Racine - Marilyn N. Saunders (nee Holtz), 79, passed away at her home following an eight year battle with cancer on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 in the loving presence of her family. She was born September 14, 1936 to Clarence and Ella (nee Eckhardt) Holtz. Marilyn ranked #3 in the county of middle school students and she graduated from Muscatine High School in Iowa. Following high school, she attended Omaha Baptist Bible College where she met her future husband, Glenn. She married Rev. Glenn E. Saunders on June 15, 1957 and during their 58 years together they raised three children. For the first 25 years of marriage, they served in full time pastoral ministries. Together Glenn and Marilyn served churches in Dolton, Illinois, Hammond, Indiana, Laurence, Iowa, Russell, Iowa, Faribault, Minnesota, and Racine, Wisconsin. Then Marilyn was a Kindergarten teacher at the Union Grove Christian School for 15 years and later she worked as a secretary for her family's business, Sound Specialty. She also taught piano lessons to youth and worked at Kohl's Department Store. Marilyn was a very active member of the Union Grove Baptist Church playing the organ, singing in the choir, and active member of the Union grove Baptist Church playing the organ, singing in the choir, and directing Sunday School Christmas programs. She was also a leader and secretary for the AWANA clubs. She and Glenn traveled twice to Kenya to encourage their children and other missionaries in their work. She also volunteered with the Church's food bank. Her free time was spent knitting and she loved lighthouses, collecting many over the years.

Marilyn is survived by her loving husband, Rev. Glenn; their children, Joann Saunders, RN, Rev. Jim (Kim) Saunders, Jeff (Angela) Saunders; and their grandchildren, Noel (Alex) Miranda, Laurel, Jon, Erica, Emily, and Ethan Saunders; her sister, Marie Baker; and nieces and nephews.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Ella Holtz and her brother-in-law, John Baker.

Visitation will take place at Union Grove Baptist Church on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 from 10 am - 12 noon. The memorial service will begin at 12:30 pm with burial immediately following at the Union Grove Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in her honor to the Union Grove Baptist Church would be appreciated.

The family extends a special thank you to Dr. Ehab Atallah and the Froedtert Cancer Center staff, as well as the Heartland Home Hospice staff for their loving care of Marilyn.