Ronnie A Sanders

Ronnie A. Sanders, 82, of Atwood, IL passed away at 10:30 PM on Friday, November 28, 2025 at the Willow Breeze Hospice House in Mattoon, IL surrounded by his family.

Ronnie was born on October 20, 1943 in a small country home outside of Arcola, IL to Walter Russell and Marie (Gregg) Sanders. He graduated from Atwood-Hammond High School in 1962.

On October 7, 1966, Ronnie married the love of his life, Sharon Key in Decatur, IL. They recently celebrated 59 wonderful years together. The two were inseparable; wherever you saw one, the other was never far behind.

Ronnie retired from Caterpillar in Decatur, IL after more than 30 years of service. Shortly after retiring, he found what he considered the perfect job – driving a school bus. He drove first for Eagan’s Bus Service in Atwood, IL, and later for Miller’s Bus Service in Arthur, IL. He took great joy in transporting children to and from school and to their various events, always greeting them with kindness and a smile.

He was a member of the First Christian Church in Tuscola, IL.

Ronnie is survived by his loving wife, Sharon, and their two daughters: Theresa Eccles of Atwood, IL and Cindy (Richard) Lamb of Tuscola, IL. He was very proud of his six grandchildren: Chad, Tim, Mathew, Ashley, Jason, and Jarad. He was also blessed with eleven great grandchildren: Scarlett, Isiah, Haylee, Railynn, Kole, Quirt, Taw, Reece, Morgan, and Alister.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Paul, Russell, Bill, Don, and Owen Sanders, his sisters, Kathryn Fore, Margaret Carter, Viola Reallon, and Dorothy Whittington, and one great grandson, Eliot Drake.

Ronnie’s greatest joy in life was being surrounded by his family. He never had a harsh word to say about anyone. He was very loved by his family and will be deeply missed.

In accordance with his wishes, a private family service and burial at Humboldt Cemetery will be held. The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Memorials may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, or Willow Breeze Hospice House in Mattoon, IL.