Obituary of Theadore Saunders

RIPLEY - Theadore W. "T.W." Saunders, age 82, of Welch Hill Road, Ripley, died Friday, April 17, 2009 at the Veteran Administration Medical Center in Erie, PA. Ted was born on July 11, 1926 in Westfield, NY the son of the late William and Katherine (Dodge) Saunders. He served his country in the United States Navy during World War II, from 1944 to 1946 aboard the USS Ault, attaining the rank of Seaman 1st Class. Ted was a well known bluegrass musician throughout the northeast and Canada. Ted was best known for his Martin Guitar. He loved his bluegrass family. He also loved restoring antique cars and trucks, which are proudly owned by his family. Ted was a very loving and honest man and will be sadly missed by his family, friends and anyone he touched with his humorous sayings. He retired from Conrail as a Signalman / Electrician in 1987. Mr. Saunders was a member of North East VFW Post 4789, The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalman's Assoc., the John W. Rogers American Legion Post 327 of Westfield, NY, the AARP, and was a former member of Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #118, also of Westfield. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Elizabeth (Gerould) Saunders, whom he married on August 30, 1947 in Stateline, PA, his one daughter: Nancy (Darwin) Rowe of Ripley, NY and his two sons, Gary (Gail) Saunders of Mayville, NY, and Theodore (Kathy) Saunders of Clinton, NY and by his 9 Grandchildren and 8 Great Grandchildren. Ted is further survived by his three sisters: Violet Nellis of Findley Lake, NY, Agnes Winkelman of Westfield, NY, and Audrey (Don) Caddis of Oneida, NY and his two brothers: James Saunders of Clearwater, FL, and Earl Saunders of Erie, PA. Many nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his sister, Treva Ottaway and by his brother William Saunders. Friends may call on Monday from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the MASON Funeral Home, 37 Clinton Street, Westfield, NY, and are invited to attend the funeral services there on Tuesday at 2:00PM with Rev. Marie Hanselman officiating. Burial will be in East Ripley Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Ripley Hose Co. #1, PO Box 342, or to So. Hose Co., North East-Sherman Rd., or to the Ripley Roll of Honor, Attention: Butch Joint, PO BOX 363, all of Ripley, NY 14775. Logon to www.masonfuneral.com to send a message of sympathy to the family.