Helen Elizabeth Gentry Saunders, just 3 weeks shy of age 95, went to "rest in the land of the Living God" on Sunday, January 1 ^st 2023 with at home, with family at her bedside. She was born on January 22, 1928 in White Rock, North Carolina to William Labe and Bonnie Effie (Higgins) Gentry. She grew up in Flag Pond, Tennessee at the foot of the beautiful Smokey Mountains.  Helen's family was active at the Jennie Moore Memorial Presbyterian Church, where she has been a lifelong member.

After high school Helen attended Maryville College where she met her future husband, Raymond D Saunders. They were married on August 23 ^rd 1950.  The couple received degrees at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago.  Always a supportive pastor's wife, Helen served with her husband at churches  in LaMoure North Dakota, Chicago Illinois, Britton South Dakota, and Johnson City Tennessee as well as providing interim support to churches in many other locations after retirement.  Helen served in Christian Education at churches in the Chicago area, as well as writing and editing educational curriculum materials for a Christian publisher. Helen was a champion for education, in the church and in the public sector, evidenced by the ways she chose to be involved in her community.  She taught workshops, promoted cultural opportunities, has been an avid reader, and promotor of experiences that expand the understanding of the lives of others.  She has been an active member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood since 1953, joining local chapters wherever she lived.  Helen raised three daughters and lived a full life of study, prayer, and service.  She was a gracious friend to many and a generous encourager to all.  Her presence will be greatly missed, as she was so deeply loved.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband in 2017, her parents, and her brother, Bill Gentry, all of her sisters-in-law & brothers-in-law, and a niece, Lucinda Knarr.

She is survived by:

Her daughters and their families:  Joyce (Mike) Wymer of Rock City, IL; Judi (Pete) Deszcz of Plainfield, IL; Bonnie Rae (Brian) Letton of Pecatonica, IL;

15 Grandchildren: Jason (Kenalee) Rupnow, Tim (Katie) Rupnow, Sarah (Joel) Boettner, Ted (Kara) Rupnow, Todd (Emma) Rupnow, Angie (Scott) Gussick, Linsey Wymer, Tim Wymer; Wai-Yee Letton, Grace (Patrick) Randolph, Jayson Letton, Tiffany Letton, Bret Letton; Ed Deszcz,  Andre Deszcz;

19 Great Grandchildren: Odell, Maverick, Iris, Falyn, Levi, & Randy McPeek; Rachel, Ashley & Hailey Rupnow; Benjamin & Susannah Boettner; Elliott, Josiah, Quinton, & Maxwell Rupnow; Caitlin Wech &  Arianna Gussick; Emma Wymer; William Randolph.

Dear nieces & nephews, cousins and their families.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, January 13 ^th 2023 at 11:00am at Faith Community Church 212 W McKimmy St., Davis with Jim Brown of Dakota Presbyterian officiating.  A Visitation will be held at Walker Mortuary LTD, 321 Main Street, Freeport on Thursday, January 12 ^th 2023 from 4:00-7:00pm.  A short visitation will also be held prior to the service on Friday, from 10:00am until time of service.  A memorial fund has been established. Cremation rites have been accorded.  Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Erwin, Tennessee at a later date. Condolences may be shared at www.walkermortuary.com.