Richland, Oregon
Dalton Stanley “Stan” Saunders, 74, died Jan. 12, 2002, at his home in Richland.
His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Richland Methodist Church. Interment will be at the Eagle Valley Cemetery. Friends are invited to join the family for a reception afterward at the Richland Christian Church.
Stan Saunders was born on Sept. 10, 1927, in Richland to Merritt and Eva Dean McDowell Saunders. Stan came into this world weighing one pound. He was not expected to survive, but because of the loving efforts of his aunts, Clara and Mattie, Stan thrived. He was raised and educated in the Richland area, attending the New Bridge grade school, Sunnyside grade school and Eagle Valley High School. It is said that he attended more days of school during football season than any other.
In 1945 Stan joined up with the Army and served 18 months. He and Jane Marie Allen were married in 1948 at Jane’s grandparent’s home, the Allens, in Richland. Of this union they had three children, Marcia, Dwight and Dan. He and Jane enjoyed 41 years together until her death in 1989.
From 1948 to 1961 Stan worked for Burnt River Sawmill. After leaving that job, he returned home to Richland to ranch with his parents. Stan was a hard worker, very dedicated to his family and lifestyle. He worked hard to play hard. He made working with the kids fun. When he would take the kids on a vacation hunting, they would also be riding for cattle, or picking up rocks. They would have a wiener roast afterward.
Stan had been a member of the Elks Lodge, president of several ditch companies and one of the founding members of the Eagle Valley Trailblazers. He especially enjoyed his volunteer work with the Lions and the Rodeo. It was then that he was in his element, which was visiting with people. While his children were growing up, he was very involved with 4-H, always willing to lend a hand with hauling a horse, or whatever the need might have been.
Stan was proud to be a fourth generation member of the Saunders family, all having the opportunity to live in the same vicinity of the old home place. One of the traits that Stan will be most remembered for will be of his storytelling. As he would tell a story, those listening would become very attentive and the story would grow larger and larger.
Survivors include his three children, Marcia and George Gover of Halfway, Dwight and Debbie Saunders of Richland, and Dan Saunders of Los Angeles; grandchildren, Stacy and Morgan Gover of La Grande, Holly Kay and Joey Marie Gover of Halfway, and Sierra Lynne and Sydney Leigh Saunders of Richland; one brother, Buddy Dean Saunders of California; and a sister, Dorothy Renz of Redmond; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Stan was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Jane.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Eagle Valley Ambulance Fund through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, January 18, 2002
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor