Memorial Services for Mary A. Sanders, 85 of Ruston, will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at The Presbyterian Church of Ruston with Reverend Edith Hill officiating. Visitation will be at the church at 10 am preceding the service.

Mrs. Sanders was born December 2, 1932 in Monroe, LA to Mary Frew Smiley & John Alexander Smiley. She died August 12, 2018 in Ruston. She had earned a Bachelor of Arts from Southeastern University in Hammond, LA. Mrs. Sanders was a social worker at the Office of Children & Family Services for the State of Louisiana & later worked at the LA Tech Library. She was an active board member of Christian Community Action & did afterschool reading with the STAIR Program. She was a charter member of the University Presbyterian Church, member of Bennie Kendall Circle, multiple bridge groups & the Happy Gardeners of Ruston.

Mrs. Sanders was preceded in death by her husband Joseph L. Sanders & her brother, John A. Smiley.

She is survived by her sister, Corrie L. Smiley; daughter, Susan Sanders Guillot & husband Jay   Guillot; daughter, Elizabeth "Beth" Sanders; daughter Mary Frances Sanders Johnson & husband Mike Johnson & son, Joseph "Joe" Sanders & partner, Ray McGehee. Also survived by grandchildren, Katie Guillot Nelson, Kristen Guillot Michael, Maggie Guillot Butler, Brian Johnson & Hannah Johnson; great grandchild, Emmy Catherine Michael; niece, Stephanie Smiley & nephew, John Smiley.

A heartfelt appreciation is extended to caregivers, Carolyn Tyler & Britney Shyrock for the compassionate care given to Mary during her time of need.

In lieu of flowers the family request that any donations be made to the Christian Community Action of Ruston, LA, the Presbyterian Church of Ruston or a charity of your choice.  To leave an online memorial message for the family, please visit www.owensmemorialfuneralhome.com.