Barbara Joy (Mieras) Sanders

Barbara Joy Mieras Sanders, 89, passed away at her home in Givens Estates November 30, 2023.
She was born April 5, 1934 in Maurice, Iowa to Ralph and Mabel Mieras.
Her family moved to Annville, Kentucky, when she was 3.
She lost her father to an accident when she was 9. She was valedictorian of her class in Annville.
She left home at age 17, lived at the YMCA in Chicago and attended Gregg Business College. 2 years later she started working for Union Carbide in Oak Ridge, Tennessee where she met Paul at a pizza party. They got engaged out on a hike in the Smokey mountains and were married at her grandmother’s home in Annville in 1955.
They moved to Lake Bluff, IL in January 1958 and to Libertyville that November with their firstborn in tow.
In 1965 they built the house where they would remain in until Paul’s retirement.
In addition to raising her children, she volunteered in many capacities at The First United Methodist Church of Libertyville.
She had an interest in journalism and took classes. Her article entitled “Life Begins at 40” was published in the local paper. She has also written up biographies, one for Paul and one for herself.
She earned her Master Gardener certification which was beautifully displayed in the landscaping of their homes, as well as with the floral arranging business she started and ran from each home.
In May of 1995, she and Paul made their move to Asheville, NC. They designed and built a beautiful home on the side of the mountain. Her gardening skills ‘peaked’ at their mountainside home as her design was featured in several Garden Walks. She delighted in showing her grandchildren ‘the mountains’ and took them on fun adventures.
In 2005, they moved to Givens Retirement Community in Asheville. As Paul’s dementia progressed, Barb became his full time caregiver. She kept him physically healthy and happy til he passed in 2018. Her friends at MemoryCare helped Barb keep Paul safely at home for many years.
Since then she has shared her caring nature with her many friends within the Givens Community, especially her Lady Huntingdon friends. Barb enjoyed sharing her gardening knowledge with many in her community.
She is survived by Carol (Sanders) Hughes, Walter Sanders and Reid(Amy Kessler) Sanders, her much loved 3 Grandchildren, Amy (Steven) Hazen, Jeff Hughes and Sam(Kailin Potter)Hughes, and recently met great grandchildren, Timber Sage and Willa Ann Hazen.
Her parents, husband Paul, son Giles and sister Kathleen predeceased her.
A memorial service for Barbara will be held on December 9, 2023 at 10am in the Norma F. Pullman Chapel at Givens Estates.
Light refreshments will be served afterwards.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to GivensCommunities.org, in particular to Residence Assistance Ministry or to the charity of your choice.