Gloria Saunders

Gloria Saunders was born on May 30, 1931, in Beaver Dam, Utah, to Wilford and Olive (White) Durfey. She had two older sisters, Patricia and Idella, and a younger brother, Thad.

Gloria had an adventurous life, although she probably didn’t intend to. She married twice and raised eight children. She owned and ran a general store and post office in Collingston, Utah. She lived in a log cabin on a homestead in Sterling, Alaska, and shot moose from her porch and fished Alaska’s prime salmon rivers. She developed land and built houses in Union, Ore., with her husband Blaine and became a competent carpenter, drywall finisher and house painter. She and Blaine moved to Oak Harbor in 1978 and built many houses. Gloria’s “retirement job” was a custom drapery business she ran from her home for several years. Gloria loved football, being outdoors, puzzles, knitting and crocheting and holding grandchildren. She was a woman of faith and was active in her church. She died peacefully at home on Dec. 12, 2015.

Gloria is survived by her children, Jerrell (Susan) Kidman, Bruce (Laura) Saunders, Galane (Richard) Socha, Christy (Kent) Jones, Spencer (Lyn) Saunders, Mike (Autumn) Saunders, Madeline (Kevin) Biekert and Thad (Toni) Saunders. Gloria is also survived by her over 80 grandchildren and great grandchildren. Although she probably didn’t plan to, she has left this world a great legacy and she will be greatly missed.

Services for Gloria will be held on Dec. 28, 2015, at the LDS Chapel at 201 NE O’Leary Street in Oak Harbor. Viewing will be 9-10 a.m. and the funeral service will follow 10-11 a.m. A grave side service is planned on Jan. 9, 2016, at Beaver Dam Cemetery in Beaver Dam, Utah.