Gertrude Duncan Saunders

Gertrude Duncan Saunders

December 3, 2025

Gertrude Duncan Saunders, 89, of Roanoke, Va., passed away peacefully, surrounded by her daughters, on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.

Born in Bedford, Virginia, Gertrude was a graduate of Moneta High School and later attended Lynchburg College. She began her career at Babcock & Wilcox in Lynchburg before answering a calling to serve her community. She devoted 22 years of faithful service to the United States Postal Service as a rural letter carrier in the Goodview area. Gertrude was also a dedicated member of the Rural Letter Carriers Association and cherished the friendships and memories made while attending annual conventions throughout the Commonwealth.

Gertrude goes to join her husband, Richard E. Saunders; her mother, Robbie W. Rabin; her father, Norman S. Duncan; her sister, Helen D. Rogers; her brother, Norman S. Duncan Jr.; and her beloved son, Darryl E. Saunders.

She leaves behind her children, Freda A. Saunders, Kevin S. Saunders, and Trista S. Farrell (William). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Christopher E. Saunders, Kayla S. Trevillian (Mike), Bruce M. Farrell II, and Elyse S. Farrell; along with her great-grandchildren, Beckett and Grayson Trevillian. She is further survived by her niece, Robbie Walls.

Faith was the foundation of Gertrude's life. She spoke often and fondly of the years spent raising her children at Beaverdam Baptist Church and Morgans Baptist Church, where she faithfully taught Sunday School and filled the sanctuary with the sound of her favorite old hymns in the choir. Gertrude also found peace and purpose tending her large vegetable garden and nurturing her flowers. Known for her crystal blue eyes, she was fiercely independent, unwaveringly strong, and she lived her life with determination, and resilience.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to their family friend, Jewel Kelly, as well as to Friendship Health & Rehab, Gentiva Hospice, and the compassionate staff of Woodland Hills Assisted Living for their loving care and support.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at Oakey's Vinton Chapel. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Oakey's Vinton Chapel with Chaplain Brian Whited officiating. Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Vinton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Beaverdam Baptist Church, Morgans Baptist Church or to a charity close to the donor's heart.

Gertrude's presence will be missed, but most especially by her eldest daughter, Freda, her constant companion and dearest friend for 66 years. Condolences may be shared with her family at www.Oakeys.com.

Oakey's Funeral Service - Vinton Chapel

Vinton, VA (540) 982-2221