Mary Esther Sanford

Mary Esther Sanford of Cass City, age 85, passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at the Tuscola County Medical Care Community. Mary was born July 8, 1938, in Piqua, Ohio, the daughter of the late Marion and Alice (Flory) Johnston. She was united in marriage with Richard Sanford on April 29, 1961, at the Deckerville Bible Church by Pastor Wynn Decker. Mary and her husband owned and operated the Sanford Dairy Farm for more than forty years. She was an active member of the Cass City Missionary Church and the Gideon’s Auxiliary, volunteering any chance she could. Mary was a co-founder of Positive Alternatives and served as treasurer for many years. She was an excellent cook and made sure no one ever went hungry. Mary enjoyed crafting, quilting, and babysitting, and her dedication to her family was unmatched.

Mary is survived by her children, Jodi Lynn Sanford Hayes of South Carolina, Ray Charles Sanford and wife, Tammy, of Cass City, Alice Hudson of Caro; six grandchildren, Rory and Richard Hayes, David Sanford, Dalice, Lecretia, and Hal Hudson, Jr. and his wife, Annie; brother, Fred Johnston of Florida; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, parents, and step-mother, Twyla Johnston, she was preceded in death by her brother, Don Johnston.

In keeping with Mary’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at the Cass City Missionary Church at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 23, 2024, with Pastor Dean Sanford and Pastor Duane Nelson officiating. The family will be present to receive friends at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Gideons, PO Box 24, Vassar, MI 48768, Cass City Missionary Church, 4449 Koepfgen Road, Cass City, MI 48726, or Positive Alternatives, 1596 East Caro Road, Caro, MI 48723.