Mary Lee (Bailiff) Sandborn

Mary Lee Sandborn, of Sunfield, MI passed away Wednesday September 17, 2025 at the age of 92.  Mary Lee Bailiff was born in Quincy, Iowa on February 5, 1933 to her parents Grace and Garland Bailiff.  Mary and her brother James Bailiff traveled with their parents to Michigan where they eventually settled.  Mary’s younger sister Ruth Schaefer and brother Roy Bailiff were both born in Michigan. 

Mary met and married Bruce G. Sandborn, in August of 1950.  The couple eventually settled in Sunfield where they stayed for their entire lives.

Bruce and Mary co-operated Fargo Gas Station and later Sandborn’s service in Sunfield until in 1990 when it was destroyed by the collapse of the grain elevator.

Mary worked as a bookkeeper for Planet Corporation and Mapes Furniture and then Auto-Owners Insurance where she retired in 1995.

Bruce Sandborn preceded his wife in death in 1994 due to a tragic car accident.  Following his death Mary kept very busy traveling with her Grandchildren to their many sports and band events. 

In 1999 Mary met Hank Markinson and with similar interest they became a couple that loved to travel, with their classic car group as well as see the sights on cruises.  Mary spent every winter thereafter with Hank in Florida enjoying their friends and the wonderful weather.

Mary’s remaining years were spent living with her daughter and son-in-law and then later at the Story Point Assisted Living in Grand Ledge.

Mary is survived by her two daughters, Cherri Swisher (Curt), Marlene McDiarmid (Ron), grandchildren Cory McDiarmid (Sarah), Heather Sandborn, Angela McDiarmid Secor (Andy) Jennifer Swisher, Megan Ketchum (Alex), Laura Swisher and Shawn Swisher, great-grand children Bryan Sandborn, Ally Secor, Tyson McDiarmid, Myles Secor and Kennedi McDiarmid.  Mary is also survived by her sister Ruth Schaefer, her sister-in-law Eleanor Bailiff, and brothers-in-law James and Robert Sandborn as well as many nephews and nieces.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Grace and Garland, her husband Bruce, her son Bruce Jr., daughter-in-law Mindy Sandborn and her brothers James and Roy Bailiff.

Visitation 4-7 PM Tuesday Sept. 23, 2025 at Sunfield United Methodist Church. Celebration of Life Service 11:00 AM Wednesday Sept. 24, 2025 at Sunfield United Methodist Church with luncheon to follow the Celebration of Life. Graveside 1:30 PM Wednesday Sept. 24, 2025 at East Sebewa Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sunfield Area Sponsors of Programs for Youth Sports (SPYS).

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