Ellen M. Saunders

Ellen M. Saunders, 73, of Gallipolis, passed away on Friday, April 15, 2016 at her residence. Ellen was born September 12, 1942 in Gallia County, Ohio, daughter of the late Cecil E. and Hazel Altizer Rice, Jr. Ellen married E. Leon Saunders on May 2, 1959. She was a 1960 graduate of Gallia Academy High School. Ellen worked in sales at the Gallipolis Department Store and Sears. She also was an artist and taught at the French Art Colony. Ellen was a member of Faith Baptist Church. She loved art, reading, and was active in the community. Surviving are her husband, E. Leon Saunders of Gallipolis; a son, Kyle (Lara) Saunders of Ft. Collins, Colorado; a sister, Carla (Dan) Mink of Gallipolis; a brother, Randy (Robin) Rice of Vinton; nieces and nephews, Lee Ann (Jerry) Strait of Gahanna, Tarin Mink (Justin Bull) and Carrie (Ed) Burris, both of Bidwell, Justin Rice of Gallipolis, Riley (Jillian) Rice of Mercerville, Aubrie Rice of Columbus; and many great nieces and nephews. Services will be 6:00 p.m., Monday, April 18, 2016 at the Willis Funeral Home with Pastor Jim Lusher officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. prior to the service on Monday. Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at Ridgelawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ellen’s memory to either Holzer Hospice, 100 Jackson Pike, Gallipolis, OH 45631 or French Art Colony, 530 First Avenue, Gallipolis, OH 45631.