Mary Jo Sanders, 83, Rural Minot, died Tuesday, July 14, 2020 in a Minot Hospital.

Mary Jo was born July 16, 1936 at Kenmare, North Dakota, the daughter of Leo and Mary (Menzies) Johnson. She was raised during her younger years at Donnybrook, until her family moved to Minot, where she started her schooling and then attended boarding school in Kenmare and Willow City.

Mary Jo was united in marriage to Harold Sanders, Jr. on July 12, 1954 at Little Flower Catholic Church in Minot. They made their home on the family farmstead north of Waterford Township, until moving to the Henry Paris farm and later Lade's place south of the Minot Air Force Base. After eight years, they decided to move south of his father's farm, where they raised their four children: David, Shannon, Melinda and Tammy.

Throughout the years, Harold and Mary Jo enjoyed raising chickens, pigs, horses and small grains until 1983. After Harold's mother passed away, they moved to his parents' farmstead to help care for Harold's sister, Vivian. Mary Jo had also worked for Ward Drug, Schatz Truck Stop and opened M&M Diner in East Minot in 1980 with her sister, Margaret. They operated the Diner for eleven years. Harold, Jr. died on August 2, 2017.

Mary Jo was a longtime member of the Jet Bell Homemakers Group. She enjoyed crocheting, sewing many items for family and friends, making wedding cakes for family and friends, and grew a large vegetable garden for many years. Her favorite activity was playing card games, especially Canasta, along with spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Her loving family includes: her children, Dave Sanders, rural Minot, Shannon (Jim) Mariner, Des Lacs, Melinda (Kevin) Jorde, Bismarck and Tammy Forman, Minot; grandchildren, Blake Stevane, Chad Bechtold, Brandi Cox, Carla Hasket, David Graham-Mariner, Jennifer Jorde, Henry Jorde, Amy Sayler, Amanda Jorde, Samantha Silva and Misty Forman; great grandchildren, Kylie, Breckan, Shyla, Landon, Peyton, Selah, Neko, David Jr., Henry, D'Alexrando, Kimberly, Courtney, Amber, Austin, Jensen, Erriana, Tristan, Jordyn, Malachi, Charlize, Gunner, Zachary, Madison, Deja, Ricky, Akya and Alexis; great-great grandchildren, Brayden & Elizabeth;  several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 63 years, Harold; granddaughter, Tina Bechtold and her infant child; siblings, Margaret Reichenberger, Robert Johnson, Elnie "Shag" Johnson and infant sister, Joan Marie Johnson.

Private Liturgy of the Word Service: Monday, July 20, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.

*** A livestream of the service can be viewed by accessing https://www.mtmsales.net/thomas

Public Visitation with social distancing guidelines followed: Sunday, July 20th from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Public Graveside service: Monday at Noon in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot.

Mary Jo Sanders Flowers