Joanne "Jody" Newton Yeats returned to heaven on May 8, 2021, surrounded by her family in the home she loved, at the too-young age of 64.

Jody was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in January 2019. From that day on, she spent as much time as possible treasuring up memories with her children and grandchildren, traveling to "bucket list" places with her husband, Patrick, and testifying of Jesus Christ. "When I look at ALS, the only way I can do this disease is to change the meaning of the letters," she wrote when informing her friends of her diagnosis. "To me, it means All Loving Savior."

Jody was born on April 11, 1957, in Provo, Utah. As the third of Wallace and Norene Newton's fourteen children, she was a mentor to her younger siblings in everything from fashion to spirituality to life advice. She made lifelong friends wherever she made her home, from Granger (now West Valley City), Utah, where she grew up; to Seattle, Washington; to Hillsboro, Oregon; to Centerville, Utah; and finally to Lindon, Utah, her residence for the past quarter-century. She married Patrick Yeats on May 7, 1976; their union was sealed for eternity in the Seattle Washington Temple on December 29, 1987.

Jody relished her many friendships and had a particular affinity for teens and young adults. She served for decades in leadership and teaching positions in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, especially in the church's organizations serving the youth and children. As a seminary teacher in Oregon and Utah and most recently as secretary of the Orem Seminary, she was beloved by the seminary's students and faculty, and leaders at church headquarters. Exhibiting her natural gift of inclusion, Jody was always sensitive to help the lonely student, the troubled friend, and the often-overlooked soul who needed a hug or a word of encouragement; she constantly sought out "the one." Jody was the ultimate cheerleader, always ready to give genuine compliments and lift spirits. She found intense joy in bringing people together, especially through hosting parties and spearheading reunions of family and friends. Genuinely adored by her grandchildren, "Nana" quickly extended her arms to share with them warm hugs and a kitchen full of food. To know Jody was to be served and loved by her.

She expressed her abundant creativity and gifts in singing, playing the guitar and piano, building magazine-featured gingerbread houses, and keeping an impeccable home. Jody enjoyed physical fitness, especially skiing, running, and hiking. She was quick to sacrifice all her time, energy, and earnings to bless the lives of others without regard to her own wants or needs. When picturing Jody, one immediately sees her sweet, full smile and hears her ready laugh. Jody enjoyed life to the fullest and optimistically saw good and happiness in daily details.

Most of all, she loved and served her family and her Savior, Jesus Christ. Jody loved to study, teach and live the gospel of Christ. She attended and worked in His temples regularly. Her conversations naturally migrated to Jesus Christ and His temples. She radiated an indefatigable conviction of eternal family bonds and unity, all because of the grace of Jesus Christ.

"I need to express my gratitude to and my faith in my Savior," Jody wrote in her final Facebook post. "Because of His merits, mercy and grace I will be with the love of my life, my Patrick, and our beautiful children and grandchildren forever (2 Nephi 2:8)! I am forgiven of my sins and I know— I KNOW— He understands my suffering (Alma 7:11-13). Because of Him I will be resurrected! My gratitude knows no bounds for my Savior!"

Jody's surviving loved ones include her mother, Norene; husband, Patrick; six children and fifteen grandchildren: Jason and Ally Yeats (Zachary, Samuel and William), Heidi Henderson (Mckelle, Madison, Elisabeth and Emma), Jeff Yeats, Shawn and Shantae Yeats (Lexie, Kinley and Beckham), Jesse and Melanie Yeats (Mia, Chloe and Mason), and Rebecca and C J Wilson (Caleb and Savannah); and siblings Paul (Kathleen), Kathy (Brent Burton), Diane (Doug Farrington), Elaine (Greg Hansen), Richard (Jennifer), Robert (Dina), Janet (Ken Riding), Jeffrey (Jeri), Brent (Catherine), Steven (Sally), David (Jodi), Greg (Arianne), and Kenny (Bobbie).

Jody touched so many lives in so many spheres during her time on this earth. Please share favorite memories of her in the online guest book at www.walkersanderson.com.

The viewing will be at the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1050 East 100 North, Lindon, Utah, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 15. The funeral services will follow at 1:30 p.m. Interment will be at the Orem City Cemetery.

All will miss Jody. We know we will be with her again. Families are forever.