With a century of stories held in her heart and a lifetime of love, Margaret Smith Sanderson passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at the age of 97. Born in Franklin Grove, IL, to Vernon and Ethel (Marande) Smith on December 30, 1928. Following the railroad, her family moved to Creston, Illinois when she was only a child and she came to call the town home for nearly nine decades.

On December 4, 1948 she married Sandford “Sandy” Sanderson.

To know Margaret was to know a woman of profound love and quiet strength. Her home was a sanctuary where the door was always unlocked and a big hug was waiting for you to welcome you in. You could generally find her with a book in her hand or quietly rocking in her chair as she knitted hats and mittens for her family.

An avid reader, Margaret possessed a curious mind that never grew old. She would get lost for hours in the pages of the countless books she checked out of the Creston Library. This love for reading was a gift she passed down through the generations; some of her family's most cherished memories are of Margaret with a child on her lap, sharing the magic of a book with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Yet, she was truly at her happiest when her house was full-bursting with the noise of family, the smell of home cooking, and the shared laughter of those she loved most. Over the years, she found immense joy in hosting Bible studies and big family gatherings. She fully embraced and treasured the title she had earned of "Grandma" to her ten grandchildren, "Great-Grandma" to 30 great grandchildren, and

"Great-Great Grandma" to five great great grandchildren (as well as "Grandma Margaret" by countless other children in the community.) She never missed a birthday, school or church function, and loved to brag on her family to any listening ear.

In addition to her parents, Vernon and Ethel, Margaret is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Sandy Sanderson; her son, Kevin Sanderson; sister, Jeannine Smith; grandson, Eric Sanderson; step grandson, Micah Mahaffey, infant great grandchildren: Hailey Herschburger and Ethan Wolf.

She is survived by a family that will forever miss her sharp wit and her unwavering love. Including her three children: Gary (Linda) Sanderson, Paul (Cheryl) Sanderson both of Rochelle, IL and Iona (Dave) Parnell of Earlville, IL; daughter-in-law, Debbie Sanderson of Creston, IL; ten grandchildren: Scott (Sara) Sanderson, Kari (Craig) Legel, Wendy (Mike) Schmitt, Crystal McRoberts, Brandon (Danell) Strang, Natalie (Joe) Wolf, Jennifer (Dave) Edwards, Jodi Sanderson, Jamie Sanderson and Brittany (Kole) Smart; step grandchildren: Jessica (Jeff) Mahaffey, Dale Clark; 30 great grandchildren: Sydney (Benjamin) Webster, Tyler (Athena Albright) Isham, Dylan Isham, Kristen Schmitt, Andrea (Thomas) Carlson, Cody McRoberts, Adin Strang, Eryn (Chris Ramirez) Vesta, James (Lily) Vesta Jr., Jacobi Peterson, Zoe McCauley, Elizabeth and Ava Clark, Owen, Gavin and Kayden Wolf, Corday, Kiayah and Taya Cathina, Jaelyn and Isaiah Sanderson, Makaylah, Jeremiah, Isabella and Josiah Legel, Kallen and Mazie Smart, Wesley, Shelby, Kylee (Colton Bland) Sanderson and Ben Clark; and five great great-grandchildren: Ezra and Eliana Webster, and Jordyah Carlson, Camila Ramirez, Kyrie Baker.

Margaret’s family would like to thank the Franklin Grove Living and Rehabilitation Center for their great care and compassion in caring for her.

A celebration of Margaret's long and beautiful life will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, May 11, 2026 at the Unger Funeral Home 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle with Chaplain Judy Williams officiating. The visitation will be from 9:30 - 11:00 A.M., prior to the funeral service. Burial will follow the service at Woodlawn Cemetery in Creston, IL. In her honor, the family asks that you pick up a good book or spend time with your family today. Memorials may be made in Margaret’s memory to the Creston Dement Library. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.