Eileen L. Sanders

Eileen Lucretia (Kurth) Sanders, 77, of Princeville, Hawaii, passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 20, 2015, in Bellevue, Wash.

 Eileen was born on September 4, 1937, in Almira, Wash., to the late William and Audrey (Peddicord) Kurth. She attended Grand Coulee High School and graduated in 1955. She went on to earn a teaching degree from College of the Puget Sound in 1959 and married George L. Sanders that same year. 

Eileen worked as an elementary school teacher in the Puyallup, Washougal, Camas and Federal Way School Districts for 27 years, and retired in 1987. Throughout the ’60s and ’70s, the family enjoyed many extended camping trips exploring national parks across the western U.S., and Alaska.  In the ‘80s, the Sanders discovered boating and continued their passion for exploration on the waters of Puget Sound and the Canadian Inside Passage.  Also during this time, the Sanders became enthusiastic Washington Husky football fans and eagerly looked forward to Saturday afternoons tailgating with their many dear friends at Husky Stadium and around the country.

After retirement, the Sanders relocated to Princeville, Hawaii, in 1992, where they lived for 20 years.  In addition to being an avid reader, Eileen developed an extraordinary talent and dedication for hand quilting, donating countless hours and stunning quilts to charities, friends and family members. 

 Eileen is survived by her husband George Sanders of Bellevue, sister Charlotte (Kurth) Cooper of Gig Harbor, Wash., brother Donald (Judy) Kurth of Redmond, Wash.; sons Marc (Maureen) Sanders, Gary (Amy) Sanders; and four grandchildren Thierry (Becca) Sanders-Brillault, Brett Sanders, Kyra (Will) Ketchen and Dana Sanders.

 Private services and burial were held in Palouse, Wash., on Saturday, April 18, 2015, through Kramer Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, North Tower, 100 West Harrison Street, N200, Seattle, WA 98119.  The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the caring staff of the Bellevue Rose Adult Family Home for their support in her final days.