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1926 - 2012
 Mrs. Nadine Sanford, age 86 of Greenville, died Wednesday, August 22, 2012. She was born February 9, 1926, the daughter of John Edward and Minerva Elizabeth (Irwin) Ridge. Born in Arkansas before moving to Missouri, she hitchhiked to Michigan just before the Second World War. She spent her first years in her new home working in a bomb factory -- a true "Rosie the Riveter" -- and volunteering as a nurse at the University of Michigan hospital. (From her time at the hospital, she acquired a fierce love of the Wolverines football team.) All that work, while serving as a pen pal to several soldiers fighting in Europe. She never complained, because she always cared less about herself than loving others. History books and memorials recall the war service of Nadine and women like her, but her family will always be grateful for the countless little ways in which she showed her love for them. After her first husband died, leaving her with two young sons, she married Don Sanford of Ann Arbor on May 11, 1957. They had two daughters together, to go with fifty-five years of the best marriage anyone could want. She leaves her husband, Donald S. Sanford of Greenville; children, Michael (Beverly) Warren of Mesa, AZ, Dennis (Diana) Warren of Clinton, Kimberly Gehrke of Hillsdale, and Pamela (Timothy) Gehrke of Sheridan; 17 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brother, George Ridge of Ft. Myers, FL; and many nieces and nephews-- all of whom have loved her very much. She was also preceded in death by a son, Richard Warren; five sisters; and two brothers. Funeral services will be Saturday, August 25, 2012 at 3:00 PM at Hurst Funeral Home, Greenville, with visitation from 1:00 to 3:00 PM prior to the funeral. The Rev. Paul Cook will serve as officiant, and interment will follow in Forest Home Cemetery, Greenville. Memorial contributions may be given to Covenant Christian Church.
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There are currently 13 condolences.
Kelly (Gehrke) Ginster
kebethginster@gmail.com
Saturday September 1, 2012 at
11:35 AM
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Mrs. Sanford was a wonderful Mother, Grandmother and a true Friend. She was always the unsung hero in the background, working quietly with Mr. Sanford whenever anyone had a big event and needed help. She always remembered birthdays, holidays and special occassions with lovely gifts that showed you she was always listening for your needs. She always kept a secret, and her counsel was down to earth and good. She helped anyone who needed anything if it was in her power to do so. She was a loyal friend in a way few have ever experienced, and all of us need, and she was faithful. I think that was her sterling trait -- faithfulness. Her greatest work, her two sons and daughters, are living testaments to the kind of life she lived. She leaves a gaping hole in our lives, and makes the longing for heaven that much more clear to us all who are left behind. I love you and already miss you, Mrs. Sanford. Maranatha.
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Roger and Wilma Luurtsema
Thursday August 30, 2012 at
10:50 AM
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So sorry to hear of Nadine's passing. She was a very caring and giving person, wonderful mother and wife and I'm sure Grandmother. Know she will be greatly missed. Praying for all of you.
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Loni Vander Stel
Monday August 27, 2012 at
7:29 PM
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Your family, especially Kim & Pam, have been in my thoughts and prayers since Wednesday. I was in ER myself, when we saw your family streaming by our room, and learned from another friend what happened. My heart aches for your temporary loss, but rejoices that we have the assurance of no good-byes once we are all reunited for eternity. May God grant you continued peace that passes ALL understanding. Special hugs to Kim & Pam.
Love, Loni Vander Stel
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Jennifer Billis-Gehrke
Monday August 27, 2012 at
1:45 AM
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Mrs. Sanford was not technically a relative of mine but was Mother-in-Law to my 2 brothers & Grandmother to all of my 18 nephews & nieces & Great-Grandmother to their children. A woman who embodied strength, character & who loved w/ a fierceness that most of us dream about receiving in our lives. This was her gift to her to her children & grandchildren & she God's gift to us. We are grieved. But we look forward to the resurrection & seeing her in Heaven w/ the Lord. Thanks for everything Nadine. I love you.
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Paula Schaff
Sunday August 26, 2012 at
10:45 AM
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Forever love for the best Aunt a person could ask for.
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Barbara Bollinger Legge
Saturday August 25, 2012 at
1:48 PM
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When the Lord calls our loved ones home, he leaves a gift of memories. She reminded me of Grandma Ridge so much,a quite and gentle spirit and gave so much love. She was a very gracious lady that I admired. Sorry I couldn't be there today, each one of you will be in our thoughts and prayers. Love to all, Barbara and Dick
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Andrea Ridge
Saturday August 25, 2012 at
10:53 AM
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Aunt Nadine, I cannot count the days, weekends and weeks I spent with you growing up, but can say every single moment is remembered with love, happiness and respect. My heart is filled with sadness for Uncle Don, Kim, Pam and family but also at peace knowing you are with the lord and others who love you and welcome you with open arms. I cannot be there today but you are all in my prayers and thoughts. I will miss you and always love you!
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Karen L. Collier Sanford
karenlsanford@yahoo.com
Friday August 24, 2012 at
12:45 PM
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Dear Sweet Aunt Nadine, I have such fond memories of you and Uncle Don, even far back when you, Uncle Don & the girls went to old Calvary Baptist Church in Whitmore Lake; how you dressed your adorable little girls in their Sunday best; at our wedding how you welcomed me into the Sanford family&so many memories of family in your home in Ann Arbor; picnics, Christmas parties especially one I remember is when Granny & Uncle Dean were there & Uncle Don played the piano and we all sang Christmas carols& you were a beautiful, sophisticated lady and I will miss just knowing you were here&.but I will carry lovely memories of you always. May you rest in peace, Aunt Nadine&God Bless.
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Lee Elliott
Friday August 24, 2012 at
12:23 PM
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I regret Nadines passing. My heart goes out to her family. Clearly she devoted a lot of her life to helping others. She was truly a veteran of WWII to which the world is indebted.
Lee Elliott
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Duggan Manufacturing
Friday August 24, 2012 at
10:14 AM
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Our deepest heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family.
Duggan Manufacturing
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Charles Romine
Thursday August 23, 2012 at
9:54 PM
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I am sorry for our loss. She was my favorite aunt. I will be there to help send her on her journey.
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Sandy Golden
Thursday August 23, 2012 at
9:40 PM
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Aunt Nadine I have so many good memories of you,Uncle Don and the kids in your house high up on the hill and the large farmhouse. You will be dearly missed.
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John Ridge
Thursday August 23, 2012 at
6:33 PM
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We're going to miss you dearly Aunt Nadine. I have a lot of fond memories of coming to Ann Arbor and see you and Uncle Don. I will cherish them forever
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