Donna Jean Sanders, 92 of Ashland, formerly of Shelby passed from this life on Monday afternoon, September 1, 2025 in Brookwood Place at Brethren Care Village.
She was born on January 21, 1933 in Akron, Ohio the oldest daughter of nine to the late Aloysius and Pauline (née Wagner) Boff.
Donna graduated from St. Wendelin High School, Class of 1951. She went on to further her education and earned a degree from Mansfield General School of Nursing in 1973.
She married the love of her life, Donald Joe Sanders on May 30, 1953.
Donna retired after more than 30 years, as a registered nurse and director of nursing at Shelby Hospital. She was also employed at Mansfield Correctional and the Area Agency on Aging.
She was a devoted member of St. Edward Catholic Church in Ashland and a former member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Shelby. Throughout her life, she enjoyed traveling with her husband, playing the piano, needlework, but most of all living and practicing her faith.
Donna is survived by her four children, Jeffrey (Cindy) Sanders of Cardington, Jeanne Sanders Lykins Baker of Ashland, James (Brad Evans) Sanders of Lakewood, and Phil (Louise) Sanders of Willard; eight grandchildren, Jeffrey Sanders, Kassy Sanders, Alecia (Steve) Goulet, Jessica Goulet, Steve (Marta) Lykins, Tyler Lykins, Mary Roark, and Michelle Roark; 13 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her beloved parents, Donna is preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Don, who passed from this life in 1998; one son, Michael Sanders; and a son-in-law, Ron Baker.
Viewing will be on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Edward Catholic Church prior to the requiem mass at 11:00 a.m, with Father Jim Winnings presiding. A time to reflect and gather will be immediately after the mass in the parish activity center. Lunch will be served. Interment will follow at the Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Cemetery in Shelby, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Donna may be made to St. Edward Catholic Church, 501 Cottage Street, Ashland, Ohio 44805 or to Brethren Care Village, 2000 Center Street, Ashland, Ohio 44805 to be used for a Brookwood aviary.
For those who may not be able to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to handle the arrangements.
Funeral Home: Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home
Website: denbowfh.com