Loran Fredrick Sanford

     Loran Fredrick "Fred" Sanford, age 89, of Alma, MI, passed away Monday, March 16, 2026. 
     A celebration of life for Fred will be held at a later date. 
     Fred was born in Free Soil, MI on June 15, 1936, the son of Loran M. Sanford and Virginia B. (Tubbs) Sanford. Fred graduated from St. Louis High School, and would go on to earn bachelors from Alma College, then a Masters in Guidance and Counseling from Central Michigan University. He spent many years as a guidance counselor for the Ashley Public School System.
      After a chance meeting at parent-teacher conference, Fred met the love of his life and best friend, Rosalie (Viles) Sanford. They were married on June 9, 1971, and spent almost 55 years together. 
     He played piano since childhood, spending lots of time practicing to get the musical pieces just right. He played piano for the Gratiot County Players for many years. He played organ for the First Presbyterian Church in Alma sometimes. He also played organ at the First Baptist Church of Alma for many years. He taught piano lessons for many years right out of his home. He was a loyal fan of both the Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Lions, just like his dad had been. He enjoyed traveling with his wife to different locations in Michigan, especially along Lake Michigan, and as far as Seattle, Washington area where his brother Gene had resided. He enjoyed bird watching, gardening, playing tennis, swimming, and watching movies. He was a supportive, patient, loving and kind father. I got my love of music from him growing up as his daughter. 
     Fred is survived by his loving wife, Rosalie; daughter Jennifer (Jonathan) Thum; granddaughter Marisa Rose Thum; grandson Nicholas Thum; sister Rosalie Sterling; nephew Shawn Sanford, niece Tanya Miller; and sister-in-law Ursula Sanford. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Gene Sanford.
      Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, 1317 Pine Avenue Alma, Michigan 48801.