ELKHART — Mrs. Eleanor J. "Ellie" Sanderson, 90, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully following a brief illness at Elkhart General Hospital on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2017 at 9 a.m.

She was born in Elkhart on Dec. 27, 1927 to the late Clayton J. and Esther M. (Ferm) Pletcher, and later married Carroll E. Sanderson on Nov. 24, 1949 in Elkhart, where he passed away in 1996.

Eleanor worked as a clerk at Drake's Clothing Store in Elkhart, retiring in the 1980's. She belonged to the Grace Lutheran Church of Elkhart, Elkhart Moose Lodge #599, the Elkhart Joy Group and TOPPS. She also liked to shop and enjoyed spending time with friends and family.

Surviving are children Michael (Pamela) Sanderson of Elkhart and Jill (Lynn) Springer of Marcellus, Michigan; grandchildren Michelle (Gary) Miller and Gina Ambrose, both of Elkhart, Kristofer (Emily) Ambrose of South Bend, Clayton (Beth) Sanderson of Mishawaka and Mikayla and Nikki Ann Ambrose, both of Indianapolis, seven great grandchildren and her faithful cat, Abbey.

She is preceded in death by a sister, Phyllis Zentz.

Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart is honored to host Eleanor's celebration of life with a service on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2017 at 1:00 p.m., with a viewing beginning at 11 a.m. In accordance with her wishes, cremation will follow the services and burial will follow that at a later date at Rice Cemetery in Elkhart.

An avid animal lover, Eleanor's memorial donations may be given to the Humane Society of Elkhart County, Grace Lutheran Church or the Hospice Foundation.