In Loving Memory of Brenda Irene Sanders

Brenda Irene Sanders (née Beha), 63, of Morris, Illinois, passed away on September 20, 2026.

Brenda was born in Joliet, Illinois, and raised in Channahon, Illinois, before making her home in Morris. She was the daughter of Edward Beha and the late Freda Beha.

Anyone who knew Brenda knew that she was never afraid to speak her mind. She was strong, outspoken, and unapologetically herself. Even if she was the only person in the room willing to say something, Brenda would say it. That strength and determination stayed with her throughout her life and became especially evident during her battle with cancer.

Brenda's faith was at the center of her life. She loved the Lord deeply and trusted Him through even the most difficult days. When life became frightening or uncertain, Brenda held tightly to the belief she often expressed: “My God is bigger than anything I am facing.”

Her faith wasn't something she simply spoke about. She lived it. Brenda generously gave her time to local food pantries, showing up to help others whenever she could.

Brenda found happiness in the things that made life beautiful and free. She loved working in her yard, gardening, and making everything around her beautiful. She also loved riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles and the freedom of being out on the open road. At home, she enjoyed the companionship of her beloved dog, Buddy, and her cat, Jack.

Above all, Brenda leaves behind a family whose lives will forever carry pieces of her.

She is survived by her children, Tonyia Harris and Kattie Lang; her six grandchildren, Alissa Kelly, Ricky Kelly, Holley Kelly, Robert Kelly, Jeremy Bradshaw, and Kyle Bradshaw; and her nine great-grandchildren, Isabella Kelly, Kyrie Kelly, Sammy Jr. Wadsworth, Fallon Bradshaw, Tyler Kelly, Ariel Kelly, Richard Kelly III, Rome White-Dantzler, and Aniyah White-Dantzler.

She is also survived by her father, Edward Beha; her brother, Carl Griener; her sister, Linda Smiley; and her nephew, Andrew Sjostrom and his wife Amy Sjostrom. 

Brenda was preceded in death by her mother, Freda Beha; her sister, Robin Rosenthal; and her great-nephew, Christopher Sjostrom.

Brenda's life was marked by faith, determination, generosity, and a fighting spirit that refused to surrender quietly. Cancer challenged her body, but it never took away the woman she was or the faith she carried.

Her family and friends will gather to celebrate her life on October 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Ambassadors for Christ, 702 E. North St., Morris, Illinois 60450 with dinner to follow.

A candlelight vigil in Brenda's memory will follow at 6:00 p.m. along the Illinois River in Morris, where family and friends will gather together to remember, reflect, and honor a woman whose presence will not be forgotten.

May Brenda now rest in the hands of the God she trusted so completely.