Mary Louise Saunders, the daughter of George Henry and Nellie Luletta (Hoover) Fahseler, was born February 17, 1932, in Rock Port, Missouri. She attended Rock Port High School, Rock Port, graduating in 1950.

In September of 1951, Mary was united in marriage to James Chastain and became the parents of four children: Sandra, Jim “Pete”, Ron and Randy. Jim passed away in January 1971. In September of 1972, Mary was united in marriage to Eugene Saunders in Leavenworth, Kansas. They became the parents of two children: Stacie and Tracie. Gene passed away in February of 2016.

Mary was a homemaker and cared for her children until Jim’s passing. She then moved to Leavenworth, Kansas, and was employed as a manager in the Jewelry Department at Walmart, retiring in 1992. In 2008, Mary and Gene moved to Fairfax, Missouri, to enjoy their retirement. After Gene’s passing, Mary returned to Leavenworth in 2016 to be closer to family.

Mary enjoyed playing Bingo, going to casinos and entertaining company. She especially enjoyed cooking for her family, Sunday dinners and family reunions. Mary also loved caring for her grandchildren. Mary passed away Wednesday, July 28, 2021, in Easton, Kansas, at the age of 89.

Besides her parents, Mary was proceeded in death by husbands, James Chastain and Eugene Saunders; daughter, Sandra Chastain; siblings, Eva Baker, Lorrene Strange, Blanch Roach, Gertrude Johnson, Glenda Baker, Betty Huff, Virginia Edwards, Vera Bright, John Henry Fahseler, and Donald Fahseler. Survivors include children, Jim “Pete” (Becky) Chastain, Fairfax, Ron (Chris) Chastain, Lansing, Randy (Terri) Chastain, Leavenworth, Tracie (Shawn) Schmalstieg, Leavenworth, and Stacie (Chad) Heuss, Hamlin, Iowa; grandchildren, Cindy, Susan, Mary, Jaymee, Katrina, Matt, Christina, Sarah, Kenny, Kaleigh, Brett, Dustin, Jared, Ashlie, Rachel, and Austin; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held Monday, August 2, 2021, at Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port, conducted by Rev. Franz J. Brandenburg. Interment was at Greenhill Cemetery, Rock Port. Memorials may be directed to the Mary Saunders Memorial Fund. Online condolences may be left at www.minterfuneralchapels.com. Services were under the direction of Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port.