Bellville: Carolyn Jean Sauder stepped into her Savior’s arms on November 24, 2024, after an extended illness. She was 78.
She was born on April 10, 1946 in Layland, West Virginia to parents George and Gracie (Gwinn) Dotson. After graduating from high school Carolyn moved to Richland County in Ohio, where she met the love of her life Robert “Bob” Sauder. The couple were married on April 22, 1967 at the Caesarea Baptist Church in Mansfield, Ohio and shared 57 wonderful years together, raising their family and building their home.
Carolyn enjoyed spending time in her garden, canning the yields of that garden, berry picking, and sewing. She also enjoyed baking pies, which she learned how to do from her mother-in-law as a newlywed. She perfected her pie recipes and shared them at all the family gatherings. When her health began to weaken, Bob picked up the pie making duties and continued on her “pie-baker-extraordinaire” legacy. Above all else though, Carolyn was a woman whose faith was the cornerstone of her life. Her unwavering belief in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior guided her every step, providing her with strength, grace, and compassion. She lived her life with deep devotion, always seeking to serve others and share the love of Christ through her actions. Her faith was not just a part of her, but the light that illuminated her path, offering comfort and peace to those around her. Carolyn’s legacy will forever be one of love, kindness, and a steadfast commitment to her faith, which she cherished until the very end.
She is survived by her husband Bob, daughters Kim (Mike) Reiss, Kristina (Rob) Sparks, Kathryn Sauder, grandchildren Ethan (Teresa) Sparks, Isaac (Paige) Sparks, Luke Sparks, Cayden Dickey, Lauren Dickey, Ashden Dickey, Brooklyn Dickey, Caroline Reiss, and Grace Reiss, great-grandson Joshua Sparks and a great-granddaughter on the way, brother Johnny (Libby) Dotson, multiple nieces and nephews, as well as her beloved church family of 50 years.
In addition to her parents, Carolyn is preceded in death by her siblings Verona (Jim) Barley and George G. Dotson.
The Sauder family will receive guests from 10 am to noon on Friday, November 29, 2024 at the Grace Church of Lexington, where a funeral service honoring Carolyn’s life will be held at noon. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 10 am in the 2020 section of Bellville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse.
The family would also like to extend a special thank you to the Kidney Center of Mansfield, Dr. Akkina and her many wonderful nurses for their exceptional care of Carolyn throughout her illness.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Carolyn’s family and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence on her obituary page at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Bellville/Butler Chapel
Website: www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com