Nancy Gail Saunders

July 19, 1936, Gail came into the world, the oldest of four daughters and three sons, born to John and Helen (Bush) McDonald in Bremerton, Washington. She grew up and attended local schools. After graduating Bremerton High School in 1954, she attended Multnomah School of the Bible in Portland, Oregon for two years where she met a handsome guy named Gary Saunders. They married in September 29, 1956, at Navy Yard City Bible Church in Bremerton, Washington and began a lifetime of ministry to the Lord.

After moving to Forks, Washington, in 1956, to pastor Forks Bible Church, Reverend Gary and Gail had three little ones. Fred, Mike, and little Patty. Gary and Gail were then called to pastor a church in Grants Pass, Oregon, in 1964. So they moved their family here and pastored various churches till they retired from pastoring the First Baptist Church of Rogue River in 2008, after 37 years.

In addition to playing piano, teaching Sunday School, and bible studies, at church, Gail enjoyed a variety of activities. She enjoyed working with older people at Oak Lane Retirement Center from which she retired after almost 20 years. She loved her family, was a good mom, grandma and great-grandma too. She was also the best mother-in-law. She enjoyed gardening, needlepoint, crocheting, reading, crossword puzzles, and going to yard sales. She enjoyed life, friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gary in 2009.

She is survived by son Fred Saunders and his wife Marcie of Grants Pass, Oregon, son Mike Saunders, of Merlin, Oregon, and daughter Patty and her husband Ron Breazeale of Rogue River, Oregon. She also leaves behind four grandsons, one granddaughter-in-law, and two great-grandsons, three sisters, one sister-in-law, two brother-in-laws, and three brothers. Plus many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Everyone will miss her greatly.

A memorial service will be at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, May 26, 2012 at Hull & Hull Chapel with Pastor Monty Pope officiating. Following the service, a time of fellowship for friends and family will be held at the home of Ron and Patty at 110 Oak Street in Rogue River.