Our beloved father Keith Lyall Saunders, age 90, joined our Lord on February 1, 2023. His spark for life and eternal sense of adventure will be deeply missed but will live on through the legacy of his family.
Keith was born on the family farm in Hinton, Iowa and then moved to Sioux City, Iowa with his family and spent his childhood. There he met and married his high school sweetheart, Nettie. Their marriage was a lifetime of loyalty and dedication for 71 years with 3 children, 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. With Nettie by his side, Keith embarked in a life of service to his country and communities, entrepreneurial spirit for business and dedication to his family. He proudly served his country when he joined the Air Force in the era of the Korean Conflict loading munitions for air support. He returned to Iowa where he was a crew member on a Missouri River Boat, played in the VFW Baseball League and partnered with his father and brother to develop Saunders Oil into a thriving business. While in Iowa, Keith raised his family, and sparked a passion for riding and rodeo by supporting his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren through Little Britches, High School, College and Professional Rodeo competitions. Part of Keith’s life was travel and always seeking the future which took him to Rapid City, SD for his next business venture and where he also dedicated himself to being a Scout Master in the Boy Scouts. Keith and Nettie decided to find the sunshine in Arizona where they developed a construction company, Keithco, that they ran together until retirement. Keith and Nettie continued their sense of adventure, developing real estate opportunities, traveling and spending time with family across the country. Grandpa’s greatest pride and achievement was his family. A visit with Grandpa always included stories, laughter and a big pot of his homemade chili. A family gathering will not be the same, but his light will continue to shine in heaven and in those he touched through life on earth.
Keith is survived by the love of his life, Nettie Jane Saunders, his children: Renee Kenney (Charles - deceased), Timothy Saunders (Lezah) and Patti Bleil (Jeff); grandchildren: Amanda Dessel (Allan), Matthew Kenney (Delayna), Dalley Galuzzi (Aaron), Andrew Saunders (Cherie), Tai Saunders, Miya DeBusk (Brady), Jacqueline Saunders (Zach Klassy), Cole Saunders, Joe Bleil (Carla), Bo Bleil, Billi Jo Keith (Jason), Bobbi Jo Keenan (Jason); great-grandchildren: Gracie Dessel, Stran Dessel, Trig Dessel, Charlie Dessel, Kacyn Kenney, Kelcee Kenney, Sienna Galuzzi, Noelle Galuzzi, Jack Saunders, Jace Bleil, Bailey Bleil, Brylee Bleil, Sierra Jo Casterton (Garett), Slade Keith, Savanna Keith, Southern Keith, Dakota Keenan, Dallas Keenan; great-great grandchild: Briggs Casterton.
Keith will be laid to rest in Chandler, Arizona in the presence of his dear wife and family. His grandsons: Matthew, Andrew, Tai, Cole, Joe and Bo will be pallbearers and Pastor Timothy Pruit will officiate the services.
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