Leeila (Lee) Mae Saucerman, 87, passed peacefully to the arms of her heavenly Father in her Woodland home, surrounded by family, on May 20, 2025.
Born Leeila Mae Ambler on July 6, 1937, in Wray, Colorado, she was the first daughter of Everett and Jennie Ambler. In 1939, the family moved to Denver, where she grew up, went to East Denver High, and studied at Denver University.
She graduated from East High in 1955 and worked at the Denver Post, where she met Robert Saucerman. On June 9, 1956, they were married and soon moved to California - first Merced, then San Diego, and finally to Woodland, where they resided for the rest of their lives.
Leeila was a talented pianist and taught piano to many children in Woodland. She was active in community bowling leagues where she won many trophies and taught youth bowling.
Leeila had a fulfilling career working at the University of California Davis, in the Teaching Resources Center, where she worked for over 30 years. Her job title was Management Services Officer (her colleagues often said “She runs the place”), and in addition to managing the TRC, she created a fun-loving, friendly environment for both employees and students who dropped in. She was highly respected and well-loved by all.
She made life-long friends everywhere she went, enjoying many a gathering, where her stories and laughter echoed through the rooms. The holiday gatherings she hosted at her home were legendary. Her beauty was epic, both inside and out, and made more so because she herself didn’t believe it. She loved baseball, especially the San Francisco Giants, rarely missing a game.
Leeila had a generous spirit and open heart, which was evident in her home, where all were welcome and there was always anopen seat at the table. She invited an exchange student from Chile to live with the family, which created a life long connection. When friends from Samoa needed a place to stay, she opened her doors. Several grandchildren and even a great grandchild lived with her over the years. She always had aroom, food, and love to share with anyone in need.
She had several travel adventures in her life, visiting New York, Hawai’i, the Dominican Republic, London, West Africa, and Samoa. She also traveled often to her beloved home state, Colorado.
Leeila is survived by her sister Elaine Ellis; her four children, with whom she was especially close and by whom she was adored: Peter Saucerman, Cynthia Saucerman, Susan Saucerman, and Scott Saucerman; 12 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Milton Ambler; her parents, Everett and Jennie; her husband, Robert (Bob); many aunts and uncles; and many dear friends.
She will be sorely missed by all who knew her, but all will be blessed by the wonderful memories made with her.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.