Allegra Hayes Saunders

Allegra Hayes Saunders passed away peacefully at her home in Lake Butler on March 3, 2025, at the age of 93. Born on December 14, 1931, in Starke, Florida, to the late Calvin and Annie Hayes, Allegra's life was marked by faith, love, and an unwavering commitment to her family and community.

For 20 remarkable years, Allegra served as a beloved school bus driver for the Union County Schools, forging lasting bonds with the children and their families. Her outgoing personality made her a cherished figure in the lives of many, as she brightened mornings and afternoons with her warmth and kindness.

A proud graduate of Union County High School, Allegra not only excelled academically but also showcased her athletic prowess on the basketball court. Her love for the game continued during her time at Florida State University, where she played ball with fervor and dedication. Her undying spirit and zest for adventure were evident in her hobbies; Allegra was an avid water skier, demonstrating her remarkable skills even into her eighties, proudly skiing on one leg until the age of 81. The joy she found at her lake house in Keystone, where laughter echoed during summer days filled with skiing and family gatherings, will forever remain a treasured memory for all who knew her.

Allegra's impact extended beyond her career and hobbies. She was a co-founder of the Union County Riding Club, further contributing to her community spirit. As an active member of the First Baptist Church of Lake Butler, she held various roles over the years, expressing her love for teaching through her ladies’ group. Allegra often joked that she had held every position except for pastor, a testament to her dedication and generosity of spirit. Her favorite pastime, however, was riding her bike throughout town. A staple to the Lake Butler community, the cheerfulness she brought to others will be deeply missed.

Her family was the center of her universe. Allegra is survived by her son, Steven (Diane) Saunders of Lake Butler; grandchildren, Suzanne (Eddie) Norman of Lake Butler, Ashley (Steven) Floyd of Cody, Wyoming, and Adam Hazen of Keystone Heights; and great-grandchildren, Garrett Norman of Washington, D.C., Cale Norman of Lake Butler, Colton Cox of Lake Butler, Annie Floyd and Claire Floyd both of Cody, Wyoming. 

Allegra is preceded in death by her cherished husband, Arthur Jesse Saunders, her beloved daughter, Sandy Saunders Hazen, her siblings, Eloise Dobbs, Joyce Ward, George Hayes, and C.B. Hayes, and her parents, Calvin and Annie Hayes. 

Family and friends are encouraged to honor Mrs. Allegra at a graveside service at Dekle Cemetery on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 10am. It is the privilege of Archer-Milton Funeral Home to honor Mrs. Allegra and her family during this time. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers donations to be made to First Baptist Church music ministry, 195 E. Main Street, Lake Butler, FL 32054 or Haven Hospice www.havenhospice.com