Obituaries

Sandra E. "Sandy" Sperry

Sandra E. “Sandy” Sperry, 75, of Toronto, Ohio, formerly of Steubenville, gracious and beloved mother, laid down her earthly cross at the feet of Jesus and took up her place in heaven with her husband Jack and daughter Karen “Sis” on Tuesday, October 7, 2008, after a long courageous battle with cancer.  She was born February 28, 1933 a daughter of the late Myrna Rapp (Leroy) Barcus and Carl F. Miller.  She was a 1950 graduate of Steubenville Big Red.  Sandy devoted her life to the service of others and to the spreading of the good news of the gospel of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  She was a dedicated pillar of the St. Stephen‘s Episcopal Church where she also blessed many with her melodic alto voice.  One of her favorite hymns was Amazing Grace, so fitting for her because she lived each day in God’s grace with a thankful heart.  James 4:6 states that God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.  Truly his grace was upon this humble servant and she will be greatly missed. 

Preceding Sandy in death were her husband John A. “Jack” Sperry, Jr.; daughter Karen LaBuda and infant grandson Ian LaBuda.

Surviving are her sister Betty Boyd of Cranberry Township, PA; children Janice (Pete) Stefansky of Weirton, WV, Christine (Larry) Hunt of Toronto, OH with whom she resided and Jon (Darlene) Sperry of Stratton, OH; nine grandchildren Peter (Marion) Stefansky, Sonya & Brianna Stefansky, Deanna (Eric) Hodek, Aaron “A.J.”, Sheena & Brittany Hunt, Jennifer & Jon “B.J.” Sperry II; great grandchildren Alan Stefansky, Maria Stefansky, Brayden Czesztyicki and Preston Hunt; son-in-law John LaBuda of Empire, OH; brother-in-law Richard (Ruth) Sperry of Steubenville, OH; sister-in-law Martha (Ed) Kalifut of Steubenville, OH; many nieces and nephews and the family dog “baby”. 

Friends may call at Dunlope-Shorac Funeral Home, Wintersville Thursday 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 10 a.m. at St. Stephens Episcopal Church with The Rev. J. Jeffrey Baker officiating. Burial at Fort Steuben. Memorials may be directed to American Cancer Society or St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 284 Lovers Lane, Steubenville, OH 43953.

Date of Death: October 7, 2008