Saundra M. (Bishop) Reef, age 87, of Mount Liberty, Ohio met her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, May 29, 2023.
Saundra was born on December 27, 1935, in Mount Vernon, Ohio the only daughter of Forest and Miriam (Poland) Bishop. She graduated from Centerburg High School in 1953. Saundra married Hassel Horton in 1954 and she started her family. She spent most of her life in, or near Mount Liberty. In her younger days, she spent most of her time raising her children and spending time with her best friend, Eva (Butler) McCann. With Eva’s three kids, they provided a wonderful, loving childhood for seven kids. She and the children enjoyed picnics, swimming, hikes, bike rides, working in the garden, pony rides, farm work, and living the country life.
Saundra spent a good portion of her life in the care and nursing of others. At the early passing of her best friend, Eva, Saundra became “substitute” mom to Eva’s daughter Ellie. This blessing would benefit Saundra, Ellie, and many generations to come. They all lovingly called her “Boonie”, and still do today.
Saundra’s second marriage to John Reef of Mount Vernon in 1983, was spent together building and improving their house in the woods near Mount Liberty. Saundra cherished her time outside working her flower gardens with her constant companion, Buckey, the wiener dog! When John passed away, Saundra continued to live and thrive in her country home. She spent many years traveling the country with her friends and family.
In 2019, Saundra was dealt a heavy blow, with the sudden death of her oldest daughter Connie. Saundra’s grandson, Shane Hankins, carried on his mother Connie’s love and servant’s attitude, toward his grandma Saundra. After a series of falls and illnesses in 2023, Saundra sold her house and moved into The Living Center in Mount Vernon. Here she learned to love living in town. As things changed, she moved into Danbury Assisted Living. She spent most days in her big chair by the window where she loved watching people and the world go by. The staff are wonderful there! She loved attending her church, Chapel Hill Church in Bangs. She was a grandmother figure to many in the church, as she dispensed much love and many hugs! Her loving friends Leslie McCann, and Shirley Frost, blessed her daily with calls, gifts, prayers and blessings of love. God brought her home, a happy servant, ready to be reunited with her many family members and friends, waiting at the Gate for her!
Saundra is survived by one brother, Forest (Marlene) Bishop Jr.; her children Craig (Chona) Horton of Seattle, Washington, Chris (Cindy) Horton of Mount Vernon and Brenda (Mike) Pruitt of Centerburg; one grandson Shane Hankins of Brooklyn, NY; Special “third daughter” Ellie (Jim) Hartsock and grandkids Chad (Anna) Hartsock, Darby Hartsock, Caleb Hartsock, all of Indiana; step children John (Vickie) Reef, Diana (Jay) Haskins, and grandkids Sarah (George) Weirich, Alexander Reef, Andrew Reef, Josephine Reef, and Lucas LeMaster; three great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a prayerful and loving church family!
Saundra was preceded in death by her parents Forest and Miriam Bishop, two brothers Jack Bishop and Barry Bishop; her husbands Hassel Horton and John Reef; and her daughter Connie Jackson.
Friends may call on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, from 11am-1pm at The Church at Chapel Hill. A service will follow beginning at 1pm. The burial will take place in Mount Liberty Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made, in her name, to the church’s building/land fund.
To send the family a condolence online visit: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
The Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Saundra M. Reef.
Funeral home : Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home
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