OUR STAFF
L. Martin Sauls, III
Owner, Funeral Director & Embalmer, License #1316
Martin is the owner of Sauls Funeral Home of Ridgeland and Bluffton, SC and has served as the Jasper County Coroner for 40 years. He became the owner of Sauls Funeral Home in Ridgeland at the death his father in 1979. He had been working with his father since his graduation from Louisville, KY Mortuary School in 1971. He opened his second location in Bluffton, SC in 2000.
Martin is a US Navy veteran of Vietnam and a resident of Ridgeland, where he was born and raised. Martin has served on numerous committees in both Jasper County and Beaufort County. He was the first Chairman of the Palmetto Electric PET Board. He recently served as Chairman of the Coastal Carolina Medical Center. He is on the board of BJVIM. He is known for his saxophone playing since his high school days and continues to be his passion.
L. Martin Sauls, III
Owner, Funeral Director & Embalmer, License #1316
Martin is the owner of Sauls Funeral Home of Ridgeland and Bluffton, SC and has served as the Jasper County Coroner for 40 years. He became the owner of Sauls Funeral Home in Ridgeland at the death his father in 1979. He had been working with his father since his graduation from Louisville, KY Mortuary School in 1971. He opened his second location in Bluffton, SC in 2000.
Martin is a US Navy veteran of Vietnam and a resident of Ridgeland, where he was born and raised. Martin has served on numerous committees in both Jasper County and Beaufort County. He was the first Chairman of the Palmetto Electric PET Board. He recently served as Chairman of the Coastal Carolina Medical Center. He is on the board of BJVIM. He is known for his saxophone playing since his high school days and continues to be his passion.
Diane P. Sauls
Family Care & Public Relations (Unlicensed), Licensed Crematory Operator
Diane Punzel Sauls is a native of Hardeeville, SC (Levy Section) and one of three daughters of Lawrence F. and Jacqueline Punzel. She is a graduate of Hardeeville High School and Bolen-Draughton Business School of Savannah, GA. She has worked alongside her husband, L.Martin Sauls, III for 40 years.
Prior to co-owning the business, Diane worked as a hospitality professional for more than 14 years. In this role, she traveled throughout the United States coordinating the opening of properties for the Hilton Hotels Corporation.
Diane has served on several Jasper County Boards including the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce, Morris Center Foundation, and the Resource Foundation for Jasper County. She has a passion for serving her community, as demonstrated by her commitment to assisting families make arrangements for passed loved ones.
Diane P. Sauls
Family Care & Public Relations (Unlicensed), Licensed Crematory Operator
Diane Punzel Sauls is a native of Hardeeville, SC (Levy Section) and one of three daughters of Lawrence F. and Jacqueline Punzel. She is a graduate of Hardeeville High School and Bolen-Draughton Business School of Savannah, GA. She has worked alongside her husband, L.Martin Sauls, III for 40 years.
Prior to co-owning the business, Diane worked as a hospitality professional for more than 14 years. In this role, she traveled throughout the United States coordinating the opening of properties for the Hilton Hotels Corporation.
Diane has served on several Jasper County Boards including the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce, Morris Center Foundation, and the Resource Foundation for Jasper County. She has a passion for serving her community, as demonstrated by her commitment to assisting families make arrangements for passed loved ones.
Rachael Dye-Arney
Funeral Director (License #4249)
Rachael N. Dye-Arney, daughter of Deborah Johnson Dye and the late James “Jim” R. Dye, Jr., was born and raised in Trenton, Missouri. She is a graduate of Central Missouri State University (Warrensburg, Missouri; now University of Central Missouri). Rachael earned her Missouri Funeral Director license in 2007 and her South Carolina Funeral Director license in 2021. She and her husband (Scott) and their son (Mason) relocated to the beautiful low country to enjoy the southern lifestyle and ocean in 2020.
Rachael Dye-Arney
Funeral Director (License #4249)
Rachael N. Dye-Arney, daughter of Deborah Johnson Dye and the late James “Jim” R. Dye, Jr., was born and raised in Trenton, Missouri. She is a graduate of Central Missouri State University (Warrensburg, Missouri; now University of Central Missouri). Rachael earned her Missouri Funeral Director license in 2007 and her South Carolina Funeral Director license in 2021. She and her husband (Scott) and their son (Mason) relocated to the beautiful low country to enjoy the southern lifestyle and ocean in 2020.
Alan Michael Martin
Funeral Director & Embalmer (License #3711)
Alan Micheal Martin has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer for 41 years, graduating from Gupton Jones College of Mortuary Science in 1979. He is a member of Masonic Lodge F&AM 452 of Savannah, GA, York Rite, Scottish Rite (9th Degree Presentation Team), an Ailee Shriner, a member of the Royal Order of Jesters Court 134 of Savannah, and a member of the Ailee Dune Cats. Micheal resides in Savannah with his wife, Nancy.
Alan Michael Martin
Funeral Director & Embalmer (License #3711)
Alan Micheal Martin has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer for 41 years, graduating from Gupton Jones College of Mortuary Science in 1979. He is a member of Masonic Lodge F&AM 452 of Savannah, GA, York Rite, Scottish Rite (9th Degree Presentation Team), an Ailee Shriner, a member of the Royal Order of Jesters Court 134 of Savannah, and a member of the Ailee Dune Cats. Micheal resides in Savannah with his wife, Nancy.
Kathryn C. Stoner
Funeral Director (License #4383)
Kathryn C. Stoner is a great-niece to Martin Sauls, III and takes joy in being a member of the Sauls Funeral Home staff. She received her degree in Funeral Service in May of 2018, graduating with honors from Ogeechee Technical College in Statesboro, GA. She is a Ridgeland native, a high school graduate of Thomas Heyward Academy, and a member of Ridgeland Baptist Church. She is married to Blake W. Stoner of Ridgeland and welcomed a baby girl, Sarah Anne, in November of 2024.
Kathryn C. Stoner
Funeral Director (License #4383)
Kathryn C. Stoner is a great-niece to Martin Sauls, III and takes joy in being a member of the Sauls Funeral Home staff. She received her degree in Funeral Service in May of 2018, graduating with honors from Ogeechee Technical College in Statesboro, GA. She is a Ridgeland native, a high school graduate of Thomas Heyward Academy, and a member of Ridgeland Baptist Church. She is married to Blake W. Stoner of Ridgeland and welcomed a baby girl, Sarah Anne, in November of 2024.
Hannah C. O'Quinn
Funeral Director & Embalmer (License #4741)
Hannah C. O’Quinn, daughter of Gerald and Christi O’Quinn, is a native of Ridgeland, SC and a graduate of Thomas Heyward Academy. She began working for Sauls Funeral Home in 2018 after graduating cum laude from Piedmont Technical College with an Associate’s Degree in Funeral Service. During her free time, Hannah enjoys cooking, spending time with her dogs, and going out in the river.
Hannah C. O'Quinn
Funeral Director & Embalmer (License #4741)
Hannah C. O’Quinn, daughter of Gerald and Christi O’Quinn, is a native of Ridgeland, SC and a graduate of Thomas Heyward Academy. She began working for Sauls Funeral Home in 2018 after graduating cum laude from Piedmont Technical College with an Associate’s Degree in Funeral Service. During her free time, Hannah enjoys cooking, spending time with her dogs, and going out in the river.
Leslie Vaigneur
Part-Time Family Care Receptionist (Unlicensed)
Leslie Vaigneur is originally from Marietta, GA and moved to the Lowcountry in the 1990s. She is retired from the medical field and joined the Sauls Funeral Home staff part-time. Leslie is married to Scott Vaigneur of Ridgeland, SC. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening and tending to her chickens.
Leslie Vaigneur
Part-Time Family Care Receptionist (Unlicensed)
Leslie Vaigneur is originally from Marietta, GA and moved to the Lowcountry in the 1990s. She is retired from the medical field and joined the Sauls Funeral Home staff part-time. Leslie is married to Scott Vaigneur of Ridgeland, SC. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening and tending to her chickens.
Rita Adams
Part-Time Family Care Receptionist (Unlicensed)
Rita Adams is originally from Danville, Kentucky but grew up in Richmond, Kentucky. She moved to South Carolina in 1989. Rita is a member of the Edgar Mole Chapter Order of the Eastern Star and the First Presbyterian Church of Hardeeville, South Carolina. She enjoys gardening, painting, and stock-car racing.
Rita Adams
Part-Time Family Care Receptionist (Unlicensed)
Rita Adams is originally from Danville, Kentucky but grew up in Richmond, Kentucky. She moved to South Carolina in 1989. Rita is a member of the Edgar Mole Chapter Order of the Eastern Star and the First Presbyterian Church of Hardeeville, South Carolina. She enjoys gardening, painting, and stock-car racing.
Brenda Thomas Reiser
Funeral Assistant (Unlicensed)
Brenda Thomas Reiser is a part time employee of Sauls Funeral Home. Brenda was born in Ridgeland and lived in Columbia, South Carolina for 25 years before retiring and moving back "home" to Ridgeland. Brenda is an avid gardener and travels to Texas every chance she gets to visit with her two grandsons. Brenda is a granddaughter of Martin Sauls I and is very proud and delighted to be a member of the staff at Sauls Funeral Home. As a child, Brenda fondly remembers hearing her Uncle Martin (Martin Sauls Jr.) tell stories of her family.
Brenda Thomas Reiser
Funeral Assistant (Unlicensed)
Brenda Thomas Reiser is a part time employee of Sauls Funeral Home. Brenda was born in Ridgeland and lived in Columbia, South Carolina for 25 years before retiring and moving back "home" to Ridgeland. Brenda is an avid gardener and travels to Texas every chance she gets to visit with her two grandsons. Brenda is a granddaughter of Martin Sauls I and is very proud and delighted to be a member of the staff at Sauls Funeral Home. As a child, Brenda fondly remembers hearing her Uncle Martin (Martin Sauls Jr.) tell stories of her family.
Ryan Speegle
Licensed Crematory Operator & Funeral Assistant (Unlicensed)
Ryan Speegle is originally from Marietta, Georgia and has lived in the Lowcountry since 1999. He has been working as a Funeral Assistant with Sauls Funeral Home since 2011. He and his wife Meagan currently live in Beaufort, SC with their two sons, Trey and Seth and daughter, Sara. Ryan enjoys boating and being on the water in his spare time.
Ryan Speegle
Licensed Crematory Operator & Funeral Assistant (Unlicensed)
Ryan Speegle is originally from Marietta, Georgia and has lived in the Lowcountry since 1999. He has been working as a Funeral Assistant with Sauls Funeral Home since 2011. He and his wife Meagan currently live in Beaufort, SC with their two sons, Trey and Seth and daughter, Sara. Ryan enjoys boating and being on the water in his spare time.
Scott Arney
Licensed Crematory Operator & Apprentice Funeral Director (License #4401)
Scott Arney was born in Princeton, MO and raised near Mount Moriah, MO. He is a graduate of Central Missouri State University. Scott and his wife, Rachael, and their son, Mason, moved to the Lowcountry in the summer of 2020. In his spare time, he enjoys visiting the beach, bird-watching, and landscaping.
Scott Arney
Licensed Crematory Operator & Apprentice Funeral Director (License #4401)
Scott Arney was born in Princeton, MO and raised near Mount Moriah, MO. He is a graduate of Central Missouri State University. Scott and his wife, Rachael, and their son, Mason, moved to the Lowcountry in the summer of 2020. In his spare time, he enjoys visiting the beach, bird-watching, and landscaping.
Blake Stoner
Funeral Assistant (Unlicensed)
Blake Stoner is a native of Ridgeland, SC, son of Jeff Stoner and Ginger Moser Stoner. He is a graduate of Thomas Heyward Academy and the University of South Carolina - Columbia. Blake resides in Ridgeland with his wife, Kathryn, daughter, Sarah Anne, and their dogs, Sadie and Ranger. In his spare time, Blake enjoys golfing, watching sports, and cheering on his Carolina Gamecocks!
Blake Stoner
Funeral Assistant (Unlicensed)
Blake Stoner is a native of Ridgeland, SC, son of Jeff Stoner and Ginger Moser Stoner. He is a graduate of Thomas Heyward Academy and the University of South Carolina - Columbia. Blake resides in Ridgeland with his wife, Kathryn, daughter, Sarah Anne, and their dogs, Sadie and Ranger. In his spare time, Blake enjoys golfing, watching sports, and cheering on his Carolina Gamecocks!
Scott Vaigneur
Funeral Assistant (Unlicensed)
Scott Vaigneur is a native of Ridgeland, SC, where he and his wife, Leslie, currently reside. He is a graduate of Thomas Heyward Academy and the University of South Carolina - Columbia, later pursuing a career in the medical field. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and cheering on his Gamecocks!
Scott Vaigneur
Funeral Assistant (Unlicensed)
Scott Vaigneur is a native of Ridgeland, SC, where he and his wife, Leslie, currently reside. He is a graduate of Thomas Heyward Academy and the University of South Carolina - Columbia, later pursuing a career in the medical field. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and cheering on his Gamecocks!
Macy Anne Sauls
Granddaughter, Apprentice Funeral Director (License #4647)
Macy Anne Sauls is the eldest granddaughter of L. Martin Sauls, III. She is a graduate of John Paul II and recently graduated from Clemson University. Macy Anne joined her grandfather at Sauls Funeral Home in the Summer of 2024, and is a Funeral Directors Apprentice. Macy Anne loves cheering on her Clemson Tigers, spending time on the Chechessee river, and traveling.
Macy Anne Sauls
Granddaughter, Apprentice Funeral Director (License #4647)
Macy Anne Sauls is the eldest granddaughter of L. Martin Sauls, III. She is a graduate of John Paul II and recently graduated from Clemson University. Macy Anne joined her grandfather at Sauls Funeral Home in the Summer of 2024, and is a Funeral Directors Apprentice. Macy Anne loves cheering on her Clemson Tigers, spending time on the Chechessee river, and traveling.
Emma Martin Sauls
Granddaughter
Emma Martin Sauls is the youngest granddaughter of L. Martin Sauls, III. Emma currently attends Clemson University. She enjoys hunting and spending her summers in the river.
Emma Martin Sauls
Granddaughter
Emma Martin Sauls is the youngest granddaughter of L. Martin Sauls, III. Emma currently attends Clemson University. She enjoys hunting and spending her summers in the river.
L. Martin Sauls, V
Grandson
Schaffer is the youngest grandchild of L. Martin Sauls, III. He loves riding the boat in the river and fishing with his dad!
L. Martin Sauls, V
Grandson
Schaffer is the youngest grandchild of L. Martin Sauls, III. He loves riding the boat in the river and fishing with his dad!
Tess Roach
Funeral Director Apprentice
Tess Shanks Roach joined the Sauls Funeral Home staff in 2022 and began her Funeral Director Apprenticeship in the fall of 2024. A Bluffton native, Tess married into the Pinckney family of Pinckney Colony. She graduated from Bluffton High School and has many ties to the Bluffton community. Tess enjoys spending time with her husband, Cody, and her three children, Corbin, Hadley, and Brynlee, and being on the water.
Tess Roach
Funeral Director Apprentice
Tess Shanks Roach joined the Sauls Funeral Home staff in 2022 and began her Funeral Director Apprenticeship in the fall of 2024. A Bluffton native, Tess married into the Pinckney family of Pinckney Colony. She graduated from Bluffton High School and has many ties to the Bluffton community. Tess enjoys spending time with her husband, Cody, and her three children, Corbin, Hadley, and Brynlee, and being on the water.
