VIRGINIA LAURA SAUNDERS
April 19, 1942 – December 7, 2025
On December 7, 2025, Virginia Laura Saunders was ushered into the presence of Jesus Christ,
her Lord and Savior. Virginia was 83 years old.
Virginia was born on April 19, 1942 in Omaha, Nebraska, the beloved daughter of Nels and Florence
Velander. She grew up in Omaha with her parents and two siblings; older brother Norman and younger
sister, Barbara. Virginia had a happy childhood filled with love, fun, fishing and family
vacations. She was a very capable student and graduated with honors from North High School in Omaha
in 1960.
Virginia left Omaha to attend Wartburg College in Waverly, IA to pursue a nursing degree. While at
Wartburg, she met the love of her life, Ken, a local farm boy on a double date. They married on
December 8, 1962 and welcomed their first child, Jeff, in 1963. Virginia and Ken made their home in
Cedar Falls, IA where Virginia worked for the phone company. In 1966, Virginia and Ken welcomed
their daughter, Kristine. In January of 1970, Virginia and Ken made the difficult decision to move
from the midwest to California, living in Twain Harte, Cupertino, Sacramento before finally landing
in Santa Rosa where they would live for the rest of their lives.
While in Santa Rosa, Virginia created a safe and warm home for her family. She loved to bake, sew,
and make day trips to many of the great destinations in her area – the ocean, Armstrong Woods and
Spring Lake park. When her children were in middle school, Virginia felt a calling to return to
nursing. She started as a volunteer while taking nursing classes at the Santa Rosa Junior College.
As she took more classes, she was able to accept paid positions as a CNA
and LVN. She eventually became a registered nurse and then started taking classes at Sonoma State
with the goal to become a nurse manager. Virginia achieved her bachelor’s degree in 1990 and became
a nurse manager at Memorial Hospital in Santa Rosa where she managed a staff of over 60 nurses and
received the hospital’s prestigious Justice Award.
Virginia and Ken had always loved traveling and, in the late 1990’s, discovered they loved to camp.
They started with tent camping which soon led to them buying a pop up trailer and then a 35 foot
camper trailer. After retiring in 2005, they really began to travel, planning annual 4-5 month
trips that eventually saw them visiting 49 of the 50 US states. Virginia and Ken loved to hike and
see the beauty that God has created.
When Virginia wasn’t traveling, she was giving back. She volunteered at the front desk and the gift
shop of the hospital. She provided reading aid for local elementary school children. She and Ken
went on numerous mission trips (W. Virginia, Atlantic City, Alabama, Guatemala and Mexico where
they helped build homes for the disenfranchised, provide medical services and supplies for the poor
or rebuild homes following a catastrophic natural disaster.
In Feb of 2022, Virginia had a devastating medical event where she became paralyzed from the waist
down. The cause went undiagnosed for 6+ months until a specialist in San Francisco landed on a
diagnosis of a spinal stroke. This was a tough pill to swallow but for Virginia, this setback
proved to be just another hurdle to clear; and she did so with optimism, determination and
tenacity. With the everpresent care and loving aid of her husband, Ken, Virginia was soon
able to walk with a walker, ride a recumbent bike and attend an adaptive PE class where she built
muscle, agility and confidence. Additionally, they bought Virginia a power chair and a van with an
electronic ramp which flung the door wide open for Virginia and Ken to resume their traveling
adventures.
To those who knew her, Virginia was warmth personified — she was the kind of person who made
everyone feel accepted, seen and valued. She built a life rooted in family, faith, grace and
service. One of Virginia’s greatest joys was to participate in Bible studies. She absolutely loved
diving into God’s word and learning more about Jesus and her faith. Another source of life and
friendship was her Mustard Seed small group where she and Ken established deep, lasting
friendships.
Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, Nels and Florence Velander, and her older brother,
Norm.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Ken, her cherished children, Jeff and Kris;
sweet sister Barb; and her precious grandchildren, Jacob, Anela and Carson.
She is also survived by her dearly loved sister & brother in-laws, Stan Saunders (Daryls), Carol
McCunniff, Cathy Saunders; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews. Tom Velander(Ginger) Anna Lea,
Dave Velander (Shelly) Emilee & Chayla, Don Velander (Mike) Nick & Eric, Mark Shevchenko Kyle and
Tyler, Lori Strandberg (Brad) Max, Mike Saunders (Dena) Zylie & Morgan, Kim Versteeg (Dan) Ethan,
Mary and Emma, Michelle (Jeff) Quentin & Ashley, Brian, Travis (Ashley) Courtney, Cassandra and
Tenley.
There will be a viewing for Virginia on December 19, 2025 from 4pm to 8pm PT at Eggen & Lance at
1540 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95401.
A Celebration of Life service is planned for Saturday, January 10 at 10am PT at Bayside Church at
3175 Sebastopol Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95407. All friends and family are welcome. Light snacks and
finger foods will be provided.
Please join her family in celebrating a life well lived
