Linda Kay Saunders

March 11, 1948 – August 15, 2025

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Linda Kay Saunders, 77, of Florence, Arizona, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on March 11, 1948, in Waukegan, Illinois, Linda grew up in Zion, Illinois, where she began building the life and values that would define her—kindness, resilience, and an unwavering devotion to family. In 1991, she moved to Lake Bluff, Illinois, before settling in Mesa, Arizona in 1993. In the early 2000s, she made her home in San Tan Valley, where she lived until moving to Florence to share a home with her beloved granddaughter Rachael and her family.

Linda was the steady heartbeat of her family, a mother and grandmother who respected the independence of her children and grandchildren while always offering unconditional support. She took immense pride in each member of her family, whether connected by blood or by love, and made sure they knew it. Linda welcomed not only her children and grandchildren into her heart, but also those who became family through love.

Her life was rich in simple joys—baking, cooking meals, sharing conversations on the porch,  excursions to the ghost town, Schnepf Farms, or the Olive Mill with family, dining with loved ones at her favorite restaurants, and the thrill of a slot machine in Tucson, Sedona, Las Vegas, or a local casino. In recent years, she reclaimed the adventure of travel, visiting Oregon, San Diego, Miami, and Las Vegas, and excitedly obtaining her passport in hopes of exploring Europe.

In June 2025, Linda was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Before undergoing major surgery two weeks before her passing, she expressed peace and gratitude for the full life she had lived, along with a heartfelt reminder to her loved ones of how deeply she loved them.

Linda’s family is deeply thankful for James Owens, father of her grandchildren Sarah, Rachael, Jamie, and Bo, and his wife, Corinne, whose love and care for Linda, especially in her final days, will never be forgotten.

Linda shared a beautiful marriage with her husband, David Saunders, until his passing from ALS in 2019. As his primary caregiver during his illness, she was his tireless advocate and cheerleader, aided by the caring support of the Veterans Administration—a cause she held close to her heart. Throughout their life together, Linda and David enjoyed camping, prospecting, cooking, and the warmth of family gatherings.

She was a woman of faith, attending Christian Assembly of God Church in Zion, Illinois, for many years, and later Epic Christian Church in Arizona. She also loved tending to her yard and caring for those around her—family, friends, and neighbors alike.

Linda is survived by her children: Jennifer Wieden and her husband Mike, Christopher Stewart and his wife Angee, and Robin Kiernan and her partner Edward; her stepchildren: Angie Barbour, Lori Saunders, and David Saunders; her grandchildren: Rachael Owens, Sarah Beardall, Bo Owens, Jamie Owens, Shawn Kiernan, Logan Hein, Zeplynne Hein, Emily Stewart, Brandon Stewart, D’Andre Redick, and Amithyst Phoenix; and her great-grandchildren: Dakota Cook, Tristan Cook, Landon Cook, Alysia Beardall, Alandrea Bearce, Bailey Owens, Bentley Owens, Paris Owens, Greyson Owens, and Jaedon Caravantes. She also leaves behind an extended network of cherished family members from the Swanson and Stried families, as well as friends and family across the country and around the world.

She was preceded in death by her husband, David Saunders; her father, Clifford C. Swanson; her brother, Clifford K. Swanson; her mother, Beulah Swanson; and other loved ones who now welcome her home.

Linda will be remembered for her compassion, her humor, her strength, and her ability to make every person in her life feel valued. She lived and loved fully, and her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Per Linda’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. Her family and friends will instead honor her by celebrating her life—through stories, laughter, and cherished memories—just as she would have wanted.