Lavonne Saunders

Lavonne Saunders

Jan. 28, 1947 – Apr. 22, 2023

Lavonne Saunders was born to Gale and Cleo David on Jan. 28, 1947, in Spokane. She passed away on April 22, 2023.

Lavonne met Don Saunders, the love of her life, while they were attending Eastern Washington State College. She graduated from EWSC with a Bachelor's of Accounting in March 1969, and was married on March 22, 1969. They celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary in March 2023.

Lavonne spent a year in Kodiak, Ala., while Don served in the United States Navy. Following his discharge, they drove the Alcan Highway and moved to the family farm at Benge. Jennifer was born in 1971. During this time Lavonne was busy raising a family, taking care of the farm business and drove the Benge School District school bus. When Don retired from farming, they moved to Ritzville in 1981. Lavonne continued her activities becoming a writer and photojournalist in 1989, and later bookkeeper, with the Ritzville Journal that lasted until 2012.

Lavonne is survived by her husband, Don; her daughter, Jennifer Saunders; and sister, Mellody Descoteaux.

A Celebration of Life is set for Sat., May 6, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Danekas Funeral Home. A Food, Friends and Family gathering will follow at the Washington Wheat Foundation building at 109 E. 1st Ave, Ritzville.

Contributions may be made in her name to the Gritman Senior Center. Danekas Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.