Karen Ruth (Rabe) Saunders

Karen Ruth Saunders passed away at home on November 15, 2023, after a long battle with lung cancer. She was born on December 21, 1943, to Fred and Jodell Rabe, in Sterling, Colorado. 

She is survived by her husband of fifty-five years, Charles “Sid” Saunders, of Destin, Florida and son, Charles Douglas Saunders and his wife, Tiffani and their daughter, Sidney Ruth Saunders, of Blueridge, Virginia. She is also survived by son, Jonathan Saunders of Detroit, Michigan, and a brother, Fred Rabe and his wife, Cindy, of St. Cloud, Florida. 

Karen attended Chateauroux American High School in France, San Antonio College, and William Patterson University with a bachelor of fine arts degree, Cum Laude.

As a military dependent and corporate wife, Karen lived in numerous locations overseas and within the United States before settling down for the past twenty years in Destin, Florida. She started and ran her own business that produced conferences in San Antonio, Texas and Wilmington, Delaware. When moving to Destin, she was one of the first employees of Stein Mart in Destin until her retirement. 

She was an avid reader and collector of art books, pottery, and art; and had a special place in her heart for all her dogs in her life, including her latest addition, Charlie,a Sealyham Terrier, that survives her. 

A celebration of life will be planned for Destin beach later. 

Memorial donations may be made in her name to Alaqua Animal Refuge, 155 Dugas Way, Freeport, Florida 32439