Patricia Anne Sanford, affectionately known to her grandchildren and great grandchildren as "Meme", was 93 when she passed away on November 17, 2025, peacefully in her home, surrounded by family. Pat was born on April 10, 1932, in Senecaville, Ohio to her parents, Glenn Bates and Angie Wilson Bates. Pat had two brothers, Robert and Wiliam Bates. Pat married Donald H. Sanford on June 25, 1950, in Caldwell, Ohio. A fiercely independent, determined, and strong woman, Pat "held down the fort" when Donald was in the service. She was financially independent through her work as a switchboard operator at the Bell telephone company and then later at Western Electric, where she created top level production reports to give to the management team and was one of the first 50 people hired for the plant. Pat was hardworking and continued to support herself and her family at A&W Root beer Stand, and then later by managing a farm with 40 head of cattle in Belvidere.
Pat was a loving and dedicated partner to Donald for 75 years, mother to her daughters Carmen, Cheri, and Cindy, grandmother and great grandmother. Pat loved adventure; she and Donald were world travelers, visiting every state in the United States and more than 16 countries abroad. She was a pillar of strength and compassion for her family, friends, neighbors, and community. She always made you feel special, no matter if she knew you for a lifetime or just for five minutes. Pat volunteered at Swedish American hospital, was a member of the Eastern Star for 60 years and was a member of the Guilford Hope Grange #6 for 75 years. Throughout her life, Pat also loved the outdoors, nature, birds, flowers, and any animal that she could nurture and care for. Pat had a mallard duck named Amanda who would return every year to her pond for love and food; a black sheep named Amos; too many cats and kittens to count; and a much loved Westie dog, Wilson, who slept on a pillow above her head for 18 years. Anyone who knew Pat would tell you that she was special; she lit up a room with her smile, and she created a home where you knew that you were unconditionally loved and supported, just as you are. Pat gave the best advice, always listened, and shared your heartache and joy alike. She was like the best sort of safety blanket, there to provide comfort when you needed it. Pat was observant and loyal and would be your biggest defender if needed. She could tell it like it was and was real in a world where that is a rarity. Pat was also a kid at heart; she loved sharing stories, jokes, and pranks with a laugh that invited you to join in. She would share things with you that made you feel like it was just the two of you in on an inside joke or a secret. Pat was the best of both worlds: a true best friend and a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. We were all very blessed to have so much time with Pat in our lives, and many happy memories to share.

Pat is loved and missed by her husband, Donald Sanford; her children, Carmen Lee Matus, Cheri Lynn Sanford, Cindy Kay Sanford Barr Reilley (Shawn Reilley); her grandchildren, Jeremy Matus ( April Coppelman Matus), Mandi Matus Montes (Zayth Sanchez Montes), Dugan Winkie (Erica Caruana Winkie), Cormaic Winkie (Devin McLeod Winkie), Aubrey Winkie, Delaney Barr-Brown (Andrew Brown), Dalton Barr, Conor Reilley, Kelly Reilley (Paul Feichtinger); her great grandchildren, Ase  Coppelman, Gianna Montes, Rosalie Winkie, Ella Winkie, and Wyatt Winkie.

Pat is preceded in death by her parents, Angie and Glenn Bates; her siblings, Robert Bates and wife Massie Bates and William Bates.

A celebration of life will take place in the spring; dates and details will be provided at a later time.
To share a memory of Pat, please visit www.andersonfcs.com.