Mary Rita Corbin Sanders

Danville – Mary Rita Corbin Sanders, 92, of Danville passed away at 7:02 PM on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at the Villas of Hollybrook in Danville. She was born June 29, 1933 in Lafayette, IN to Hugh and Lucille (Murphy) Griest. She first married Jack L. Corbin, Sr, with whom she had five children. She later married Norman E. Sanders on October 10, 2000 in Danville. He preceded her in death on January 29, 2013.

She is survived by her five children, David (Linda Quagliani) Corbin of Orland Park, IL, Kim Marie (Carl) Norris of Mineral, VA, Jack L. (Kimberly Poeschl-Corbin) Corbin of Danville, Craig S. (Tina) Corbin of Tilton, and Diana (Robert) Herrick of Lake St. Louis, MO; cherished grandchildren, Andrew (Whitney) Corbin, William Corbin, James Corbin, Ian Michael Holk, Brad (Shelly) Corbin, Barbie Corbin, Brooke (Gabe) Leopold, Kyle (Devon) Watson, Ashley Watson, Kari Watson, Andy Watson, Olivia Watson, Matthew Watson, Samantha Boots, and Tabitha Greene; and great grandchildren, Jack, Max C., Max H., Brenley, Briston, Bryley, Caleb, Gage, Gunner, Ava, Sebastian, Rowan, Landon, Korynne, Harper, Kole, Freddy, Naasir, Layla, Amani, Quincy, Cecilia, Grayson, Charles, Demetrius, Travion, Nathaniel, Jaylee, Alex, Chance, and Phoebe.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Jack Lee Corbin, Sr., a granddaughter, Jessica Nelk, siblings Joanne and Paul, and a daughter-in-law, Karen Corbin.

After High School Mary earned her Bachelor of Education, beginning her lifelong passion in teaching. She worked for Rantoul Elementary and Holy Family before moving on to Diamond Grade School in Danville. There she stayed for much of her career, retiring after over 30 years of service to the community. Mary loved children and her students were special to her. She will be remembered as a caring and compassionate educator who went above and beyond for her kids, many of whom honored her at her retirement many years later. In addition to her career, she was also devoted to her church at St. Paul’s in Danville. There she attended as a member for many years and also served as a Eucharistic Minister.

Mary was a very social person, forging relationships with students, church members, and most recently the staff and neighbors at Hollybrook in Danville. She loved being outside and would often soak up the sun while her husband fished during their time in Florida. Mary could also often be found working on a craft or playing BINGO, which she took seriously. She was a loving, caring mother and person who will be missed by all that knew her.

A Mass of Christian burial for Mary R. Corbin Sanders will be held at 9 AM on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1303 N. Walnut St, Danville, IL 61832. Father John Cyr will officiate. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Danville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul Catholic Church. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL has been entrusted with arrangements.

Please join Mary’s family in sharing memories, photos, and video of her life through her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.