Helen Louise Sanders

Helen Louise (Frye) Sanders, 93 years old, passed away Saturday, August 8, 2026 at home surrounded by family. She was born April 24, 1933 in Gypsum, Colorado to Randolph B. and Mina Fay (Sandifer) Frye. She grew up in Colorado and graduated from Rifle High School in 1951. After graduation, she worked as a trail guide for a dude ranch in the mountains. Shortly thereafter, she met and married the love of her life, Billy Gene Sanders on Friday, September 7, 1951 in Chicago, Illinois. They spent 69 wonderful years together before he was called home on July 5, 2020. Helen Louise, fondly known by so many as ‘Granny” was a woman with many talents. Her cooking and baking skills were known far and wide, and no one ever left her house hungry. She was the first female police officer for the Muskogee Police Department. She was a telephone operator through many phases and transitions of the telephone company. After her retirement, she was a member of the Pioneers group, all friends that became family. The only thing more important to her than family was her faith. She was a lifetime member of First Baptist Church of Muskogee and served faithfully until she couldn’t attend anymore. Her children, grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren were her heartbeat and she often said so. Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Billy Gene; three brothers; three sisters; and step-grandson, Curtis. She is survived by her daughter, Renee Miller and husband Tony; son, Dante Sanders I and wife Pat; grandchildren, Dante Sanders II and wife Becy, Randy Sanders and wife Shirl, Krischna Horton, Micah Miller and wife Victoria, Angelique Martin, and Lauren Fleetwood; step-grandchildren, Katie Masker, Josh Masker, and Curtis Masker; as well as 17 great-grandchildren; 20-great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, many untold loved ones. Helen’s life will be celebrated at 10AM, Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Cornerstone Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Tony Hodgson officiating. A private burial will follow. Pallbearers will be Spencer Sanders, Sean Blish, Christian Spight, Jarrett Spight, and Kade Martin.

Helen Louise Sanders

April 24, 1933 - August 8, 2026