Connie Saunders

    Connie Lee Saunders was born Dec. 8, 1952, in Ogallala, Nebraska, to Loran and Donna (Sexson) Prottsman. She died June 19, 2019, at Melissa Memorial Hospital in Holyoke.
    She spent her early years in Venango, Nebraska. Connie went to Venango Grade School. In 1966, the family moved the house from Venango to Holyoke. Connie graduated from Holyoke High School in 1971. She said she was the only girl who had a car in high school, so others wanted rides all the time.
    Following graduation, she attended cosmetology school in Greeley. She was a licensed cosmetologist in the state of Colorado. She then returned to Holyoke and worked at a number of local businesses, including the family Phillips 66, then Dairy Queen, Big Reds Cafe, a cafe in Julesburg, Glovers Cafe, Big R and as a carry-out girl for Shop-All.
    Connie was baptized as a baby. Then when her parents were baptized, she was baptized with them at First Baptist Church. When she and Ben were married, they were baptized together in the Christian Church. Ben was unable to get upstairs in the Baptist Church, so they went to the Christian Church, which was all ground-level.
    After Ben died, she was able to buy a house in Sterling and lived there for six years. She enjoyed being with Ben’s kids and grandkids. She was so proud to have the little ones come and say, “Pick me up, Grandma.” She loved having celebrations in her house — Christmas, Thanksgiving and others. She was very active in the Baptist Church in Sterling and had many friends there.
    Connie was preceded in death by her parents, Loran and Donna Prottsman; and her beloved husband, Ben.
    She is survived by her aunts, Nancy Prottsman, Barbara Prottsman and Charlotte Most; Ben’s children, Woody Saunders, Joey Saunders, Dawn Saunders and Christie Myrom and their families; and many other relatives and friends.
    Connie loved the many pretty flowers in her yard. She always had a smile on her face and a “hello” to all. She wanted everyone to remember her by the smile on her face.
    The memorial service was held June 25 at Baucke Funeral Home in Holyoke, with Pastor Jeremiah Krieger officiating. Burial followed at Venango Cemetery.
    Memorials may be made to Melissa Memorial Hospital.
    Baucke Funeral Home directed the service.