Anna Saunders Easthope

Anna Saunders Easthope, 94, our precious mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and dear friend returned home to our Father in Heaven on Sunday, September 4, 2011 in the home she loved, surrounded by all her children.

Anna was born on March 29, 1917 in Ogden, Utah, daughter of Edward T. and Marcia Slater Saunders. She was the second of twelve children and was raised in Ogden. She graduated from Ogden High School and registered at Weber Academy, but willingly sacrificed her education to care for her younger siblings when her mother became ill.

In 1937, she was called to serve a LDS mission in the British Isles serving under Hugh B. Brown. She returned home shortly after the outbreak of World War II. Anna recounted, with fondness, the powerful stories of her mission to her children and grandchildren over the course of her life.

Anna was sealed to her sweetheart, Clarence LaRoy Easthope, on June 21, 1945 in the Salt Lake Temple by David O. McKay. Her family and the gospel meant everything to her. Anna always said "the richest gift you can have is family." She spent her whole life loving and serving them. She affectionately called her grand and great-grandchildren "lovey" or "tootsie." She always had a twinkle in her eye and a smile on her face.

Anna never lost her warmth, wit, sense of humor, or the beautiful singing voice with which she was blessed. Her love and testimony of the Savior were felt every time she sang "The Holy City." She also loved to travel, crochet, and write in her journal. Anna was proud of her pioneer ancestry and was a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers for many years. She also served in many church callings throughout her life.

Anna left behind her children: Annette (Chris) Newbold, C. LaRoy (Janet) Easthope, Kathleen Telford, Carolyn (Rocky) Palmer, Raeleen Easthope, Lou Jean (Lance) Ferrell; 19 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, brothers Lawrence, Leland, Glen and Darrell Saunders, sisters Marva Elggren, Ilene Smith, Lou Jean Wiggins, and Marcia Lindsay; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Clarence LaRoy Easthope, brothers Edward, Marvin and Carl Saunders, and grandson Jason Newbold.

We truly mourn the loss of such a beautiful and virtuous daughter of God. We are grateful for the opportunity to have been associated with such an example of Christ-like qualities and for all the ways she blessed our lives. While we shed tears of sorrow, let us also rejoice that she is now reunited with our Heavenly Father, Savior, and her beloved Clarence and other family members on the other side. She lived an exemplary life and her righteous influence will be felt for generations.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 10, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the Syracuse Utah Stake Center, 1350 S. 1800 W. Friends may visit with family Friday, September 9, from 6-8 p.m. at Lindquist''s Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Rd. and Saturday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Stake Center. Interment will be in the Syracuse City Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank Symbii Hospice and Zions Crossing Ward members for their tender care and loving support.

God be with us ''till we meet again. We love you.