VIDEO : Jeraldine Saunders, ?The Love Boat? Creator, Dies At 96 Years Old

Jeraldine Saunders, creator of the iconic ABC series ?The Love Boat,? died in her California home on Monday night. According to SF Gate, Edward Lozzi, a spokesperson for the actress said Saunders died following complications due to kidney stone surgery. Lozzi told reporters; ?She was a terrific, grateful, class act who refused to grow old. She was indomitable. She broke the gender barrier in a major industry, the Cruise Lines". ?The Love Boat? ? which ran on ABC from 1977 until 1986 was based on Saunders? 1974 book ?Love Boats,? which detailed her real-life experience as a professional cruise director for a major cruise line. The author and creator was 96 years old.