Belva Sanborn

Belva Joan "Belle" Sanborn, 85, of Traverse City, died on December 14, 2023. She was born on March 26, 1938, in Suttons Bay, Michigan, the daughter of Leo Edward and Elizabeth Marie (Belanger) LaCross.

She attended beauty school in Detroit. She met her husband, Elwin Sanborn, in Detroit in 1958, and they married in 1960.

After moving to Traverse City she was formerly a Beautician at Area Salons and nursing homes. Belva retired from Munson Medical Center as an Environmental Tech after 20 years.

Belva enjoyed participating in the Senior Center Network, playing Bingo, cross-stitching, as well as arts and crafts. One special craft she particularly enjoyed was making Rock Bird Houses. She spent a large amount of time in her yard and it was pristine.

Belva is survived by her children who Elwin and Belva personally chose through adoption, Stephen Sanborn, Shellie (Scott) Martin; grandchildren, Ashleigh Sanborn, Kate Martin, Grace Martin, and Nick Martin; and sister, Alice McCormick.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Elwin Sanborn; brothers; and sisters.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Senior Center Network and Munson Hospice House.

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