Jessica R. Sanders, 39, of St. Clairsville, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Liza’s Place in Wheeling, West Virginia.
Born on October 14, 1986, in Bellaire, Ohio, Jessica was the daughter of Melinda and Tim Frank of Dillonvale, Ohio.
Jessica graduated from Buckeye Local High School in 2005. In 2007, she began what would become a dedicated 19-year career at the Cardinal Power Plant in Brilliant, Ohio. Through her hard work and commitment, she quickly advanced to the position of Accounting Associate and, in 2019, was promoted to Senior Accounting Associate. In 2017, she also began working part-time at Michaels in St. Clairsville, where she enjoyed connecting with customers and sharing her creativity.
Jessica’s greatest joy in life was the time she spent with her family, friends, and her beloved fur babies, Jax and Ginger. She was the true definition of a loyal friend, kindhearted, fiercely protective of those she loved, and always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. She never missed an opportunity to celebrate life’s special moments or decorate for every holiday.
She had a special love for the Grinch, Highland cows, pigs, and gnomes, each reflecting her fun-loving personality and unique sense of humor. Annual concerts with her husband and friends were cherished traditions, as was planting marigolds in her garden each year. She was an enthusiastic fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cincinnati Bengals and loved attending football games whenever she could.
Jessica also found happiness in traveling, relaxing at the beach, and watching dolphins. She never met a stranger, and her warm smile, generous heart, and genuine compassion left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Jessica’s greatest joys were making memories with her husband, Greg, whether attending their annual concerts together, traveling, or simply enjoying life’s everyday moments side by side.
In addition to her parents, she is survived by the love of her life, best friend and husband Greg Sanders, Jr. She affectionately called him her “Owl,” while he lovingly referred to her as his “Fox”.
She is also survived by her loving in-laws, Greg and Sherry Sanders; her sister-in-law, Torie (Jesse) Sanders; her brother, T.J. Frank; her sister, April Frank; and her grandmother, Wilma Ruckman. She also leaves behind several beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She will be deeply missed by her best friend, Jenna DePaz, whom she affectionately called her “Bestie.” Jenna stood faithfully by her side through every challenge and was even known to have her favorite meals delivered to the hospital while traveling by plane, a testament to their unwavering friendship.
The family would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to her caring and compassionate neighbors, George and Lisa Kleevic, for their kindness, love, and support.
Family and friends will be received at Care Funeral & Cremation Specialists – St. Clairsville Chapel, 204 W. Main Street, St. Clairsville, Ohio, on Sunday, July 5, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and again from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A funeral service celebrating Jessica’s life will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made in Jessica’s memory to the Belmont County Animal Shelter or to Floor 5800 at Magee-Women’s Hospital in appreciation of the exceptional care and compassion they provided.
