Sandra Leah Stephens

In Loving Memory of Sandra Leah "Sandy" Stephens

December 31, 1953 – July 27, 2026

Sandra Leah "Sandy" Stephens (Lively) of Gallia County passed away on July 27, 2026, following a brief but fierce battle with an aggressive blood cancer. Though her illness came swiftly, she faced it with remarkable strength, resilience, and determination—the same qualities that defined her throughout her life.

She built a life centered on family, friendship, hardwork, and generosity. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose greatest gift was making everyone feel like family.

Sandy is survived by her children, James (Teresa) Stephens, Beth Zinn, and Crystal Elliott; her cherished grandchildren, Alexander Sampsel, Alyssa Sampsel, Emmett Zinn, Rylee Zinn, Ryan (Kylee) Zinn, and Dylan Zinn; great-grandson, Roman, and another great-grandson on the way; her brothers, Ronald Lively, Lindsey (Sheri) Bancer, and Mike (Amie) Roth; brothers-in-law, Tommy Stephens, Russell Stephens, Craig (Susan) Stephens and sister-in-law Cathy Russell; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Daryl Stephens; her son, William "Bill" Stephens; her parents, Jewel Roth and James Lively; and several beloved brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Alongside her husband, Daryl, Sandy opened her home to countless people who needed a safe place, a warm meal, or simply someone to believe in them. Although they never had an abundance of material things, they always found enough to share. Their home became a refuge, and many who walked through its doors found not only shelter, but love, encouragement, and family.

She possessed a quiet wisdom that changed lives. Sandy never hesitated to tell you when you were wrong—you always knew where you stood with her—but she also never stopped believing in your ability to do better. She encouraged others to slow down, think through the consequences of their actions, and make choices they could be proud of. Her legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the friends she embraced, the wisdom she shared, and the countless people who are better because they knew her.

A lifelong learner, Sandy earned her Bachelor's degree in Accounting in her 40s and later became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). She had a successful career as a State Auditor for the State of Ohio, proving that determination and perseverance can open new doors at any stage of life. In retirement, Sandy devoted herself to her grandchildren, rarely missing an opportunity to support them. She generously volunteered with their school band booster organization.

Sandy was an exceptionally talented crocheter whose handcrafted blankets became treasured family heirlooms. With remarkable creativity and skill, she could look at a cross-stitch pattern and transform it into a crochet design, creating intricate works of art. Every stitch reflected not only her talent, but the love she poured into each gift. She also found great joy tending to the roses on her property. Each year, Daryl planted another rose bush for her, and over time those roses became a beautiful reminder of a love that was planted, nurtured, and grew stronger with each passing year.

While her family grieves her absence, they find comfort in knowing she is reunited with the love of her life. Her kindness, strength, laughter, and unconditional love will continue to bloom in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

A celebration of Sandy's life will be held at Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home in Oak Hill, Ohio, on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 2pm, doors opening at 1pm. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor and celebrate a life defined by love, generosity, and unwavering devotion to others.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages those wishing to honor Sandy's memory to perform an act of kindness for someone in need, create lasting memories with those they love, or support a cause that reflects her generous spirit. Below are some suggested charities that were close to her:

JCS Band Boosters: PO Box 255, Jackson, OH 45640

Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center (ECAC): https://www.ecac-parentchenter.org/donate/

St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital: http://www.stjude.org

Ronald McDonald House: http://www.ronaldmcdonaldhouse.org