JoAnn Sanders

JoAnn Sanders, age 87 of Fair Grove Missouri, Sacramento and Florin California passed away peacefully in Missouri on Sunday August 2, 2026. JoAnn was a native Californian who moved to Missouri after she retired from the Sacramento Welfare Department. She loved her home out in the country between Fair Grove and Buffalo. She made new friends, became an active member of the Buffalo United Methodist Church, volunteered for the Dallas County Library, Buffalo Food Pantry and the Reading Buddy program. At that time she was devoted to sharing her life with her son Charles Matranga. She also ended up with a blue heeler dog- Honey who gave her much unexpected joy and comfort. Even though she was a fan of Emeril Lagasse (BAM!) she learned how to prepare healthier food. JoAnn came from the era of the 4 food groups which included bread and butter and loved her glass of milk every day. She also loved Apple Fritters, candy bars, cheeseburgers and milk shakes- yep you could say JoAnn was a foody!! When JoAnn lived in Sacramento she loved being a part of the Sacramento Blues Society, loved music, drank chivas regal whiskey, smoked Kool cigarettes. She enjoyed many different cultures and appreciated many different belief systems. She started each day with a cup of coffee, cigarette and read the newspaper thoroughly. She was very disciplined and completed crossword puzzles, watched her favorite gameshows and read a lot of fiction. As time went on due to health warnings - she successfully gave up her vices. JoAnn was a fantastic "Meemo" to her #1 grandson Nicholas Dimitriadis. Together they went on adventures to the Russian River, Santa Cruz, attended musicals and out to restaurants. JoAnn was married 3 times and had 2 children Katherine Matranga and Charles Matranga. One of her favorite places was Pacific Grove where she enjoyed the ocean, the deer and the migration of the monarchs. She was a good cook, loved Mexican food and going out for a Dairy Queen dipped cone. She preferred a solitary life and had a few nicknames "Bear Woman" and "La Madre" She loved to party and the bar scene when she was young. Her family would like to make an honorable mention to Saint Billy Wagner and Saint David Smith for so graciously inviting JoAnn to live near them in a charming cottage at the AbbyLee Motor Court, Niangua Missouri Route 66 - these two gentleman kept an eye on JoAnn and helped her live life on her own terms. We are also grateful for the care and respect JoAnn received at Bristol Manor Assisted Living in Willard Missouri. She was a realistic person with an honest outlook. She didn't look for the maybe's; she was grounded in reality. She was stubborn and guarded her peace. As her health declined, she faced her last journey with much bravery and dignity Cremation Arrangements have been entrusted to Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home, Buffalo.

JoAnn Sanders

September 5, 1938 - August 2, 2026