Ronald Lee Sauer

Ronald Lee Sauer, 89, passed away at his home on August 14, 2026. Ron was born on August 7, 1937, in California. His life truly began when, as a young teenager, he became part of the foster family of the Rev. Aaron and Dorothy Powers. The love and belonging he found in the Powers family would shape him for the rest of his life.

On July 19, 1963, Ron married the love of his life, Line M. VanderTuin. Together, Ron and Line made their home in California and Oregon before moving to Phoenix in 1973, where they raised their children, Christina and Matthew, with love, devotion, and a strong sense of family.

Ron enjoyed many things, but he especially loved fishing, with Woods Canyon Lake in the Mogollon Rim holding a special place in his heart. He was fascinated by the mystique of the American West, from cowboy boots and horses to the stories and traditions of the Old West. Ron and Line shared this passion by volunteering together in Wild West reenactments, creating friendships and memories along the way.

Ron worked for many years as a security guard at Motorola before retiring. He took pride in his work and in providing for his family.

Above all, Ron was proud of his children and their families. He strove to love them without judgment and to be present in their lives. He was not perfect, and he would be the first to admit that. But through his life he offered one example of what it means to be a loving husband, father, and Opa. His understanding of love for his family continued to grow as the family itself grew.

Ron was an active member of Christ Presbyterian Church (ECO) in Goodyear, Arizona, where he valued the many friendships he formed. He especially enjoyed helping with fellowship after worship.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Line; his daughter, Christina, and son-in-law, Ruben; grandchildren Ethan and Jordan; his son, Matthew, and daughter-in-law, Meredith; grandchildren Olivia and her partner, Erica, and Joshua; his sister, Diane; and many beloved members of the Powers and VanderTuin families.

Ron’s life was a testament to the power of family, not simply the family into which we are born, but the family we find, build, and choose along the way. He knew what it meant to be welcomed, and he spent his life learning how to offer that same welcome to others.

Monday August 17, a memorial service for my dad will be held at Christ Presbyterian Church (ECO) 925 N Sarival Ave, Goodyear, AZ 85338 on Monday at 5:00pm with a visitation beginning at 4:30pm