Elaine ‘Layni’ Sanders

Watch the Live-Stream of the Funeral Service HERE.

Elaine ‘Layni’ Sanders, returned to her Heavenly Father on May 2, 2026. Born on September 13, 1947, in Tooele, Utah to Quivington and Lucilla Lawson. Her journey through life touched many hearts, leaving a lasting legacy of kindness and dedication.

Her dedication to education was further exemplified by her advanced studies, having earned a Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Utah in 1989, a Bachelor of Science from BYU University in 1969, and an Administrator’s Certificate from Utah State University. She devoted three decades to teaching, specializing in Special Education, where she embodied patience and compassion which also includes 30 years of genealogy research, tracing family lineage back to the 11th century. She generously shared her passion with others, teaching the art of genealogical research and enriching countless lives with her knowledge.

After graduating from BYU, she accepted a teaching position in Las Vegas, while living in Las Vegas she met the love of her life Edward Eugene Sanders on February 4, 1970 and married him on March 16, 1970. After meeting Gene, she had the opportunity to work on a James Bond movie set. After retirement, Layni embraced her love of travel by exploring the world aboard cruise ships, discovering new horizons with the same enthusiasm she applied to all aspects of her life. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Layni was a woman of simple yet profound joys. She lovingly sewed clothes for her family for many years, crafted treasured scrapbooks, engaged deeply in genealogy, and expressed creativity through macramé. These hobbies were not merely pastimes but extensions of the care and love she poured into every relationship.

Family was at the heart of Layni’s life. She is survived by her children: Lori Rager, Jill & Frank Evans, Amber Fillingim, Scott & Amanda Sanders, Mark Sanders, and Shelby & Debbie Sanders. Her legacy continues vibrantly through her beloved grandchildren Claresa, Kaitlin, Shamrae, Xavier, Zach; Zack, DeAnna, Sierra; Lexi, Dylan; Marianne, Dane, Avery; Cooper; Jake and Tori, as well as 15 great-grandchildren, with three more to join the family soon.

Layni was preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband, and son-in-law Casity Fillingim, along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Their memories live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

We want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone at Parkside Manor. Your love and kindness meant the world to our mother during her seven years with you, our family is forever grateful. We also want to thank Beehive Homes and Canyon Hospice for their incredible support and tenderness during her last days.

Her life will be celebrated with a viewing and funeral service held at the Roosevelt East Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Roosevelt, Utah, on May 9, 2026. The viewing will be from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. The interment will be at the Roosevelt Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, the family asks that you spend an afternoon doing something she would have loved: read a good book, learn something new, and/or call someone you love.