ALANE RAE SAUNDERS

Alane Rae Saunders, age 60 went peacefully to the arms of the Lord on January 28, 2025. She was born April 7, 1964 in Quinn, S.D. to Robert E. and Luella F. Saunders. She attended and graduated from the Talent/Phoenix School System in Oregon and lived most of her adult life in that area. She pioneered the integration of Developmentally Disabled persons into the public school systems, where she touched the lives of so many and so many touched her life.

She was active in Special Olympics and earned many Gold and Silver Medals in swimming, basketball and bowling. In her early 20's, she moved into an apartment and lived almost independently for several years. She traveled to her places of employment via city bus. Being a fan of 'slot machines', she and her boyfriend would catch a bus and travel 50-60 miles to a casino on her days off.

Alane was an avid sports fan, with football being her favorite. Her favorite teams were the Chicago Bears and the Oregon State Beavers. After moving to Florida in 2019, The Tampa Bay Buccaneers became her favorite Pro team, but the Beavers remained her favorite college team.

Alane is survived by her mother, Luella Saunders Tucker, Step-Father William Spurgeon Tucker, Sisters Barbie Saunders Harper (Paul), Cheryl Saunders Buckley (Mike), step-brother Spurgeon Clayton Tucker and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father Robert, her sister Cathy Saunders Maloney (Ray) and her step brother, William Brian Tucker.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church in Zephyrhills where she attended with her parents.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

New Hope Baptist Church, 3514 Allen Rd., Zephyrhills, FL 33541 or

St Jude Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929