Josephine Charlotte Saunders

Josephine Jeffers Saunders age 94 Josephine peacefully passed away in the early morning of June 7, 2014 at Luther Park in Sandpoint, ID. Jo, as she preferred, was born in Ephrata, WA July 25, 1919 to Clyde Garfield Jeffers and Ruth (Nye) Jeffers. She graduated from Ephrata High school and attended both Western Washington College and the University of Washington where she earned a degree in elementary education. Jo taught kindergarten during the war years in Everett, Washington. One of the boys in her kindergarten class invited Jo to his home for a family dinner. Another guest that evening was a family friend, Stephen Saunders. A short time later Steve and Jo were married in January 1949 by Jo’s father, Clyde, who was the Chief Justice of the Washington State Supreme Court. Jo enjoyed working at the hospital gift shop, serving in the First Presbyterian Church’s woman’s group, leading a Blue Bird group, taking bicycling trips with friends and family-and most of all being a great partner to Steve. She had a subtle but sharp sense of humor, a great sense of style, a love of adventure, a gift for hosting others and an ability to paint- which she developed later in life. Jo is survived by her husband of 66 years, Steve, her daughter Mary Snedden (Dr. John) of Sandpoint, ID and six grandchildren: Stephen Snedden of Sandpoint, Anna Smith (Peter) of Coeur d’Alene, Sarah Anaya (Dr. Samuel) of Austin, TX, Erika Sargent (Ryan) of Oceanside, CA, Marissa Schuh (Troy)of Stanwood, WA and Michael Saunders of Montana. Jo is also survived by six great-grandchildren: Bella and Olivia Smith, Aubrey and Maverick Sargent and Olivia and Jack Schuh. Numerous nieces, nephews and their children also survived Jo. Jo was preceded in death by a son Michael J. Saunders, two sisters-Jean Baxter and Betty Pickard and two brothers-Dick Jeffers and Don Jeffers. There will be a memorial service in Everett at a later date.