Saundra J Merritt passed away peacefully on the evening of January 28, 2021 after a
long battle with cancer. Saundra was born in Afton, WY March 16, 1954 to Lowell and
Verna Jenkins. She grew up in the Star Valley community where she attended and
graduated high school. After high school she continued her education with Rick's college
where she received her secretarial certificate. Saundra then moved to Provo, UT where
she lived and worked until returning to Star Valley when she married Von Merritt. Von
and Saundra were sealed for time and all eternity on November 12, 1976 in the Idaho
Falls temple. Saundra spent thirty seven years working for Doyle Child and Tom Davis
managing their insurance and real estate office. Saundra and Von raised two boys, Clint
and Randy, who both live in Cody, WY with their families.
Saundra was an example of hard work and compassion for her family. She was always
willing to help with service and considered everyone her neighbor, even if it meant the
lemon meringue pie headed out the door, despite the pleas of her two boys. Saundra
was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She was
dedicated to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and understood the mission of our Saviour.
Saundra enjoyed a very personal relationship with the Saviour and was an example of
his light to everyone she encountered.
Saundra loved reading and usually had her nose in a book. Cold winter days were spent
crafting and warm winter days she spent skiing and ice fishing. In the summer she
enjoyed hiking to alpine lakes for fishing trips. She enjoyed all these activities with her
family. After retirement Von and Saundra enjoyed Southern Utah part time for hiking
and ATV excursions. As Saundra underwent surgeries and chemotherapy, you could still
find her outside staying busy with small yard projects and enjoying an evening walk.
Saundra will be missed by all that knew and loved her. She is preceded in death by her
parents Lowell and Verna Jenkins. She is survived by her husband: Von; Sisters: Eldean
(Bob) Wimpey, Laura (Melvin) Miles, Eileen (Ray) Barney; Brothers: Ryan (Janelle)
Jenkins, Lamar Jenkins; children: Clint (Rebecca), Randy (Sunny); Grandchildren:
Kinsley, Reese, Russell Chace, Kash, Kali, Kori, Kol