Carol Ann (Jones) Saunders

In loving memory of Carol Ann Saunders who passed away on January 22, 2024, due to complications of interstitial lung disease.

Carol was born May 23, 1938, to Lorella Rosalie Cook and Paul Hardy Jones in Norfolk, Nebraska. She was the third of three children. Her siblings were Charles “Chuck” and Quella.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings; her son, William “David” Saunders; a grandson, Jordan Saunders; and a great grandson, Ridge Bird.

Carol’s mother passed away when Carol was only five years old, and this marked the beginning of a journey that formed a life of compassion, ambition, and selfless service.

She courted Melvin Harlo Saunders from St. Ignatius, Montana. They soon fell in love and were married on February 16, 1955. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Cardston, Canada Temple. They were about to celebrate their 69th anniversary. They have five children: William “Dave” (Tammy), Melvin Jr. (Debi), Barbara (Marty), Vickie (Lorin), and David Jr. (Tina). From these children, Carol and Mel were blessed to have 19 grandchildren, 54 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Anyone who knew Carol quickly realized that her family was the most important treasure in her life. Family always came first.

Throughout her life she loved to shop, camp, dance, work, iron clothes, and travel to be wherever family was. Carol was the life of the party and was considered a competitive card player. Laughter was her favorite sound. She also treasured the time she spent with Mel’s siblings who treated her as their own sister. She loved to serve others whether in her work, church, or community.  Carol and Mel served a mission for the LDS church in Nauvoo, Illinois, where eternal friendships were made.

She worked 45 years as lead server at the Westbank convention center in Idaho Falls where she gained the love and respect of many people throughout the region.  Carol was awarded the honor of Lifetime Member in the Rotary Club for her unwavering service to them over a period of 43 years.  The Rotary President further honored Carol by gifting his own pin to her as a gesture of personal gratitude. Among the many ways she served, she also served as a Cub Scout den mother just so she could be close to her sons. She was a teacher’s teacher in demonstrating an unparalleled work ethic--with class and distinction.

Carol lived an honest life and most remarkable of all, she loved unconditionally. Her example of a life well lived will live on in each of us. May she forever rest in peace.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 2, 2024, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road. A visitation for family and friends will be held Thursday evening from 6:30-8 p.m. and Friday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the services, both visitations at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery.

Services will be broadcast live on this page.