Leola Saunders

XENIA — Leola Jean Saunders (nee Hay), 76, of Mount Vernon, OH, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, November 30, 2015. She was the beloved wife of Dr. Joe Saunders. Born February 8, 1939, in Auburn, IN, she was the daughter of the late Don and Leah (Goe) Hay. She was married 54 years, and the mother of three children. She enjoyed traveling, visiting family and friends, and her lifelong service to God and the church. A retired school teacher, she taught elementary students in IL, IN, WV, NC, VA, and OH. She was the loving mother of Larry David (Valerie) of Ft. Wright, KY, Lon Erik (Phyllis) of Wyoming, OH, and Jana Martin (Scott) of Tiffin, OH. She had three grandchildren: Chace and Morgan Saunders, and Tyler Joseph Martin. She was sister to Thurlow and Gladwyn Hay of Ft. Wayne, IN, and Thais Ward of Mount Vernon, OH. She was predeceased by a sister, Donna Watkins. She actively supported Gateway Ministries of Mansfield, OH, by knitting over 500 hats and scarves to be donated to homeless and needy families. She was a lifelong member of the Church of the Nazarene in which her husband ministered in IA, OH, IN, and WV. Visitation with the family will be at 10 AM Friday, December 4, at Mount Vernon, OH, First Church of the Nazarene, followed by a memorial service at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given to Gateway Ministries, P.O. Box 94, Mansfield, OH, 44901, or to Mount Vernon First Church of the Nazarene, 807 Coshocton Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050.