Sylvia Rae Saunders

Sylvia Rae Saunders, 81, of Orion, IL, passed away, Monday, February 2, 2026, at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Esterdahl Mortuary and Crematory, Ltd., Orion. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home in Orion. Interment will be at Western Township Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Orion United Methodist Church.

Sylvia was born on June 21, 1944, in Moline, IL, the daughter of Raynold and Mildred (Rosberg) Sunbeck. After graduating from Sherrard High School in 1962, she was employed at Modern Woodman of America. On November 7, 1964, she married Ronald Saunders. She then joined her husband who was in the Air Force stationed in Bermuda, living there for 3 years. After returning to the states, she was a stay-at-home mom. In 1981, she was employed by Orion School District #223 in the Administration Office as a payroll clerk, secretary, and treasurer retiring in 2002.

She was a member of the Orion United Methodist Church. Sylvia had traveled to all lower 48 states, enjoyed watching her grandchildren participating in sports and other activities, listening to Daniel O’Donnell and Gaither music, watching the hummingbirds in her backyard in the summer, and crocheting baby blankets. She also enjoyed dinners with her retired secretary group.

Survivors include her husband, Ron, of 61 years; daughter, Heidi (Todd) Doyle of Bettendorf, IA; son, Matthew (Jennifer) Saunders of Irmo, SC; grandchildren, Andrew & Ryan Doyle, Hannah & Chelsea Saunders; brothers-in-law Alan Saunders & Duane (Pam) Saunders; and 3 nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray & Mildred Sunbeck; brother, “Dick” Sunbeck; in-laws, Keith & Helen Saunders; and sister-in-law, Linda Saunders.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.