 or Cystic Fibrous Foundation. Arrangements with the MacArthur Funeral Home, Davenport.