Makaylie “Mak” Hope Saunders
On the evening of March 2nd, 2019, Makaylie passed away peacefully at St. Peter’s Health from pneumonia and complications due to Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Makaylie was surrounded in comfort by her many, many friends and family.
Born in Helena, Montana on October 24th, 2007, Makaylie was soon diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy; a rare genetic disease that robbed her of the ability to walk. Even though her 11 short years were spent wheelchair bound, what God didn’t give Makaylie in physical health, he more than made up for in her intellectual gifts. Always wise beyond her years, Makaylie enjoyed making people laugh with her sharp wit and teasing ways. She loved art, playing soccer from her wheelchair, all music…especially Taylor Swift, performing in the Nutcracker, MDA camp, scary movies, and her many friendships. In fact, making videos for her friends was a favorite pastime. The lessons Makaylie taught us all will forever be in our hearts and she will be deeply missed until our reunion in Heaven.
Makaylie is survived by her parents, Erika Saunders and Jack Wagner and brother Jayden Saunders.
A Celebration of Makaylie’s Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 9th at Four Georgians Elementary School, 555 W. Custer Avenue. A potluck reception will follow the service at Four Georgian’s. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home by phone (406) 442-8520 or by mail to 3750 N. Montana Ave, to assist with the funeral expenses. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Makaylie.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m.
Saturday March 9, 2019
Four Georgians School
555 W. Custer Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of Life
Saturday March 9, 2019
Four Georgians School
555 W. Custer Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Lynette Schmit says
Jack and family, I am so sorry for your loss. She is a beautiful little girl with a great smile. Every time I saw her she had the biggest smile on her face. My thoughts and prayers are with you and if there is anything at all I can do please let me know. Take Care and God Bless all of you.
Kristine Schorer says
Oh sweet Makaylie. Loved by all she interacted with. This world is not as bright as it was when you were still spreading your smile. My prayers are continuous for you, Erika, Jayden, and the many family members grieving. Looking forward to the day when the Lord signals the trumpets so we can all gather together again. With love, Eric, Kristine, Opie, and Zeke
Julie Zarske says
So sorry for your loss Erika, Vicki, and family- our prayers are with you
Ronda says
So sorry Jack for your loss. You are in my prayers. She was such a wonderful little girl. So brave.
Angie Ford and Lyla Johnson says
We are so very sorry for your loss. Makaylie’s smile lit up the room everywhere she went. She has touched our lives in ways we will never forget. Rest In Peace sweet girl, you are so very loved by so many people! Lyla will forever be grateful for the friendship you two shared! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Khrystyn keen says
Beautiful girl fly high with your uncle… Watch over your mom and dad. You have sych a beautfiul soul. This world is already missing you. Dance with the rest of the angels sweetie… Xoxo til we meet again… Always always …
Molly says
Such a sweet spirit. She’ll be deeply missed by the Cohesion family and in NOTR. We’ll never forget her smiling face in Snow.
Melissa McEwen says
Jack and family,
I’m so, so sorry for your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers. <3
The Holland Family says
The Hollands will miss you sweet girl. We love you and are praying for the whole family. Go be with God and we will meet again.
Kenton "KDawg" Monroe says
I’m so sorry at the loss of your child, Jo-Ann is a very good friend of mine an has helped talk with me about my son an has helped me to better understand times like this. So she shared your daughters story with me an it touched me emotionally an I wasn’t sad but up-lifted by your daughters bravery an innocent courage by hearing her tell her daddy that she was going to heavan to help other kids find thier way there,such a brave girl an such a sad loss this must be on your guys family. I’ll include you guys in my prayers an continue to pray for your family, pray that God will help ease the pain an heal those feelings of emptiness with her not being with us anymore but fill that with feelings of happiness just knowing she’s in heaven helping all those children into heaven like she told her daddy she was on her way to do. Amen
Sonja says
I’m so sorry for your loss she was a magnificent little girl and she brought so much joy and happiness whenever you were around her.
Joe DeFilippis says
Erika and family-
Our condolences to you and your family. Makaylie had a way about her that made others smile. She was always such a joy to see at school, and she will he missed by so many people. May she Rest In Peace.
Ann Bugni says
Erika and family –
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. You may not remember me, but I did in home daycare with Makaylie in the summer of 2009 when she was a baby. It was such an honor spending time with her, she was such a sweet, funny girl. Even as a toddler she had the best smile and was a joy to be around. I’ve found a few photos from that summer and will share them here. Your family will be in my thoughts.
Robin LaFleur says
Forever in my heart Makaylie most precious one, I still have the necklace you made me with beads that says LOVE HOPE , will see you again someday, Love Robin and Miah , My condolences to Erika , Jayden and Family , So sorry for your loss She was so loved by all , God bless you.
Annette Shkurigin says
Makaylie will always be in our hearts. Victoria was truly blessed to have such a special friend and will cherish all the beautiful memories.
With our love and deepest sympathy,
Andrei, Annette, Sasha, Katya, and Victoria
Patsy peach says
Jayden,
I was so sorry to hear about your sister. I know how much she meant to you and how proud you were of her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mallory says
Our family is thinking of you and are so sorry for your loss. Marias has been in Makaylies class since Kindergarten and always had the cutest stories to share. Marias thought of Makaylie as a best friend and loved spending time with her. Mak was a beautiful person and kind soul
Love, The McDowells
Connie Wheeler says
Erica,Jack,Jayden So,so sorry about your lost. Makaylies in heaven now. She’s free to walk and play, she’s up there now watching over all of you. Can imagine how much you hurt Erica and Jack and even Jayden too. You guys are in our prayers and thoughts. Just remember she’s an angle now watching over you and smiling. Meila asks why? I told her it was time to go home to God Makaylies now one of the angels watching over her too.
Connie Wheeler says
Such a special little girl
Janet Dack says
My deepest thoughts and prayers for all the family. Makaylie was such a beautiful little girl and such an inspiration for everyone. I got the opportunity to be able to take Makaylie home from school now and again last year on my bus. I loved her the minute I met her. She will be greatly missed.
Anne Yaeger says
I think Makaylie’s funeral was very telling. She positively impacted so many people in countless ways… from ballet friends, bus drivers, paraprofessionals, therapists, school friends, the Four Georgians entire staff and school principal to those fortunate enough to have been her teacher (like me). She truly was extraordinary and I’m incredibly sorry for your loss.
Corina says
Makaylie will be greatly missed by her family and friends. It’s especially hard to lose someone so young. God never intended for us to live a life of pain or to die. It can comfort you to know that God will end all suffering and death and will return to us all those we’ve lost. (Revelation 21:3, 4; John 5:29, 29) These promises can ease your pain and give us a wonderful hope for the future. My sincere condolences,
Corina
Lacie Seymour says
I remember one time when I was in a fight with one of my friends came over. And said what’s wrong and I told her
what happened. she said OK I’m gonna go over there and kick her butt. She had made my day miss you lots Mac. We all loved her.
Sophie Smith And Marias McDowell says
Marias McDowell and Sophie Smith-
Makaylie was the greatest person who had the biggest heart and the best humor. We loved making videos with her and playing wheelchair soccer with her outside. She made our days so much happier and brighter. When she used to announce her presence coming into the room it would bring a smile to everyone’s faces. We miss our best friend so so much and we know she’s dancing up in heaven to Taylor Swift. We love you guys so much! We miss you and love you Mak.