Shirley Meldave Saunders

Shirley Meldave Collins Ross Saunders, also referred to as Hon by her family and close friends. age 69, of Proctorville, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, May 12th, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. Born in Huntington West Virginia, she was the daughter of Robert Stanton and Helen Katherine (Walters) Collins. She spent much of her life as a dedicated business owner and took great pride in her work. She loved to cook so she opened multiple family restaurants. She is survived by her husband Rick Saunders who she lovingly referred to as “Love”, three children, Chastity (Chassy) (and Chris) Wilkinson, Robert (Bobby) (and Amanda) Ross, and Betty (Bet) (and Chris) Dillon, and three bonus daughters; Thelma (Thelma Lou), Stacy Saunders, and Alicia Saunders (and Dave) and eight grandchildren, Danny (My Jofus) Wilkinson, Christopher (Bubby Ray) Wilkinson (and Rin), Christopher (Tipper) Dillon (and Donna), Katherine (Gracie Sue) Wilkinson, Ashley (Punky) Ross (and Derrick), Cole (Thweety Pie) Ross, Abigail (Blabbygail) Ross (and Noah), and Tori (Toribell) Dillon (and Rob), and two bonus grandchildren Bailey Walter (and Chris) and Jearl (Wade) Walter and seven great grandchildren, Grace, Kara, Emma, Caroline, Priscilla, Mavrick, and Axel, along with thirteen siblings; Robert (Cooch), Ila (Sally), Sheila (Sheil), Mary, Alvin (Bud), Angela (Annie), Susan (Susie), Lora (Darlene), Fredrick (Fred), Eva (Marlene), Marvin (Joe), Julie, and Quinton (Baby Ray)and her mother-in-law Corena Saunders and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her mother Helen and father Robert her sisters; Arnetta and Tonya, her grandmother Shirley Catherine Walters, grandfather Elmon Willie Walters, and her special Chickee Anita Rae. Shirley will be missed for her ability to bring light and joy into any situation. Whether it was her playful sense of mischief, her love of early mornings with a cup of coffee watching the birds, or the laughter she shared with her grandchildren, she made every moment special. She had a spirited personality and was known for keeping those around her on their toes with her humor and warmth. Shirley, being known as a fighter at heart, faced life with strength, resilience, and determination. She will now rest peacefully, reunited with Jesus, while continuing to watch over all those she loved. Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, May 15, 2026 at 1 pm by Pastor Frank Donnelly at Reger Funeral Chapel, Huntington. Burial will follow in Myrtle-Collins Cemetery, Huntington, W.V. Friends may call from 11 am until service time on Friday at Reger Funeral Home, Huntington.