Gloria Juanita Saunders of 615 First Avenue Gallipolis, Ohio 'Went to be with the Lord' on Monday May 24, 2021. Juanita was born on August 8, 1925 to Charles and Nora Belle McKean in Harrison Township, Gallia County, Ohio. She was a direct descendant of Thomas McKean, a signer of the United States Declaration of Independence and later Governor of Pennsylvania.

Juanita grew up on the family farm on Little Bull Skin. She was the youngest of nine children. All of Juanita's brothers and sisters: Porter, Marcus, Jewel, John, Rita, Stanley, Rhoda and Lucille preceded her in death. Juanita attended local schools and graduated from Gallia Academy High School, class of 1944. On Christmas day 1945 she married Charles Leon Saunders at Rio Grande Baptist Church. Two days later, Leon was called by the United States Army to Germany.

Juanita was a business owner in the Gallipolis community for over 50 years. She owned and operated Juanita's Beauty Salon, Headquarters by Juanita and Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio. Juanita was preceded in death by her husband, Leon, on November 15, 2017. They were married for 72 years and were inseparable. They loved to travel and went to Columbus or Huntington every Thursday for a lunch date.

Juanita attended First Baptist Church. She loved her Lord, family, and friends.

She is survived by her loving sons Ronald (Cinda) Saunders, and Brent (Shawn) Saunders. Juanita was blessed with five grandchildren: Brandon (Carrie) Saunders, Morgan (Jennifer) Saunders, Clayton (Andrea) Saunders, Clarke (Morgan) Saunders, and Brynn (Andrew) Noe. Her 12 great grandchildren include: Kaeden, Wyatt, Asher, Cade, Carlee, Carson, Paisley, Chloe, Rylee Jo, Austin, Benjamin, and Parker. Each was the apple of her eye.

Juanita was blessed by her dedicated, skilled, and loving caregivers. The family would like to thank Denise, Amber, Vicki, Sharon, Mandi, Sabrina, Sylvia, Kim, and Susie. Also, the family would like to thank Dr. Vallee, Dr. Haller, and the wonderful staff at Holzer Senior Care.

Juanita truly lived life to the fullest. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was beautiful inside and out and her grace and beauty are to be remembered.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Juanita's honor to Holzer Heritage Foundation designated to Holzer in Lights attention, Amee Rees, 100 Jackson Pike Gallipolis, Ohio 45631 and /or City of Gallipolis, Ohio designated to, Gallipolis in Lights 333 Third Avenue Gallipolis, Ohio 45631.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM. Thursday, May 27, 2021 at the Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home 810 2 ^nd . Avenue Gallipolis. Burial will follow in the Mound Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 12:30 PM. until time of service.

An online guest registry is available at www.waugh-halley-wood.com