Saundra Adell Sutherlen

Saundra Adell "Sunne" Sutherlen went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 29, 2025, at the age of 77. Born in Oakland, California, Sunne moved with her family from Amarillo, Texas, to Ridgecrest in 1964 later graduating from Burroughs High School in 1965 and going on to earn her BA in Social Science at Fresno State University and later obtained her Teaching Credentials.

Sunne lived a life full of purpose, marked by her unwavering faith, radiant spirit, and deep love for others. Her nickname, "Sunne," perfectly described her joyful, generous, and compassionate heart. She was a devoted wife, mother, grammy, teacher, and friend, whose greatest passion was sharing the love of Jesus and helping others find a personal relationship with Him.

She shared a beautiful marriage with the love of her life, Bill. Their love was deep, tender, and Christ-centered. When Bill passed away in 1998, Sunne became a widow at just 47, but she continued to walk in faith. She often spoke of her excitement to one day be reunited with Bill — and that joyful reunion has now come.

Sunne poured her heart into education, teaching in local elementary schools and later working at Cerro Coso Community College, supporting students with learning disabilities. She was also deeply involved in the homeschool community and had a missionary's heart right in her own neighborhood. She led a "Good News Club" in her home, sharing the gospel with children each week.

Despite battling an autoimmune disease for over 20 years, affecting her heart, kidneys, and lungs, Sunne continued to live with courage and joy. Her five grandchildren — Ella, Luke, Holly, Sailor, and Scarlet — were the light of her life and her reason to keep pressing on. Even at the dialysis clinic, she became a beacon of hope, praying with fellow patients and pointing them to Jesus.

Sunne is survived by her beloved children, David and Sarah, and her treasured grandchildren. She will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Her life was a testimony to the power of faith, love, and joyful endurance.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." – 2 Timothy 4:7

She is now resting in glory — healed, whole, and finally in the arms of her Savior and her beloved Bill. What a reunion it must be...