Leila Saunders

Leila Porter Saunders

March 7, 1922 ~ August 31, 2016

Leila Porter Saunders went into the loving arms of her sweetheart as she left this life on Wednesday, August 31, 2016. She was born on March 7, 1922, in Ogden, Utah, the first of six children, to Willard and Lois Rogers Porter. She is survived by her brothers, Kenneth and Lloyd and her sister, Beverly. She was raised in Ogden and has lived in Harrisville since 1957.

She married the love of her life, Leland Ray Saunders, on November 6, 1942. They celebrated their 72nd Anniversary two months before his passing on January 3, 2015. They have 10 children, Marilyn Cheney, Janet (Brent) VanAlfen, Joy (Doug) Wiese, Kevin (Lori) Saunders, Gary (Nedra) Saunders, Edward (Katy) Saunders, Ronald (Julie) Saunders, Lori (Scott) Robertson, Roger (Deanne) Saunders, and Alan (Lisa) Saunders; 52 grandchildren, 117 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. We know she has enjoyed a wonderful reunion with granddaughters, Wendy Fisher and Jill Peterson; also great granddaughter, Bailee Fuhriman, who preceded her in death.

Leila enjoyed crocheting, reading, cross word puzzles, Jazz games, and playing cards.

She was always willing to share her musical talent playing and teaching the piano and organ.

She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many positions including Relief Society President, Primary Presidency, and ward organist. She and Leland served a mission to Brisbane, Australia in 1990 where he served as a Patriarch and gave over 120 blessings. As always, they worked together as she transcribed and typed each one.

She leaves her large family with a legacy of love, service, and testimony that will be a

challenge to live up to.  Mom, we will strive to follow your example and be worthy to join you “in those royal courts on high”. We love you and will miss you every day.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 9, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Harrisville LDS Ward Chapel, 435 West Harrisville Rd.  Friends may visit with family on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.  Interment, Ogden City Cemetery.  Services entrusted to Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary.