Larry Edward Saunders Obituary
Our beloved father and grandfather, Larry Edward Saunders, age 84, passed away peacefully at home on July 11, 2023 in Saratoga Springs, Utah. Larry was born in Ogden, Utah on June 16, 1939. He was the third child of seven born to James Edward and Sarah Erma (Read) Saunders.
Dad grew up in his early years in Ogden and later moved to Redondo Beach, California where he graduated from Mira Costa High School. He later served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in New Zealand. He often spoke about how much he loved his mission and the people in New Zealand. Upon returning from his mission, he met the love of his life, Sandra Lee Whitten, who happened to be best friends with his sister Sharon. They were married in the Los Angeles Temple and sealed together for time and all eternity on September 21, 1963. Dad adored mom and was never happier than when he was with her. They were married for nearly 60 years prior to his passing.
Dad was a devoted family man. He worked hard, along with mom, to provide for and raise six children. He instilled in us the importance of good values, hard work, self-reliance and putting trust in God. He loved many things in life such as fishing, traveling, golfing, playing the piano, ice cream and BYU football. These things brought him the most joy as he shared them with his family. Many were the fishing trips we would take each summer, almost always stopping for ice cream on the way home. We had many memorable family vacations together and you could be sure that every Saturday in the fall we were attending BYU football games or watching them at home.
Dad was a devout member of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He loved the gospel and tried to pattern his life after the Savior. He served faithfully in many church callings throughout his life. He was a great example to us all.
Dad suffered for many years with dementia before his passing. But even as his condition worsened, he never lost his sense of humor or his love of family. He was always a joy to be around and he enjoyed the simple things in life such as a beautiful sunset or the stars at night. We will greatly miss our father and grandfather but we know we will see him again.
We would like to thank the wonderful nurses and medical assistant of Ability Home Health and Hospice who so lovingly helped to take care of dad in his final days.
Dad is survived by his wife, Sandra; siblings: Carol (DeeJay) Bigler and Read (Colleen) Saunders; children: Denise (Sterling) Jacobs, Terri (Gary) Gabbitas, Mindy (Jim) Pehrson, Lemoine Saunders and Denny (Kim) Saunders; 20 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren with one on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Karleen Tupa, Barbara (Jay) Watkins, Sharon (Steve) Fuhr and Mark Saunders; Son: Edward (Tami) Saunders.
Funeral services for dad will be held for on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 12:30 p.m. at the Hunter Ward Chapel located at 163 Ring Road in Saratoga Springs, Utah. A viewing will be held on July 14, 2023 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Broomhead Funeral Home, 12600 South 2200 West, Riverton, Utah. A viewing will also be held from 11:00 to 12:15 at the church prior to the funeral service. Interment will follow at the Riverton City Cemetery, 1500 West 13200 South, Riverton, Utah.
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