Janice Christian Sanders

Janice Christian Sanders, daughter of Edward Charles and Vera Seegmiller Christian and wife of Mart Lynn Sanders passed away peacefully on March 1st, 2024, at the age of 88. Janice was born on September 7, 1935, in St George, UT. She grew up in Sand Town (St George, UT). At the age of 17 she met Lynn Sanders at Dixie College. At the time Dixie High School and Dixie College had classes together. At a dance one evening Janice caught Lynn’s eye. He would find rides and even at times would walk from Hurricane to St George so he could see her.

On December 18th, 1952, Lynn and Janice were sealed in the St George Temple. Shortly after they moved to Fort Ord, CA so Lynn could fulfill his military duties. They then moved back to St George and then moved to Hurricane, UT where they raised their family.

Janice was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, During the time of living in Hurricane, Janice served in the Primary Presidency, Young Women Presidency, Relief Society Presidency, Ward Organist, and Primary Organist. One of her favorite positions, however, was serving in the nursery. 

Janice also served in many volunteer positions in the community, one of the ones she loved, but hated at the same time was finding the security people for the Washington County Fair. Janice worked as a telephone operator in St. George, Utah, then at the Hurricane City offices, finally moved to Hurricane Elementary as a reading aide. Many of the students loved and still remember her to this day. After Lynn retired from UDOT, they opened their own Dutch Oven catering business. Lynn’s Dutch oven cooking was the best, but Janice’s scones could not be beat. 

Janice made her home a place of safety and comfort and would welcome anyone in need. She especially loved her neighbors and treated them as if they were family. In fact, Janice was known in the neighborhood for her donuts, Christmas rolls, and hard tack candy at Christmas. Over the past year and half, she has been at the Beehive Home in Hurricane, where it was said that she would always have a smile on her face and would let everyone she met feel important.

Janice learned to play the piano at a young age. She played into her later years until her arthritis caught up to her. If she was not inside cooking, scrapbooking, or working on the many projects she had going, she would be outside picking up pecans. In fact, she would still be picking them up today if she could. Her Grandkids also expressed how much they loved her homemade root beer in the Summer. 

Lynn and Janice had 6 children. On September 23rd, 1964, a son, Carl, was born into their family. He was the 5th child and one they all knew was special. In fact, Elder Spencer W Kimball gave him a blessing.   Elder Kimball later told Lynn that he knew Carl was a special spirit and that he was not destined to be long on the Earth. Unfortunately, Carl passed away from a brain tumor on April 4th, 1969. He was and is still loved by his family, in fact we are sure he was there to meet our mom after her passing. 

Janice is survived by her children; Jolene (Ron) Lemmon, David (Arla) Sanders, Gary (Joyce) Sanders, Joan (Jon) Jackson, and Janalyn (Eric) Wood. She is also survived by 20 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren (2 more on the way.) and brother, Royden (Evelyn) Christian. Janice is proceeded in death by her husband of more than 50 years Lynn, son Carl, grandsons; Gregory Lemmon, Bradley Sanders, and Zachary Harrison, and her Parents. Janice is also preceded in death by her brothers, Wendell and Clair. 

Funeral services will be Saturday, March 9 at 11:00 in the Red Brick Chapel at 274 S 100 W, Hurricane, UT 84737. A viewing will be held the previous night March 8th, from 5:00 to 7:00 at the chapel. Also, from 9:30 to 10:30 the day of the service. Internment will be in the Hurricane City Cemetery following the service. The funeral will also be broadcast via at https://www.youtube.com/@redbrickchurchhurricaneuta3190

Janice’s family would like to thank the many loving people who have taken care of her at The Beehive Home in Hurricane, UT. Also, we would like to thank Integrated Senior Care for their loving care of Mom. We would also like to express our love and thanks to those on Pecan Avenue (60 East) for how much they took care of Mom prior to going to Beehive and after for watching and taking care of her home.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454.

Family and friends are invited to sign Janice’s online guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com