Elizabeth Anne Saunooke

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Elizabeth Anne Saunooke, affectionately known as Libby, who left this life peacefully on April 16, 2025 surrounded by loved ones after a long battle with dementia. She was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years Osley Bird Saunooke, Jr., and her son, Benjamin Saunooke and her parents Harry Hodson and Betty Miller . Born on February 15, 1944 in Sydney, Australia, she came to the U.S. in 1952 when her father was asked to start the Civil Engineering program at Brigham Young University (BYU). After growing up in Provo and attending BYU, she met her eternal companion – a football player known as “Butch”. Butch and Libby started a family in Utah, then moved to Ohio and New Mexico, and finally settled in Sarasota, FL when Butch accepted a position with the United Southern and Eastern Tribes. There she continued to raise her 6 children and eventually several grandchildren while Butch pursued his legal and business career in support of Native American tribes. When Libby’s children were older she finished her bachelor’s degree at the University of South Florida and went on to earn a master’s degree in education from National Louis University. She started a career that pioneered teaching blended age classrooms at Gulf Gate Elementary School for 20 years. This included the opportunity to teach several of her grandchildren. Libby was known for her warm loving personality and fierce love of her children and grandchildren, getting all 26 of them presents every year for their birthdays and Christmas. She loved to help others as an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as Relief Society President, Gospel Doctrine Teacher, Primary Teacher and countless other callings. She and Butch also served as temple workers for several years in the Orlando Florida Temple. Elizabeth lived a life marked by kindness and service. Whether through her work, her friendships, or her unwavering devotion to her family, she exemplified grace, perseverance, love and gratitude. Her smile could light up a room, and she would do anything she could to help someone in need. Though our hearts are broken, we are grateful for the blessing of having known and loved Libby. Her life was a gift to us all, and she will be deeply missed. We know she is rejoicing to be reunited with her husband, parents and youngest son. A service celebrating Libby’s life will be held on May 2, 2025 at 10 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7001 Beneva Road, Sarasota, FL 34238. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of America www.lls.org or to The University of New Mexico American Indian Graduate Program, where a scholarship in her husband's name has been made. www.aigcs.org

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Elizabeth Anne Saunooke

February 15, 1944 - April 16, 2025