A Memorial Mass for Jeanne I. Saunders, 83, was held Monday, November 2, 1998, at 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manning with Father James McAlpin.

Jeanne Isabel Saunders was born June 6, 1915, in Sioux City, Iowa. She was an only child of William B. Donnelly and Grace (Means) Donnelly. She grew up and attended school in various towns in South Dakota. Her father worked for the railroad.

After graduating from high school, she attended Briar Cliff College in Sioux City, Iowa. Upon graduation, she taught country school east of Manilla.

In 1938, she married Merle Hay Saunders and made their first home on the Saunders farm.

Later that year daughter Merlene Kay was born. In 1939, son Dennis Kern was born, followed by Carl Allan in 1940.

Merle and Jeanne purchased a farm east of Manilla in 1945. In 1946 son William B. arrived. They farmed there until 1951 when they sold the farm to Arno and Ruth Miller.

Moving to farm at Casey, Iowa, later to Lewis, Iowa, in 1952 and remained there until 1955. Leaving farming, they moved to Manning, Iowa, and purchased a café in 1955. It was to be remodeled and named Saunders Steak House. Daughter, Mildred Jean, was born in 1957.

Jeanne was a helpmate for husband, Merle, in the business but mainly a full-time mother. She did volunteer work for many organizations such as for Sacred Heart Church, teaching CCD, United Way, and the Democratic Party. She also helped with the hot lunch program at school for a few years while Bill and Millie were still in school.

Merle retired and sold the business to daughter Kay and husband Ray in 1978. Merle died October 29, 1981.

After the Houghtons sold the business in 1984, Jeanne spent a few months in Florida, then returned to Manning. In 1990 she moved to Fort Madison, Iowa, and in 1992 moved to Omaha, Nebraska where she died October 29, 1998.

She is survived by five children, 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.