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Kelli Ann Sanders, 63, of Alta died Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, S.D.
Celebration of Life services will take place Saturday, May 25, at 2 p.m. at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Alta. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, Kelli’s family requests that you share your favorite memory of Kelli in a card. Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Alta is in charge of the arrangements.
On Aug. 20, 1960, Kelli Ann McDanel was born to Richard and Charlin (Miller) McDanel in Alta. She grew up attending school in Alta, graduating in 1978. Most recently, Kelli was a member of the Eastern Star and worked at Alta Country Store for nine years until 2023, when she retired due to her health.
While at the Storm Lake roller skating rink, Kelli met the love of her life, David Sanders. On April 20, 1979, Kelli and Dave were united in marriage at United Methodist Church in Storm Lake. They were blessed with two children, Amanda and Dustin.
Everyone that knew Kelli loved her. She had a giving heart and babysat many children over the years. In her free time, Kelli enjoyed camping. She also loved collecting purses and stuffed moose. Horses were a large part of Kelli’s life. She started riding at the age of three and grew up training horses with her parents.
More than anything, Kelli loved her family. She was a caregiver to Dave and was his rock. Kelli could be found in the stands, supporting her grandchildren at all of their activities. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Left to cherish the memory of Kelli include her beloved husband, David Sanders of Alta; children: Amanda (Troy) Gaes of Alta; Dustin (Angie) Sanders of Sac City; brothers, Mike (Carol) McDanel and Joe (Gail) McDanel; sister Kandi Schooley; grandchildren: Tyler Sanders, Nicholas Gaes, Melanie Gaes, Sunshine Baraibar, Dylan Sanders and Quinten Sanders; father-in-law Jim Sanders; sister-in-law Lori Flurey; extended family and many friends.
Kelli was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Char McDanel.
