Linda J. Saunders, 85, of Chillicothe, passed at 1:12 p.m. Friday, January 10, 2025 at her residence following an extended illness.

She was born July 11, 1939, in Ross County, to the late Paul E. and Thelma Lawhorn Gardiner.  On March 15, 1958, she married James F. Saunders who passed on February 2, 2022.

Surviving are children, James (Mary) Saunders, Brenda (Billy Guysinger) Saunders and Brian Saunders, all of Chillicothe; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Saunders; grandchildren, Jennifer (Dustin) Cottrill, of Londonderry, Dustin (Reeanna) Hougland, of Waverly, Briana Osborne, of Chillicothe, Josh (Carrie) Barlage, of Des Moines, IA and Cortney (Dan) Demint, of Chillicothe; great grandchildren, Charlie and Tate Cottrill, Trent Lyons, Sam and Charlie Barlage, Holston, Hadsen, Haelyn and Holland Demint and Conner Guysinger; a brother, George (Emma) Gardiner; a sister, Debra Masters; a sister-in-law, Mary (Paul) Vaughn; and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by a son, Paul Saunders and a grandson, Chase Guysinger.

The family would like to extend a special "thank you" to Paul and Brenda Corey, along with the staff of Heartland Hospice including Amy, Maria and Jamie, for the wonderful care given to our mom and compassion shown to our family during this time.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, January 16, 2025 in the WARE FUNERAL HOME with Pastor Jon Welch officiating.  Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery.  Friends may call at the WARE FUNERAL HOME from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday.

You may sign her online register at www.warefh.com