On June 18, 2026, Ida May Sanders went home to be with her Lord. In ninety-five years of living, she loved deeply, held onto her faith through trials, saw mountain tops and valleys, and was thankful for them all.

On February 18, 1931, Ida May Brinks began her life in Burbank, California. She grew up in the Great Depression, helping her mother house soldiers and care for her older sister, who had Spina Bifida.

The year 1953 was a significant year for Ida May! She married Richard Sanders, who was the love of her life, and soon after, she became a schoolteacher. She taught kindergarten through third grade until 1990, and also taught children to play the piano. She played beautifully to the end!

In 1956 Ida May became a mother. Richard was beside himself with joy when he was told he had not just one baby, but two! After David and Dwight, came Dwain in 1958 and Dean in 1960. Being a mother of boys who teased her as much as they loved her, and having a parade of wild animals to share in their life, their home was filled with laughter! Over the years, her boys gave her thirteen grandchildren and twentyseven great-grandchildren!

Along with this big family to look after and teaching children, she was also a pastor's wife for most of her life. She didn't waste any of the time she was given! As she reached the end of her life, she could look back and know she had been faithful to God's call. It was time to pass the torch to the next generations, so that this world will continue to hear the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.

Those of us who bore witness to her life of love, faith, and service, for the sake of Christ, have the gift of her legacy that will live on through us.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to ourfathersbasketinternational.org or heartswithamission.org

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin

Friday, July 3, 2026