Obituary of Crystal Rae Sanderson

Crystal passed away early last Friday morning after a long illness. Crystal was born in Center, Colorado to Charles and Grayce Sheets and she attended school in Saguache. Crystal was a sensitive child and often helped her mother with the daily chores. Growing up in rural Colorado, there were always things to do and she played with her brothers and sister. From her close aunt Carolyn, though the youngest at about three-years-old, Crystal would pull her brothers in a wagon around the frozen pond where they lived. Crystal and the other kids would play games outside as children do. Though their early rural life was difficult, Grayce always ensured her children were taken care of.Crystal was a lifelong resident of Colorado and lived most all of her life in the San Luis Valley including Moffat, Center, Alamosa and Monte Vista, Colorado. Crystal married early to Gary Brown, and had five children. Sadly her youngest, Michael, would pass at four-months-old. Though Crystal carried this memory and loss throughout her life, Crystal also ensured her children were able to thrive in rural Colorado. From inspiration from her mother Grayce, and desire to serve, Crystal would go on to earn her license practical nursing degree and serve as a LPN in the San Luis Valley of Colorado for many years.Crystal's heart was one of giving. She would go on to volunteer with a local Meals-on-Wheels group, serve as a senior volunteer and supported the La Puente organization in the San Luis Valley. Crystal retired early to care for her late husband, Arthur Sanderson, whom she loved dearly. Over the years Crystal attended many ladies retreats with her churches and was a member of the Monte Vista United Methodist and Calvary Baptist churches. Crystal loved the lord with all her heart. Crystal enjoyed bible studies, traveling, photography, gardening, crocheting and simple evening walks. Many of Crystals crocheted blankets are with family members and will be lifelong keepsakes. Crystal enjoyed the social aspects of small-town living, including square dancing and as a member of the Red Hat Society. Crystal was full of love and doted on children and grandchildren.Crystal was preceded in death by her parents, Grayce and George Whitten; husband, Arthur Sanderson; her first husband, Gary; brothers, Doug and Buddy; and sister, Deanne.Crystal is survived by her brothers, George (Julie) Whitten and Donald Whitten; sister, Becky Jane (Danny) Hendrickson; children, Beverly Wing, Jeff Brown, Tim Brown and Stacy (Tim) Officer; Crystal's grandchildren, Kylea Officer, Samantha Villalobos, Ashley Bourguet, Kyle Brown, Darius Brown, Cory Bourguet, Mathew Wing, Zachary Brown and Christina (Carlos) Grover; and nine great-grandchildren.Crystal is home with the lord and our hearts ache.Visitation, 5:00PM-7:00PM, Friday, July 16, 2021, The Springs Funeral Services-North, 6575 Oakwood Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80923. Graveside Service, 4:00PM, Saturday, July 17, 2021, Monte Vista Colorado Cemetery, Mountain View Way Road, County Rural Road 28/27. Events Visitation Friday, July 16, 2021 5:00PM - 7:00PM The Springs Funeral Services - North 6575 Oakwood Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80923 Phone: 719-207-8611 Graveside Saturday, July 17, 2021 4:00PM Monte Vista Cemetery Mountain View Way Road Monte Vista, CO 81144 Final Resting Place Monte Vista Cemetery Mountain View Way Road Monte Vista, CO 81144