Ernie Joe Sanders, Sr. passed away in Middletown on Nov. 24, at the age of 74. A native of Ripley, Tennessee, and formerly of Cloverdale, Ernie lived in Lake County for 8 years.
He enjoyed participating in the Petaluma Riding & Driving Club, Redwood Empire Trail Riders, Redwood Empire Quarter Horse Association.
Ernie is survived by his loving wife of 30 years Betty Sanders, step-daughter Rachel Boyle, daughter Kody (Sanders) Hanner and son-in-law Ron Hanner, son Ernie Joe Sanders Jr. He is also survived by five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. His family consisted of five sisters and nine brothers. He is preceded in death by his son Michael (Mikey Joe) Sanders, and his brothers Bobby (Robert) Sanders.
Ernie was a proud, strong man who was always full of life and always had a story to tell. He lived for his next hunting trip, the best fishing hole, or the biggest buckle. Everyone who knew him has their own “Ernie Tale” because every moment of his life had its way of being uniquely Ernie.
Friends are warmly invited to attend a Celebration of Life at the Petaluma Riding & Driving Club, 1820 Skillman Lane, Petaluma, CA 91953 on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017 beginning at 1 p.m.
Please take time to share your special memories of Ernie by signing his on-line guestbook at www.jonesandlewis.com and www.legacy.com www.legacy.com.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Services of Lake County, 1862 Parallel Drive, Lakeport, CA 95453.
Arrangements under the care of Jones & Lewis Clear Lake Memorial Chapel in Lower Leke, CA.
