Flora Paulette Saunders, age 79, passed away on April 2, 2026 in McKinney Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fay and Gladys Clark of Buttonwillow, her brothers Cecil Don Clark of Collinsville, Texas, William Clark of Buttonwillow, her sisters Frances Taylor of Salem Oregon, Margaret Canard of Mountain View Arkansas, and Anna Webb of Buttonwillow, and her great grandson Cash Saunders of Bakersfield. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Clifford Barry Saunders, and her children Sherrie Varner of Bakersfield, Dennis Saunders of Bakersfield, and Michael Saunders of McKinney Texas. As well as her beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Paulette was born on November 29, 1946 in Bakersfield California. She grew up in Buttonwillow, CA and attended Buttonwillow Elementary and later graduated in 1964 from Shafter High School. At 17, she met the love of her life, Clifford Barry Saunders, at a stoplight while cruising Chester Avenue. Their chance meeting led them to meet up at Andre's Drive In. Soon after in August of 1964 they married. Eventually, the couple moved to Taft CA where they spent the next 45 years. Eventually, they decided to move to Bakersfield where mom lived in her favorite home in the Northwest.

While living in Taft, Paulette worked at several places including TG&Y, Johnson's Liquor Store, Santa Fe Energy, and Berry Petroleum. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. As a child, she attended First Baptist Church of Buttonwillow, and later the Church of the Nazarene in Taft. It was at this church she met her best friend Janice Biggs. Together they shared countless "escapades" such as driving backwards through the Del Taco drive through. After moving to Bakersfield, she attended Valley Baptist. She loved this church and was part of the women's life group and donated many Good Samaritan Christmas boxes throughout the years.

Traveling was one of Paulette and Barry's hobbies. They traveled to Hawaii to visit her son Michael while he was serving in the Navy. where she even "faked surfing." As history enthusiasts, they spend two weeks touring the Smithsonian museums. Following their 50th anniversary, they journeyed abroad to England, Scotland, Ireland, and France. Closer to home, Alaska and Oregon were among their favorite destinations where she loved spending time with her sister, nieces and nephew.

Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were among the greatest joys of her life. She was always present for the milestones and activities. She treasured watching Amber's school plays, Stephen's baseball games, Jessica's soccer matches, Craig's cross country meets, Kristin's basketball games, Brendan's band competitions, Graeson's track meets, Kayden's You Tube channel, Evan's dance productions, Mason’s recitations of colors and ABC’s, and listening to Eli and Jayce sing. Most recently, she got to see her soon -to-be -born great granddaughter Abigail's sonogram. She was a wonderful and beloved "Mema."

The family would like to thank all the relatives and family who came to visit my mom during the difficult months. Her nieces Pam and Kelly, daughter in law Kimbra, sisters in law Joyce, Sandy, and Kathy, and best friend Janice. We appreciate all of you so much. Please forgive any names we did not include.

Paulette will be remembered for her faith and most of all her devotion to her family, and we will miss her.

Funeral services will be April 17th at 10:00 am at Shafter Memorial Cemetery. Memorial Luncheon to follow services.