Ruth Anne Saunders

After a short illness Ruth Ann Saunders passed away into the arms of her Savior on April 14, 2018 at the age of 79. She was born in Wyoming Illinois on April 15, 1938 to Paul Mattingly and Mary Margaret Fowler Mattingly, who had six children. She was raised in Kewanee, Illinois and graduated 1956 Kewanee High School and Quad Cities Business College in 1958. She married Dr. Lewis (Buck) M Saunders (died March 2000) on May 30th 1958 in Kewanee, IL. She was a resident of Venice and Englewood since 1964 (55 years). She was also a member of Epiphany Church in Venice for 50 years. Ruth was a devoted wife and mother who raised six children, four boys and two girls, while being a devoted wife to her husband. She always had a sense of strong family bonds and would be the family discipliner, teacher, protector, faith guide; and help anyone in time of need. She was a very strong person of her Christian faith and taught these faith principles to her children and grandchildren so they too may carry a strong faith in Christ through their lives. Ruth was also a strong business woman who enjoyed the season of Christmas so much she opened several Nutcracker Suite Christmas stores in both Florida and Rhode Island. Many patrons of these stores would come every year for 25 years to select all different kinds of Christmas ornaments and items. She was also the owner of the St. Jude's Bookstore in Venice for many years. Her hobbies included rosary making, gardening, swimming, reading, and taking long walks with her beloved dogs Angel and Gabriel. Survivors include her children: Lewis III Saunders (Susan) of Huntsville AL, Jenifer Tilka (Bruce) of Venice FL, Jeffery Saunders (Sandy) of North Port FL, Brenda Penner (Sidney) of Melbourne FL, David Saunders (Nora) of North Port FL, and Jonathan Saunders of Safety Harbor, FL; siblings, Jane Mattingly Cone of Kewanee, IL and Dr. William Mattingly of Oglesby, IL; 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Memorial donations may be made to Tribute Program, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept.142, Memphis TN. 38148-0142. Private Services will be held following an interment at Venice Memorial Gardens. Arrangements were handled by Farley Funeral Homes & Crematory. ""He who has the Son has life"" – 1 John 5:12 Service Information Cemetery Information Following Mass