Sarah Ellen Saunders

Born: August 22, 1922

Died: February 22, 2015

Sarah Saunders was a mother, grandmother, sister, Aunt, as well as a co-worker and friend to many. After growing up in Alabama, Sarah volunteered for and served honorably as a Navy WAVE during World War II. An Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class, Sarah was stationed at Norfolk, VA. After the war, she moved to Puyallup, Washington to start a family, where she spent the balance of her adult life.

Ms. Saunders is survived by her children Shelley Elaine Saunders (Andy Benjamin) of Seattle, WA and Gregory Charles Saunders of Puyallup, WA, and grandchildren Nathan Saunders Benjamin and Megan Elizabeth Saunders. Preceded in death by her grand-daughter Katherine Rose Saunders, sister Margaret Dunn and brothers Carl, Clifford and Pete Higginbotham, Sarah “Ellen” is survived by her sisters Faye Hathcock and Anne Awtry and brothers Benjamin (Laura) and Jerry (“Bo”) Higginbotham, as well as many nieces and nephews, all of the State of Alabama.

Bunny held many jobs during her work life: most notably her over thirty years working the box office as a ticket cashier at the Western Washington Fair, as a seamstress at Elvin’s Department Store and VIP Cleaners, playground supervisor at Ezra Meeker Elementary School, Pierce County Outreach, as well as jobs at Coppin’s Hardware and at the Ordinance Depot in Pierce County. She also provided needed care to many in the community.

Her volunteer work included serving in leadership with the PTA of Meeker Elementary, Pierce County Senior Services, First Methodist Church of Puyallup and in Camp Fire.

For several years, she volunteered at Warren Hunt Elementary School helping youngsters learn how to read.

Bunny enjoyed life with friends, whether it be bowling at the Daffodil Bowl, playing Bunco, socializing at the Eagles, doing water aerobics at the YMCA or sharing a meal.