Hilda Sanders

Hilda Uttley Sanders

Hilda Uttley Sanders, 93, died peacefully at her home on February 28, 2014. Hilda was born in Rotherham, Yorkshire, England on April 20, 1920 to Fred and Lily Hallam Uttley. She had one younger brother, Frank Uttley. During WWII Hilda met her husband, Ralph Wright Sanders, who was part of President Franklin D. Roosevelts Lend Lease Act assigned to a flight crew from TWA as part of the war effort. They met in Blackpool, England when Ralph offered her part of a fresh orange, a real treat in England during the war. That meeting blossomed into a marriage proposal followed quickly with a wedding at Wickersley Church, Wickersley, England on March 31, 1945. After the war was won, Hilda began the next chapter of her life by following Ralph to the United States. Ralph had flown back to the states with his crew. His new bride arrived in New York via ship.

After returning to the states they made Clovis, Ralphs home town, their home and she began to make a home and life for them. From 1945 to 2014 Hilda was proud to call Clovis her home. Ralph and Hilda had two children, Dr. Coralle Sanders Haley, Fort Collins, CO and David W. Sanders, Clovis.

Hildas first job in Clovis was working as a secretary for the Clovis Chamber of Commerce. Later she also worked for the Clovis School District, as the secretary of Highland Elementary School. After leaving Highland School she worked as a sales associate at the Little Me Too childrens clothing store.

Hilda was a member of the Clovis British Wives Club after getting established in Clovis and became fast friends with Margret Peggy Jones and Faye Martin and other war brides who ended up in the Clovis area after the war. Hilda earned her US citizenship in 1954 and received an award based on her tutoring of others studying for their US citizenship. While her children were in High School Hilda volunteered as a chaperon for the Clovis High School Band during the late 1960s and early 1970s. She would often recall the many band trips she went on and took great pride in the many accomplishments of the band during that time.

She was a member of Saint James Episcopal Church, a church that she and Ralph helped to build. Hilda was recognized by Saint James with a special celebration on her 90th Birthday.

Hilda will always be remembered for having a great wit and strong love of family. She was always willing to share a cup of tea with friends and family and have a conversation about topics of the day or events of the past.

Hilda is survived by her daughter, Dr. CoraIle Sanders Haley John of Fort Collins, Colorado, son David W. Sanders Debbie of Clovis, four grandchildren, Matthew Haley Sarah, Greeley, Colorado, Lora Fountain Brent San Diego, California, Anne Haley, Fort Collins, Colorado, and Ryan Sanders, Las Cruses, New Mexico and two great grandchildren, Lillian and Jasper Fountain, San Diego, California. Hilda is survived by one nephew Dr. Michael F. Uttley Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England and niece Diane Hudson, Doncaster, England.

Hilda and her daughterinlaw, Debbie Sanders, formed a special bond over the years. Without Debbies unconditional love and dedicated help, Hilda would not have been able to stay in her home to the end. The family is truly appreciative of everything Debbie did for Hilda over the years.

Hilda had requested cremation. A memorial service for Hilda will be held at Saint James Episcopal Church in Clovis on Saturday, March 8th at 4 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 452500301 or to St. James Episcopal Church, Box 249, Clovis, NM 881020249.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of SteedTodd Funeral Home and Crematory, 800 E Manana Blvd, Clovis, New Mexico 575 7635541. You may also sign the online guest registry at www.steedtodd.com .

Service

Memorial Service

St. James Episcopal Church
1117 N. Main
Clovis, NM  88101
Saturday, March 8, 2014
4:00 p.m.

Cemetery

Steed Todd Crematory
800 E. Manana Blvd
Clovis, NM  88101

Memorial Contributions

262 Danny Thomas Place
Memphis, TN  38105


PO Box 14301
Cincinnati, OH  45250-0301


Box 249
Clovis, NM  88101