Mary B. Saunders

Celebrating Life

Mary B. Saunders of La Grande died Wednesday, September 18, 2024 in La Grande at the age of 89.

Mary Blanche was born on July 18, 1935 in New Plymouth, Idaho, one of six children born to James and Elsie (Schultz) Butler. She was raised and educated in New Plymouth and later moved to Baker and Haines where she lived for several years.

She was married to Clarence Main in 1954, they later divorced.

On April 14, 1984 she married Chester “Chet” Saunders in Baker City, OR and they made their home in La Grande, OR.

Mary worked as a caregiver for the Twin Firs Retirement Center in La Grande for many years. She spent the remainder of her career providing in home care services.

She attended the Trinity Baptist Church in La Grande. Mary enjoyed Western movies, gardening, traveling in the surrounding mountains and camping with her family. Her pets, especially her dogs, were her lifelong love. 

Relatives include her husband of 40 years, Chester Saunders of La Grande OR, daughter, Shelia and husband Hank Simmons of Marysville, WA and sons, Clarence “Bud” Main, Jr. of La Grande and Calvin Main and wife Dawn of Deer Island OR; seven grandchildren, Travis Simmons, Tyler, Keenan and Jaeden Main and Derek and Kendra Kuether. She also had four great grandchildren, Nico Simmons, Greyson and Presley Vo and Brealynn Keuther. Mary ‘s sister, Shirley Gifford and husband William “Bill” Gifford live in Ontario OR.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Oscar “Bud” Butler, Norman Butler, Violet Ashbaugh, Evelyn Edmondson and grandson, Austin Keuther. 

Contributions in memory of Mary Saunders may be made to the Blue Mountain Humane Association, 3212 Highway 30, La Grande, OR 97850. Obituary courtesy of Daniels Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center.

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