Ronald Sanders

Ronald Sanders, 78, passed away on April 17, 2025. He was born on August 16, 1946, to Mary Francis (Miller) and Gerald Sanders. Ronald was a Des Moines resident all of his life and was able to witness the changes his city took on.

Ronald attended East High School. While serving in the Army, he earned his GED. Ronald was in the service from September of 1965 through November of 1968. Before his service, Ronald and Judith met in 1963. They were married sixty years. Together the couple saw the changes that life brought and met those challenges head on. He served in the US Army at Gardner Missile Nike Herk site in Gardner, Kansas.

After his enlistment was up, Ronald started working as a truck driver. His longest tenure being with HW Motor Express totaling thirty years and where he retired from. Ronald was a teamster and a proud member of Union 147. He also worked as a driver for the City of Des Moines, and transporting elderly or people with disabilities to their appointments for the City of West Des Moines.

Outside of his work, Ronald enjoyed watching his Hawkeyes play basketball and football and The Chicago Cubs. Like any good baseball fan, he kept an immaculate yard that could be mistaken for an infield. Ron enjoyed coaching Little League Baseball. He coached both of his sons and was involved on the board and coaching for 13 years. His garden was full of tomatoes every year. His outdoor hobbies reached farther than his property with bass fishing. When Ronald was a bit younger, he took his ‘57 Chevy, and his ’72 340 Duster for a few fast drives. His grandchildren and family were the highlight of Ronald’s life.

Left to carry on the memory of Ronald are his wife, Judith; his children Aaron (Jennifer) Sanders, Ronnell (Dan) Little; his grandchildren Cory, Luke, Laura and Ian.

Those who preceded Ronald in passing are his parents, his son Dennis, brother Marland, and sisters Judy, Joann, Charlene, Geraldine, and Patricia.

A family led service will be held Friday, April 25, 2025 at Laurel Hill Cemetery at 12:00 PM.

Memorial contributions can be directed to the Animal Rescue League in honor of Ronald’s life.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.Hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

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