Alice Sanford

Alice Maude Sanford, 89, of Whitewater Township, passed away on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at the Eden Center in Kalkaska. She was born on May 25, 1935, the daughter of Benjamin and Eunice (Heller) Ottgen.

Alice graduated from Mancelona High School in 1953, and just two years later, on June 4, 1955, she married Harold Sanford in Mancelona. She raised their children as they were growing up and took care of their home. After they were grown, she worked at Munson in Traverse City for 5 years, and then at The Grand Traverse Resort for over 20 years as the laundry service supervisor.

Alice was not one to spend much time sitting around. She was a skilled baker, and many people were lucky to share the finished product of her hard work in the kitchen, especially around the holidays. She rarely missed any of her kids’ or grandkids’ sporting events or other important activities. In her later years, she enjoyed going for car rides with Harold around Northern Michigan and watching old movies. As a younger woman, she spent many winter days riding snowmobiles with family and friends.

Alice’s family would like to extend their gratitude and heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Eden Center for the excellent care she received over the past few years.

Alice is survived by her five children, Laurie (Chris) Copeland, Kelly (Terry) Stachnik, Katherine Sanford (Robert Beuthin), Tammie (Craig) Barnhart, and Christopher (Mariana) Sanford; her son-in-law, Tony Dean; her brother, Howard (Queen) Ottgen; her sister-in-law, Susie Ottgen; 16 grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Harold Sanford; her daughter, Stephanie Dean; her granddaughter, Stephanie Carpenter; two sisters, Helen Hughey and Patricia Homan; and four brothers, Dolph Ottgen, Steve Ottgen, Don Ottgen, and Ralph Ottgen.

A memorial service is being planned, and the details will be added once they are confirmed. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 403 Traverse St., Elk Rapids, MI 49629, or online at https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=8464dc49-6865-11ee-90fc-1260ab546d11&context=modal

Arrangements are in the care of the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com