Jody Marie Saunders
On Friday April 12th 2024, with great joy, Jody returned home.
Jody was born in Seattle, Washington, USA; on 2nd of Oct 1963 to Leslie August Wood & Beverly Jean Masseth Wood. She grew up in both Seattle and Edmonds with her four brothers, Rusty Joseph, Ronald Bruce, Randy August & eventually, Anthony Joseph Wood. She attended BYU Idaho, Edmonds CC and eventually Washington State University. In 1985-86 Jody served 18 months as a loving and devoted Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Scotland, Edinburgh Mission. Preceding her mission, she met the love of her life, her soulmate, Peter Keith Saunders, in the Provo, Utah Missionary Training Center. Following their missions, Peter and Jody were married in Gillingham, Kent, England on 23rd of April 1988 and sealed for time & eternity later that afternoon in the London, England Temple. Their union was blessed with three wonderful children, Ashleigh Marie Saunders, Joshua David Saunders & Benjamin Ammon Saunders.
Jody always said being a wife and mother were two of her greatest blessings. She passionately loved her family and always strove to love each member unconditionally. She focused on teaching many life lessons, especially values, like hard work and love of fellow beings.
Jody loved playing softball and pickleball. She enjoyed gardening, community theater, inspirational public speaking, family history, researching quotes and poetry and turning them into quote pages.
Jody was deeply spiritual. Although she belonged to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, she loved people of all religions, races, ethnic & cultural backgrounds. Above all, she loved her Savior, Jesus Christ. She did the work, through study & prayer, to get to truly know Him and it became her greatest desire to serve Him. I have no doubt that she has already been held by her Savior and shed many tears of joy!
Being diagnosed in her youth with numerous diseases and then tragic complications, Jody was no stranger to pain and suffering. Of course, there were tear filled days where hope seemed distant, however, Jody used her own suffering to learn life lessons, so that she, in turn, could reach out and help others in their own painful struggles.
In fact, Jody will always be remembered for two ongoing traits throughout her life. First, through the years, Jody could always be heard saying, “I have a good idea!” She never lingered long on her or other’s problems. Instead, she always looked to find the perfect solution.
Second, she lived her mantra: “S.M.I.L.E.”
S= Serve Others, M= Make Memories, I= I Am Not Alone, L= Love Life & Learn and E= Endure to the End! In fact, after being put on Hospice, together, Jody and Peter wrote a little book “And Don’t Forget To SMILE!” She wanted to share a book that would help others going through physical, mental or emotional trauma.
Although Jody will be deeply missed and mourning will take its proper place in our lives for a while, we are forever grateful Jody left us with endless happy memories and she endured to the end. She is free from all pain and sorrows. The Lord has wiped away her tears and she is full of joy! (and even more good ideas!)
Jody is preceded in death by her brother Ronnie. She is survived by her parents, her other three brothers, her husband, her children, and her five grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held in the Plains Cemetery in Montana, 12 noon Saturday April 27th 2024.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.myers-mortuary.com