Robert R. Sanders, 88

Robert "Bob" R. Sanders, 88, a loving husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully on Dec. 31, 2024, at Mesa View Estates in Mesquite, Nevada. His family was by his side.

Bob was born on May 15, 1936, in Riverside, California to Ralph and Dottie Sanders at Riverside County Hospital. He was the eldest of three brothers. 

Bob was educated in Riverside schools and he was a member of the high school football team. During the summers he helped with his family with their combine services. 

Making lifelong friends, he enlisted in the Navy and traveled the world. Becoming a skilled welder, he served on a "repair ship" that maintained other ships. He always had a fondness for ships and told lots of great stories about his travels. 

In the 1960s he settled in Montana which he called "God's Country." He worked as a welder and mechanic at the Tutvedt Ranch for many years in Kalispell. While in their employment he built A.O. Smith Harvestors throughout Montana. He was also employed by Owens Ventures in Libby and Kalispell. 

In 1963 Bob married Sherry Montermerano. Then in 1969, he married Carol Kinshella, "the love of his life." They raised their family of six children at the "old White House" on Lodgepole Road. Later they moved to Farm to Market Road where family and friends built a beautiful cedar home. Bob and Carol moved to Libby from 1990-2001. They later moved back to Kalispell to be closer to their family. After his wife Carol passed in 2008, he married Patricia Espinoza who was a lifelong friend and schoolmate. At that time, he retired, and they lived winters in Hemet, California, and summers in Kalispell. 

The family took 4-H livestock every year to the Northwest Montana Fair. They were members of the Hoof and Co. Trail Riding Club in Libby, and they frequently helped and participated in the trail riding competitions. Being an avid NASCAR fan, he and his family attended many local car races. They camped throughout Montana and had lots of family gatherings at their home. Later in life he and "Petey" enjoyed many cruises. Many of the cruises included family. 

Bob is survived by his children, Vickie Gray and Connie Nelson of Mesquite, Nevada; Mark Owens and Nicole Perrin of Kalispell; Rick and Barb Kimbell of Beaver Dam, Arizona; Kenny Sanders of Lake Havasu, Arizona; and Scott Sanders of Libby; grandchildren, Jen Nelson, Christine Sinks, Gaylon Owens, Taelor Reitzel, Alix Blais, Gunner Kneller, Stacia Gabriel, Brian Kimbell and Zack Sanders and numerous great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his two brothers, Dave Sanders of Prescott, Arizona; and Tom Sanders of Miramar, Florida; brother-in-law Clay Kinshella of Beaver Dam, Arizona; and Tina Scherr, Tami Kinshella and numerous other relatives. 

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Carol Sanders; his wife Patricia "Petey" Sanders; parents, Ralph and Pat Sanders and son, William "Bill" Kimbell. 

Cremation has taken place in Mesquite. Services will be held at Conrad Cemetery in Kalispell this summer. 

Memorials can be made to the County Animal Shelter.