Wilma M. Sanford
1922-2018
Little Genesee
Wilma M. Sanford 96 of Little Genesee went home to be with the Lord on Friday March 23, 2018. She was
born on January 29, 1922 to Clark H. and Nida Ellis Seidhoff in Battle Creek, MI.
She grew up in Salem WV. Wilma graduated from Salem High School in 1939 and from Salem College in
1943. On August 7, 1943 she married Gordon L. Sanford at Scott Field IL. She taught school in Somerset
Ohio and worked at a civil service job on Muroc Air Base (now Edwards) in California. After World War II
Mrs. Sanford came to live on the Sanford Farm in Little Genesee. She was active in the First Seventh Day
Baptist Church of Genesee, serving as Treasurer, Deaconess and Trustee. In 2010 she was presented with
the Seventh Day Baptist Denominational Woman’s Board “Robe of Achievement” in recognition of her
dedication and service to her faith. She was a former president of the Little Genesee Sunshine Society
and was involved with the Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts. In 1994 she and Gordon were named Town of
Genesee “Citizens of the Year”. Wilma was also past president of the Little Genesee Garden Club, a
member of the Allegany County Bird Club and the Genesee Quilters Club. She stitched many quilts
including one for each of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She and her beloved
husband were blessed with sixty-eight years of marriage enjoying their extended family and many friends.
They enjoyed traveling and were able to visit all fifty states.
Surviving are four children; David (Patricia) Sanford Wyomissing PA, Cynthia (Gregory) Matthes
Springfield VA, Teresa (Douglas) Ploetz Little Genesee and Stephen (Deborah) Sanford Union Dale PA. Also
surviving are ten grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was
preceded in death by her loving husband two brothers, a half-sister and a grandson.
It was Wilma’s request that there be no prior visitation. A Memorial Service will be held in the First
Seventh Day Baptist Church of Genesee on Sunday May 27, 2018 at 2 P.M. Burial will be in the Bowler
Memorial Cemetery Little Genesee.
Memorials may be made to First SDB Church of Genesee, PO Box 180, Little Genesee NY 14754 or to the
charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Schaffner Funeral Home Inc. Bolivar
Schaffner Funeral Home
