Darathy Sanders - May 29, 1945 - April 25, 2024

Darathy Reseck Sanders-Sells was a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, wife, aunt, and mentor to many people. She was a small-town girl, having grown up in a little town called Covina, a suburb of Los Angeles County. She was truly an all-American girl and was focused on God, country and family as taught by her parents. During high school, Darathy did well in all subjects and was a standout on the baton twirling team! Darathy met John Sanders when in grade school and they were married their Senior year of high school in December 1962, and welcomed their twins, David and Donna, in October 1963. Michael was another beautiful addition to the family in February of 1968.

The Sanders moved to San Diego as a young family. True to her entrepreneurial spirit, she opened and ran three fabric stores called American Knit Fabrics. She ran these successfully for several years and then transitioned in 1977 into serving as Administrative Assistant to the Principal of the newly opened Christian school in Solana Beach, Santa Fe Christian Schools. Darathy worked in this position until June 1981, when David and Donna graduated from SFC.

The Sanders moved East in June 1981 and ultimately ended up building their dream home, a log cabin nestled on 10 acres on the Shenandoah River in Rileyville, VA. There she and John faithfully served their church family at Rileyville Baptist and were involved in the worship ministry amongst other ministries, including the local Crisis Pregnancy Center. Darathy started a printing business, The Cottage Peddler, and printed many brochures for local churches and businesses in Virginia. She and John also had a ministry together, Fingerprints of His Grace, that ministered through music to senior citizens.

John and Darathy were married 43 years until the Lord called John home at the age of 61. This was a very sad time in her life, but the Lord is FAITHFUL! He brought an incredible, godly man into her life, Hal Sells. They were married in October 2009 and relocated to the Chesapeake, VA area to be near Hal’s family. Pursuing a lifelong dream, they purchased a Victorian home and opened a beautiful Air BNB, allowing them to minister to visitors. Hal and Darathy enjoyed many happy years together until his death in August 2022. Darathy relocated to Amelia Island, FL, to live near family in September 2022.

Darathy was a great mother and instilled in each of her children strong Christian values such as to love God, to love our country, to love our family and to always help others in need. She cherished her grandchildren and great grandkids. Darathy Sanders is survived by her brother, three children, ten grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. She was dearly loved and is missed by all!

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to Chesapeake First Church of the Nazarene, 1134 Cedar Rd., Chesapeake, VA 23320 in remembrance of Darathy Sanders-Sells. A celebration of life will be held by her family in the F