Ella Mary Sanderson, age 75, of Monroe, died from multiple metastatic melanoma. She was born November 17, 1949, in Moline, Illinois, the daughter of Harry and Fern (Fuller) Vershaw. She graduated from United Township High School, Blackhawk College, Moline, with an Associate Art Degree, and Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
She is survived by her husband, Bill Sanderson, daughter Tammi Flannery of Chanhassen, MN; grandchildren: Madeline (Wakon) Lee and Hunter (Julia) Flannery, both of Lincoln, Nebraska; great grandchildren: Joshua & Henry Flannery and Avyn Lee; siblings: Tom (Mich) Vershaw of East Peoria, Illinois, Pete (Gwen) Vershaw of Cambridge, Wisconsin, and Liz Paxton of Hillsdale, Illinois, sister-in-law, Linda Vershaw, brother-in-law, Ron (Cheryl) Sanderson of Houston, Texas and sister-in-law, Chris (Russ) Sanderson-Boisvert. She also leaves many nieces and nephews who will sadly miss her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry L. Vershaw and Fern L. (Fuller) Vershaw; brothers: Harry (Karen) Vershaw and Victor (Linda) Vershaw; sister: Priscilla and brother-in- law: Wilbur Demoulin, brother-in-law: Bob Sanderson of Dallas, Texas, sister and brother-in- law: Marilyn and Chuck Ekena, of Monroe, and brother-in-law, Den Paxton of Joslyn, Illinois.
She married William (Bill) F. Sanderson on June 3, 1972, in East Moline, Illinois. At first, both she and Bill desired to be missionaries through Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU), but God laid on their hearts to remain in the U.S. and help small churches. The first church they ministered in was the Spring-lake Missionary Church in Manito, Illinois. Then Union Presbyterian Church in Monroe, and finally, Hope Evangelical Free Church in Monroe.
Ella did some part-time substitute teaching in Monroe and then worked full time as administrative and financial secretary at the Monroe High school for 35 years. Ella was a member of the Gideon Auxiliary, Green County Home Extension for 50 years, and CareNet, she also volunteered at Monroe Hospital.
Ella enjoyed traveling with Bill. They went to Mexico, Costa Rica and Alaska. They camped in most Wisconsin Parks, and many National Parks Across our Nation.
Ella enjoyed crafts of all kinds. Some past times that brought her joy were reading books, “junk journaling”, card making for the church, and Bible studies. She was also an avid collector of thimbles and broaches.
Ella looked forward to seeing her savior, Jesus Christ. There were two relationships she cared about most; her relationship with God, and her relationship with those near.
Why is this important, she would ask? Because Jesus said it best in the first scripture that Ella memorized; Matthew 5:16 "Let your light shine before men so that they may see your good works and glorify Your Father in heaven.” She tried to live by this.
We are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and love our neighbor as ourselves.
Ella wanted to finish well, and that should also be our desire.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 12:00 PM Noon at Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home with Pastor Rick Hayworth and Pastor Tim Hunter officiating. A visitation will be held Wednesday from 11:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family at: shgfuneralhome.net.
