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Florence Saunders Obituary

Florence Updike Saunders, 87, of Salem, passed away Sunday, August 2, 2009. She was a member of Ridgewood Baptist Church since 1962, where she taught the Golden Circle Class for 25+ years. She was a Roanoke City Public Health Nurse for 18 years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gaston and Olive Lukin Updike, sisters, Alice Lockwood, Nellie Hubbard and Agnes Bowyer. Surviving is her beloved husband of 64 years, Joseph S. "Spott" Saunders; son, John E. Saunders; granddaughter, Heather Leigh Saunders; niece, Jane Wooldridge; nephew, Kenny Bowyer; sisters-in-law, Mary Mitchell, Martha Whitesell and Ruby Saunders; also other family members. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at Ridgewood Baptist Church, with the Rev. Roy Kanode officiating. Interment will follow in Cedar Lawn Burial Park. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Lotz Funeral Home, Salem. The family would like to express their thanks for the wonderful care that she received while at Snyder's Nursing Home in Salem. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ridgewood Baptist Church, 703 Hemlock Rd., Salem, Va. 24153.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Roanoke Times from Aug. 3 to Aug. 4, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Florence Saunders

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Emily Hushour

August 4, 2009

Spot and John,
I just heard the sadden news of Florence this evening and so sorry to hear of her passing away. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Florence was a special lady and now a special angel in Haven. I have so many memories of you all living across the street from my parents. You all were so good to my Father after my Mother passed away and a blessing. May God bless you all in the days to come. You have so many good memories of being together and may that bring you comfort.

Clarence Kennedy

August 4, 2009

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Lynn Sowder

August 4, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Annette Overstreet

August 4, 2009

Spot,
It has been many, many years since I have seen either of your beautiful faces, but I remember you both with much affection from your years attending Quaker Baptist Church. Florence was one of my Sunday School teachers when I was very small, but I still remember how I was enchanted by her sweet personality and that lovely, long blond hair! Both you and John are in my thoughts and prayers.

Lisa Chamness

August 4, 2009

John,
I just learned about the passing of your mother from Tim Swecker at Pepsi. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your daughter, your father and other family members as you face the days ahead.

Janet Cassell

August 4, 2009

Dear Family of Florence,
I worked with Florence at the Roanoke City Health Dept. in 1968-71. What fond memories I have of our short time working together. She was always a ray of sunshine with her smile and easy, gentle manner. She will continue to smile down on us from her heavenly home. Extended blessings of peace, grace and strength for the days ahead for each of you.

Janet W. Cassell
Austinville VA.

August 4, 2009

Spott, Chris and I were saddened to hear about the death of sweet, sweet Florence. We have missed her presence at Church these past months and will miss her earthly spirit as well. We rejoice that she is with her Savior in Heaven. Bless you and your family during the weeks and months ahead. Love in Christ, Chris and Kim Elliott

Naida and Ray Saunders

August 3, 2009

Spott(Spottswood),
Naida and I are very sorry to hear about Flo. Corky called us on Sunday
and explained your's and the families
misfortune. I wish there had been a way
we could have visited more often during
our life times.May God be with you and
the family.We shall include you all in our prayers

Donna Garrett

August 3, 2009

Spot, I just now read on-line about my precious friend, Flo. It brought tears to my eyes. We were special friends... I am in FL at my son's. Bless you as you grieve. I know you will have no regrets as you were so good to her and oh how she loved you!

Robin & Scott Sampson

August 3, 2009

John, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.

August 3, 2009

Spott and family
John and I were so very sorry to hear about Florence's death. She was such a special lady and we will miss her a lot. I will especially miss my "coffee buddy" at the family Christmas dinner.
Love and condolences to the entire family
Wanda and John Goodrich

Vickie Sword

August 3, 2009

John, please know how much you're thought of and cared about as you go through the next few days and weeks. I know the feelings of losing a parent. You and your family will always be in my prayers.
Vickie Sword

August 3, 2009

We offer our prayers and condolences to the Family of Mrs. Saunders. She is surely with our lord even as she will solely be missed by family and friends.Respectively, Annette & Joe Marshall.

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