1943 – 2014

Auburn — Thelma Arlene Gross Sanford, 71, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Sept. 10.

She was born in Madrid on April 18, 1943, the daughter of Ormond and Myrtilla (Hannan) Gross. She attended elementary and secondary schools in Madrid, Phillips and Livermore, then graduated from Leavitt Institute in Turner in 1962.

She married her husband, Richard, on June 24, 1967, and had a residence in Greene since. In 1971, she furthered her education at Central Maine General Hospital. She graduated in 1973 with a diploma as a registered nurse. She started her career at this hospital, until 1980, then retired from d’Youville Pavillion. She took an early retirement because she and her husband traveled throughout the United States and Canada, but she was so glad to get home again.

She was on the committee for their 50th reunion, which she enjoyed a lot. Her greatest desire is that all should come to know our Savior, Jesus Christ, and become lifelong members into eternity in His kingdom where we will be together again.

She is survived by her children, Michael and his wife, Tammy, of Baileyville, Stormi Lacroix-Sanford and boyfriend, Bruno Gauthier, of Greene and Shawn of Greene, Sandra Horton and her husband, Rick, of Rittman, Ohio; Bruce and his wife, Mary, of Greene and James and his wife, Beth, of Windham; brother, Ormond Gross Jr. of Chesterville; sister, Florice Plog of Madrid and Mary Turcotte and husband, Armand, of Livermore; and sister-in-law Virginia Gross, of Turner; many grandchildren, step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband; parents; and her brothers, Russell and Richard Gross.

The family would like to thank Dr. Carey and staff, CMMC and Dr. Austin and the staff at the Hospice House for their compassionate care. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at wwwfinleyfuneralhome.com.