Ruth F. Sanders

SALEM - Ruth Fay (Wallace) Sanders, of Salem, OH, entered Heaven’s gates on Friday, January 30, 2026, at age 65. Her year-long battle with cancer ended peacefully as God called her from her earthly home to her heavenly home.

Ruth was born on February 10, 1960, in Indiana, PA, to the late Lawrence L. Wallace and Georgena J. (Risinger) Wallace. She graduated from Indiana Wesleyan School in 1978 and then spent one year at Allegheny Wesleyan College in Salem, OH. She furthered her education at Indiana County Area Vocational-Technical School (now ICTC) where she earned a nursing degree and began working as an LPN in multiple nursing facilities. In 1985, God called Ruth and her family to serve as missionaries in Haiti for 12 years. During this time, she used her medical training daily to provide first-aid care to countless nationals from her front porch. Following her time in Haiti, she worked for Allegheny Publications in Salem for several years and then worked as a private-duty nurse. As a faithful member of the Salem Wesleyan Methodist Church, she played the organ for many years.

Ruth was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister who always put her family first. She cherished bringing the family together for Sunday dinners and enjoyed decorating cakes and making buckeyes for those she loved. Taking a strong interest in politics and current events, she remained a faithful Rush listener. Ruth was a farm girl at heart and carried a strong work ethic and humility throughout her life, living each day with a heart for others and a deep devotion to her faith.

Ruth leaves behind her loving husband, Victor W. Sanders, whom she married on November 28, 1980. She is also survived by four children, Thomas W. (Rachel) Sanders, Alexia F. (Chadwick) Hunting, Charla R. (Matthew) Davis, and Benjamin W. (Stephanie) Sanders; and 11 grandchildren, Colin, Sean, Cameron, Megan, Jordan, Ethan, Kyle, Kason, Karter, Addison, and Emily. Ruth will be dearly missed by her two brothers, Thomas (Kathy) Wallace and Timothy (Leslie) Wallace, her sister, Beth Wallace, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Jane Ann Burk, and brother-in-law, Steve Burk.

Calling hours for Ruth will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Salem Wesleyan Methodist Church, 1095 Newgarden Ave., Salem, OH 44460. Additional calling hours will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church. A funeral service and celebration of Ruth’s life will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m.

Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home.

If unable to attend, send a complimentary "Hugs from Home" at www.starkmemorial.com/hugs-from-home.

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