Alice Lavina Martin Saunders of Hermiston passed away on Dec. 15, 2021 in Hermiston at the age of 93 years and eight months.
She was born in Richland on April 6, 1928 to Herman and Laura Annavea Haskins Martin.
Her parents owned and operated the telephone company. Since their residence was connected to the back of the telephone office, she claimed to be born in a telephone office.
Alice graduated from Richland High School along with her lifelong sweetheart, Raymond Saunders Jr. Because World War II had already begun, Ray was serving in the Navy when he was granted a 10-day leave to marry Alice Martin on March 10, 1945. She later graduated from Richland High School in May 1945.
Alice and Ray began their life together in 1946 living in Baker, where they resided for most of their married life. They soon completed their family with the addition of two daughters, Terrilyn and Judith. Alice began working outside of the home when the girls were in school. She was the manager of the S & H Green Stamp Store until it closed. Then she served in the Baker County clerk’s office for a few years before being elected to three terms as the Baker County treasurer. In 2003, Ray and Alice made the decision to move to Hermiston to be near their older daughter, Terrilyn Piquet.
Flower and vegetable gardening was a hobby and a passion for her entire life. She enjoyed sharing bouquets of flowers with her family and friends.
She is survived by her daughters, Terrilyn Piquet (Allen), Hermiston and Judith Chapman (Charles), Abilene, Texas; granddaughters, Raquel Piquet (Craig), Monique Piquet, Bridget Hinrichs (Jon), Danielle Piquet, Tonya Weatherman (Brendan) and Amy Alice Burson; and great grandchildren, Damian Piquet, Devin Piquet, Brayden Hinrichs, Brooklyn Hinrichs, Jaelyn Hinrichs, Lirian Holden, Annika Holden, Holton Weatherman, Ellie Weatherman and Hudson Weatherman.
Alice was preceded in death by her husband, Ray; and her parents.
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021 at 12 noon at the Eagle Valley Cemetery, Richland.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Vange John Memorial Hospice Education Fund or Eagle Valley Cemetery.
Please share memories of Alice with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
