Dorothy Lee Saunders

Dorothy Lee Saunders, 95, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2025. She was born on December 15, 1929, in Bolivar, Missouri, one of four children born to Thomas (Tommy) and Lottie Cash.

Dorothy spent her childhood splitting time between Bolivar and Kansas City, where she cherished time with her mother, siblings, and grandparents after the early passing of her father. She carried a strong sense of family throughout her life, always making time for loved ones.

Dorothy worked and co-owned Tolly’s, an Italian restaurant in historic Columbus Park. Her time at the restaurant honed her exceptional cooking skills, and she became well-known for her delicious lasagna, spaghetti, and Italian cookies—recipes that became treasured favorites among family and friends. Later in life she spent many years working at Macy's.

For many years Dorothy lived near the Lake of the Ozarks, enjoying the beauty of nature and the simple pleasures of life. Dorothy found joy in feeding hummingbirds, playing Farkle and other various games. Dorothy loved playing card or dice games, with many fond memories of playing with her friends or family wherever she was over the years. Later in her life, she became a bit of a sports fan, watching every Chiefs and Royals game, even attending her first Royals game in May of last year.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Ernie Saunders; and her children, Tolly Joe Mastrocesare and Rhonda Gallagher; and siblings, John (Ruth) Cash, Helen (George) Sellars, and Charles (Mary) Cash.

She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her grandsons, Phillip and Daniel Gallagher; her son-in-law, Ken Gallagher; her cousin Anita Thompson; and her many nieces and nephews: John (Kim) Cash, Joyce Jones, Tom (Julie) Cash, Terry (Wayne) Vanderford, David Cash, Denise (Steve) Long, Sandra (Greg) Rackers, Karen (Joe) Behen, and Linda (Matthew) Barksdale. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at Terrace Park Cemetery - Lakeside Chapel on Monday, March 3, 2025. Visitation will begin at noon, funeral service at 1:00pm, and burial following. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to A Turning Point.