Jean Ann Sanderson Stager, age 97, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2026, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Born on December 20, 1928, in Lima, Ohio, she was the daughter of Ruth Mabel (Stephan) and Charles Arthur Morrison.

Jean Ann was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Betty McGee and Susan Davies (Richard); her daughter, Joan Sanderson; and her husbands, Frank W. Sanderson, with whom she shared 46 years of marriage, and Raymond Stager, with whom she shared 18 years.

She was a loving mother to Jerri Ann Wright and Larry (Mary) Sanderson, and a devoted grandmother to Jeffrey Wright, Stephen (Anne) Wright, Abigail (Patrick) Flanagan, and Luke Sanderson. Her greatest joy was her family, including her beloved great-grandchildren, Jack and Blair Killarney-Wright and Rory and Hattie Flanagan.

Jean Ann was a lifelong educator whose passion for teaching touched countless lives. A graduate of Lima Central High School, Ohio Northern University and Xavier University, she began her teaching career in Ada, Ohio, at just 19 years old. She and Frank first settled in Mentor, Ohio, where they taught and coached with lifelong friends Lee and Eloise Tressel and Stretch and Fran Roberson.

When Frank accepted a coaching position at Norwood High School, they moved to Cincinnati. Jean Ann began teaching at Williams Avenue and later joined Sharpsburg Elementary in Norwood, where she dedicated more than 35 years to educating and inspiring young minds. She truly loved her students and took a personal interest in each of them. Many remained in contact with her long after leaving her classroom, a testament to the lasting impression she made on their lives.

An avid reader, Jean Ann was involved in numerous literary organizations and book clubs. She also loved sports and was a devoted fan of the Cincinnati Reds, Ohio State Buckeyes and Cincinnati Bengals.

Her faith was an important part of her life. Jean Ann was a longtime member of Norwood Presbyterian Church, where she faithfully served as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher for many years. She later joined Madeira Presbyterian Church, where she once again served as a Deacon and continued her commitment to her church and community.

Beyond her teaching and church involvement, Jean Ann found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved gardening, shopping with her daughter, traveling, meeting new people and, most of all, spending time with family. She was the heart of many family gatherings, especially the holidays, when she delighted in bringing everyone together. Her warmth, generosity, curiosity and love for those around her will be remembered by all who knew her.

Jean Ann leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, lifelong friendships and the countless lives she touched through her teaching and kindness. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by her family and friends.

She lived a long and beautiful life, and her greatest legacy will always be the love she gave and the lives she touched.

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, November 5, at Mihovk-Rosenacker Funeral Home, 10211 Plainfield Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45241. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 6, at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Norwood High School Foundation, P.O. Box 12522, Norwood, OH  45212-0522 or City Gospel Mission, 1805 Dalton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45214.