Gayle Sanders

GAYLE SANDERS Click here to view Gayle's Video Tribute IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Gayle Smith Sanders, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, our beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away April 18, 2010, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, surrounded by her family. Gayle was born November 16, 1930, in Logan, Utah, to Wilbert Delmar (W. D.) Smith and Angeline Idonna Jensen Smith. She went to grade school in Hyrum, Utah, and when she was got older attended Utah State. She was an only child and was a great blessing to her mom and dad. Gayle married H. J. (Junior) Sanders January 5, 1951, in the Logan, Utah, LDS Temple. They moved into a house on 10th Street in Idaho Falls in 1953, where they raised their family and worked in the family business. They built their dream home on Hitt Road and moved into it in 1971, where they continue to reside. Gayle was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in various callings in Relief Society and Young Women. She gave her heart and soul to the church. She would never turn down a chance to serve her church family. Gayle served a mission at the church cannery for six years, working in quality control. She enjoyed traveling. Junior and Gayle were fortunate to be able to travel extensively. One big trip was to Spain, taking two of their grandchildren to translate. She had a wonderful time. She also enjoyed time at the family cabin in Island Park with many family and friends. Gayle was the family historian, taking pictures at every event, keeping records and scrapbooks. Genealogy was her passion and she worked on it every chance she got. She was also a talented quilter, making quilts for all her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Gayle loved little kids and they loved her. Her highlight on Christmas was coming to her son’s home and watching the kids open their presents; what a joy that gave her. When the trials of her health problems got worse she was a trooper, never complaining. Gayle is survived by her husband of 59 years, her children, Cathy (John) Valentine of Pasadena, California, Debbie (Dave) Fleming of Sandy, Oregon, and Kenney (Janet) Sanders of Idaho Falls, Idaho, 12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 24, 2010, at the Ucon LDS Stake Center, 10854 North 41 East, with Travis Bennett, a counselor in the Ucon Homestead Ward Bishopric, officiating. The family will visit with friends Friday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, and Saturday from 9 to 9:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Hyrum City Cemetery in Hyrum, Utah, under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Carol Smith Cook carolc3@ptd.net Dear Jr. and family. My heart and sympathy is sent to all of the family. Gayle was such a sweet person. I am thankful for the opportunity of talking to her when I lived in IF. She was always so kind and thoughtful. Love, Carol