Saundra Lee Mourning

Saundra Lee Mourning “Sauni,” 79 of Colchester, IL, passed away on April 8, 2022 at OSF in Peoria, IL with family by her side.

Sauni was born in Kenosha, WI on June 30,1942 to Olen and Lowanda DeWeese. She graduated from Western Lab School in 1960 and continued to Western Illinois University where she studied art.

She married W.H. “Butch” Mourning on January 12, 1969. Together they had 3 children, Cassandra Butterworth, Samuel Mourning, and Andrew Mourning. They were married for 53 wonderful years. 

Sauni had a number of jobs throughout her life. She was a secretary for an optometrist and worked as a switchboard operator as a young woman. Sauni enjoyed professional photography so much that she started her own business where she specialized in senior photos, weddings, and glamour shoots. She was also an amazing artist that specialized in beautiful abstract and digital artwork. 

Sauni was a very loving and caring soul and a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend.  She had a spark about her and a great sense of humor. She always had a smile on her face and a kind word for everyone. Her spirit never faltered in the best and even in the hardest of times. Her family meant so much to her. Spending time with family and friends was what she lived for. She loved boating and skiing at the Mississippi River where Sauni learned to slalom ski and vacationing at the Lake of the Ozarks where many fun filled summers were spent. She also spent quite a bit of time enjoying the view of the farm from her “Mom Cave” that was built by W.H. and Andy. She also enjoyed spoiling her kitties Moe (Mister) and Jo (Missy). 

Sauni is survived by her loving husband, W.H. Mourning, children Cassandra Mourning Butterworth (Robert Cutsinger), Samuel Mourning (Roxie Maul), and Andrew Mourning (Jennifer Dailey) grandchildren Devin Mourning, Kinley Mourning, Emily Mourning, and Olivia Mourning. She is also survived by her sister Sally Kammerer (Karl Kammerer) one nephew, Kurt Kammerer (Cyndi Kammerer) and several great nieces and nephews. 

Sauni was preceded in death by her parents, Olen and Lowanda DeWeese, and several aunts and uncles. 

Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Thursday, April 14, 2022, at the Colchester United Methodist Church, with Rev. Jim Clayton.  Burial will follow the services at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Colchester.   Friends may view and sign the register book at the Jones Mortuary in Colchester from 8:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Wednesday.  Visitation with the family will be from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, April 13, 2022, at the Colchester United Methodist Church.

Memorial donations may be made to Colchester United Methodist Church and the Colchester Rescue Squad.

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