Judy Sanders, 83 of Valparaiso, IN, passed away Saturday, May 9, 2026. She was born January 25, 1943, in Hammond, IN, to the late Dan and Sophie (Orich) Pete. Judy was a lifelong Christian with a devout faith that never wavered, and even in the nursing home, she enjoyed watching Charles Stanley and Joel Osteen preach. Judy was also known as a talented cook in the family who loved to prepare her holiday specialties: ham, pierogies, stuffed cabbage, and potato salad. Music brought Judy great joy, especially listening to her favorite band, The Temptations, perform “My Girl,” and singing along to Shania Twain in the car with her daughter. She also enjoyed tending to her house plants and vegetable garden, and spending leisure time reading magazines. Judy had a childlike spirit and sense of wonder. She liked to change her hair color, and made sure to always have matching nails and lipstick. Judy was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother, who will be dearly missed by her family.
Judy is survived by her children: Mike (Lyn) Sanders of Granger, Larry Sanders of South Bend, Chris (Nanni) Sanders of Texas, and Shannon (Keith) Jeffers of Schererville; grandchildren: Sydney, Max, Brittney, Faith, and Madison; great-grandson, Carter; and 7 siblings. She was preceded in death by her brothers: Dennis, Charlie, and Randy Pete.
A visitation will be held on Friday, May 22, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with a memorial service beginning at 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Judy’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.
