Doris Ruth Saunders, 79, peacefully left this world surrounded by her loving family on September 30, 2017 to enter into her heavenly home.

Doris was born July 23, 1938 to the late Earl Arnold and Belva Mae Smith in Aerial, West Virginia. She graduated from Scott High School, and worked as a merchandiser for American Greeting Cards for 31 years after raising her family. She was a member of West Madison Baptist Church where she served faithfully for many years.

Doris married Freddie Ray Saunders, Jr. and devoted her life to him for 52 years. She was also a beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Not only will she be missed by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, but also by the members of her very large, close knit family of sisters, brothers, mother-in-law, sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces, and nephews. May her life always live in your warmest memories.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, James Smith and Arnold Smith; and sister, Shirley Rader.

Those left to cherish her memories include her four children, Pam Howie (Eddie), Cheryl Bower (Don), Freddie Saunders III (Gina), and Chuck Saunders (Angel); grandchildren, Ryan Howie, Ashtyn Howie, Erik Bower (Amy), Joshua Bower (Cortney), Kevin Bower, T.J. Saunders (Madora), Nicholas Saunders, Drew Jett, Brayden Jett, Hope Jett, and Colt Saunders; great-grandchildren, Faith, Luke, Trevor, Kaianna, and Addilyn; sisters, Arbutus Parsons, June Funderburk (Joe), Judy Kent (Bill), Brenda George (Gary); brothers, Carlos Smith (Dovie), Zack Smith (Betty), and Greg Smith; mother-in-law, Betty Saunders; sisters-in-law, Sharon Price, Marian Jarrell (Joe), Susan Brewer (Greg); brothers-in-law, Richard Saunders (Nita), Eddie Pritchard (Sharon), Michael Saunders (Georgia), and Gary Saunders (Teresa).

The family wishes to give special thanks to HospiceCare, especially Kim, Jennifer and Kristen for the compassion and care provided to Doris for many months; and many caregivers, Karen, Dorene, Karissa, Kathy, and Angie for the wonderful assistance they provided the family.

Also, the family would like to thank Dr. Jonathan Lilly and Dr. Glenn Goldfarb that provided her with exceptional care for many years.

A celebration of Doris' life will be held at 2 P.M., on Monday, October 2, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar. Burial will follow the service in Saunders Cemetery, Hamlin.

Visitation with family and friends will be 1 hour prior to the service..