Marion L. Saunders

Marion Lucille Gill Saunders died on Friday, December 30, 2016 at the age of 88. Marion was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 16, 1928 to William and Jessie Smith Gill. Marion was the 3rd of nine children and grew up in the early years of the Depression in which jobs and meals were scarce, laughter was rich, homemade pasty pies were a treat, playing baseball around the corner, going to the Methodist church occurred regularly, visits to grandparents was wonderful, living right near one's aunt and cousins was normal, getting in trouble in school meant double trouble at home, and Marion and her siblings learned that they would take care of each other during good and bad times.

Marion met and began dating Glenn Saunders during 8th grade, but had known each other since the cradle roll at the church! They were married on Wednesday evening September 7, 1949 and celebrated 67 years of marriage. Glenn and Marion had three sons: Gill, Bryan, and David. Life in the Saunders home was full of love, board games, and always delicious food and desserts. Marion knew the art of stretching a pound of hamburger into a feast, baked the BEST pies with homemade crusts, set a beautiful table and then enjoyed good conversations and fellowship during the meals.

She and Glenn were members at Old Mission United Methodist church in Fairway, Kansas. They loved traveling to Colorado each summer when Glenn had time off from teaching. Marion worked for about 15 years at the Jones' store as a clerk and a "return to vendor" attendant. She built friendships there and played cards and had luncheons with these women.

Longtime friends and lifetime acquaintances have a sense of her personality…her likes and dislikes. In addition to her emphasis on family development, maturation, and setting good examples of what is important and proper, her forte was her skill in the kitchen. Recipes from salads to entrees, and desserts were made with loving care. Pot-luck organizers however requested she provide one of her outstanding desserts…not exotic, but down-to-earth pies, cookies, and cakes…sensational! Apple crumb, rhubarb strawberry, and cherry pies all made with her homemade special crusts (the foundation of all her pies)…leftover "dough" was sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and baked to perfection. Marion's attention to special detail was apparent in her spritz cookies, pecan puffs, lemon bars, and sour cream cookies topped with cool whip. These cookies were not only a holiday favorite, but a staple in the Saunders' home.

Marion liked shopping, baking, reading, and visiting! She had a big heart and a way of making everyone in her company feel special, welcome, and wanted. She opened her home to guests and welcomed each person graciously!

Marion was soft spoken, nonjudgmental, subtly humorous, empathetic, and always kind. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and cook. She was forever loyal and devoted to her faith, her husband, and her family. She will be sorely missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held:
Saturday, February 25, 2017
1:30 pm
Old Mission United Methodist Church
5519 State Park Road
Fairway, Kansas 66205
A reception following the service will be held at the Church

There will also be a Celebration of Life held:
Friday, February 24, 2017
2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Lakeview Village, 9100 Park Street in Lenexa, Kansas

In Lieu of flowers three memorials have been established:
**Old Mission United Methodist Foundation
5519 State Park Road
Fairway, Kansas 66205
**Lakeview Village Foundation
(in the memo denote "Good Samaritan Club")
9100 Park Street
Lenexa, Kansas 66215
**Crossroads Hospice and Palliative Care
11150 Thompson Ave.
Lenexa, Kansas 66219