Published on July 9, 2025 7:07 am
Last Updated on July 11, 2025 8:18 am

Saundra Jean (Stoops) Jayne, age 71, of West Liberty, Illinois, passed away at 2:40 PM – Tuesday, July 8, 2025.
A celebration of Saundra’s life will be held at 3:00 PM – Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois, with her brother Jack Stoops officiating. The burial will be in the Honey Cemetery in Bogota, Illinois. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, before the service. In loving memory of Saundra, memorials may be made to the Jasper County Cancer Support Fund, PO Box 333, Newton, Illinois 62448. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com.
Saundra was born on December 10, 1953, in Xenia, Illinois, the daughter of Roy Nelson and Mary Lucille (Weck) Stoops. She graduated from Newton Community High School with the Class of 1972. She later went back to school and earned her bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary of the Woods College.
Saundra married Thomas Clay Jayne and he preceded her in death on December 8, 2006.
Saundra was a counselor for several years at the Jasper County Health Department. She was also a loving caregiver for her family and a foster parent for many children throughout the years.
Saundra enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and fishing.
Saundra is survived by:
Children – Shannon (Kelly) Benefield of Vincennes, Indiana; Heather (Brandon) Smith of Wheeler, Illinois; Amber (Ed) Parr of Newton, Illinois; Travis Benefield of West Liberty, Illinois and Tom (Kelsey) Jayne of Newton, Illinois
19 Grandchildren
11 Great Grandchildren
Brothers – Jack (Barbara) Stoops of Salem, Illinois; Joe (Karen) Stoops of Princeton, Illinois and Don (Cathy) Stoops of Newton, Illinois
Saundra was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Cory Jon Jayne, brother Jerry Stoops, Sr, infant sisters Janice Kay Stoops, Mary Lynn Stoops and Sharon Janette Stoops.