Elena Sanchez

Sanchez, Elena R.

Saginaw Twp., Michigan

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend passed away peacefully on Monday, June 8, 2026. She was 85 years old. Elena Ruiz was born on November 6, 1940 in San Antonio, Texas to Jose Alfonso and Maria Lourdes (Roman) Ruiz. She moved to the Saginaw area with her family when she was 5 years old. Elena was a member of the National Honor Society at Saginaw High School and graduated in 1958. She met, fell in love and was married John Sanchez on June 3, 1961 in Saginaw. Together they celebrated 44 years of marriage before his passing on September 20, 2005. Elena worked for International Union UAW for 30 years, and was a proud member of OPEIU Local #494. Elena was a community activist and past member of the Union Civica Mexicana, National Board of LCLAA and a Precinct Delegate and Executive Board of the Saginaw County Democratic Party. She was strongly rooted in her faith, always praying for her family, faithfully attending church and she also wrote the book “Recuerdos Guadalupanos”. Elena was devoted to her family, her faith and being an advocate for her community. Her caring spirit will be carried on with all who knew and loved her.

Elena is survived by her five children, Ana Victoria Sanchez; Luis Manuel (Terri) Sanchez; Maria Elena Sanchez-Haas; Jose Andres Sanchez and Juan Antonio (Dawn Guttowsky) Sanchez of Saginaw; grandchildren: Ricky (Tami Green) Sanchez-Haas,  Adam Sanchez, Sarah Sanchez, Lauren Sanchez, Joseph Sanchez, Amanda Sanchez and Luca Sanchez; great granddaughter, Junie P. Sanchez-Haas; sister, Maria Lourdes (Jesus) Espinoza; special cousin, Robert (Dora) Ruiz. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, in-laws, extended family and dear friends.

Elena was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John Sanchez; grandson, Devon Sanchez; and a sister, Camila Ruiz.

A Funeral Liturgy for Elena will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish – St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 3680 S Washington Rd, Saginaw, MI 48601. Rev. Fr. Alberto Vargas will officiate with burial to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Family and friends will gather at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter, Saginaw, MI 48603 on Monday, June 15, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary service at 7:00 p.m. Elena will lie in state at the church on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral Mass.

Please share your thoughts and memories at the funeral home, church or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com.