Beloved mother, grandmother, and longtime childcare provider, Rita Kaye Buck Saunders, aged 70 of Gretna, VA went to be with the Lord and her Heavenly family on March 31, 2022.

Born August 17, 1951 in Danville, VA she was the daughter of Raymond Lee Buck and Catherine Taylor Buck. Both preceded her in death.

She is survived by her two children; daughter, Katie Saunders Worsham, and husband Chris of Chatham, and son, Seth Michael Saunders, and wife Michelle of Gretna, and her three adored grandchildren, Alyssa, Salem, and Jase. She is also survived by her only sister, Linda Wright, and husband, Steve of Courtland, VA, as well as two nephews, Zach and Ben Wright, and their children. She had four Godchildren that were very important to her Kaylyn, Kelsie, Madisyn, and Easton.

Rita had a full life, that included many accomplishments such as being a runway model and youth cheerleading director. She found her biggest accomplishment to be that of a well known and cherished childcare provider for over 30 years. She loved her daycare and felt honored to be entrusted to care for more than 200 children she raised. Rita was a hard worker and found her work not to be a job, but a responsibility that she found deeply meaningful. She loved every child she cared for over the years.

When not attending to the children in her daycare, Rita enjoyed knitting, sewing, and crafting. Her greatest joy in life however, was spending time and making wonderful memories with her children and grandchildren, who called her Meme.

Memorial services will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 7, 2022 at The First Baptist Church of Gretna, VA by Rev. Joseph Giles, Jr. and Rev. Bob Ballance. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the fellowship hall.

The family request that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Emily Couric Cancer Center research at UVA in memory of Rita. ( http://Get-involved.uvahealth.com/goto/RitaSaunders )

Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna is assisting the family.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.colbertmoran.com .