In Loving Memory of Christel Sanders 1936 - 2025 Christel Sanders, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully in her home in Mineral Wells, Texas on June 5, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was 88 years old. Born October 30, 1936, in Königsberg, Prussia, Christel's life was marked by resilience, compassion, and an unshakable spirit. A survivor of both World War II and the Holocaust, Christel refused to let hardship define her. Instead, she embraced every moment of life with a fierce joy and an unwavering determination to create beauty, love, and laughter for those around her. In 1961, while in Berlin, Christel met the love of her life, Milton D. Sanders. Together they began a journey filled with adventure and family. Their daughters, Susan and Tammy, were born in Germany, they welcomed their daughter, GiGi in Texas, They eventually settled down in the mid 70's in Mineral Wells, Texas, when Milton retired. Christel was the heartbeat of her family—the proud matriarch who gave everything to ensure her children had the joyful, carefree childhood she never experienced. Holidays, birthdays, and family vacations were legendary in the Sanders household—always celebrated in grand, over-the-top fashion. She lived vicariously through her daughters and grandchildren, pouring her heart into creating lifelong memories. She was a woman of passion and determination—a true go-getter who never let anything stand in her way. Whether making lifelong friends while traveling across Europe and the U.S. (visiting every state and nearly every European country), or carefully organizing "Camp Oma" every summer for her grandchildren—complete with themed activities and awards—Christel approached everything with love and energy. She had a deep love for gardening, animals, and adventure. But above all, Christel loved her family fiercely and unconditionally. She made everyone feel special and seen, and was always there—no matter what. Christel is survived by her daughters Susan Sanders, Tammy Sisk and her husband Tony, and GiGi McMinn and her husband Erik; her cherished grandchildren: Samantha and Vince LaRance, Amanda Brillhart, Heather Dickinson, Amanda Sisk, Karissa and Mat Hatley, Tabetha Jones, Ryan McGee, Stephanie and Lance Hutchinson, Megan and Josh Barrow, Justin Kilcrease, Hannah McMinn, and Bailey Sanders; and 24 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her dear brothers-in-law Jerry and his wife Carolyn Pratt, and Terry and his wife Joanie Pratt, along with numerous extended family members and dear friends whom she loved like family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Major Milton D. Sanders; her granddaughters Misty Blocker, great granddaughter Codi Edwards, great grandson Kason Brannon; her parents; her brother Rudy; and her two sisters. A graveside service to honor Christel's extraordinary life will be held on @10:00 AM, Monday, June 16th at Bethesda Cemetery, located at 7098 FM 113, Weatherford, Texas. Christel's legacy of strength, joy, and deep love will continue to live on in every life she touched. She will be missed beyond measure and remembered always as the heart of her family—our Oma, our mother, our friend.