Hubert and Jo Sanders

Hubert Eugene Sanders was born August 16, 1947. His parents, Ralph Sanders and Verna (Cartright) Sanders, as well as a sister, Wanda Sanders, and sister-in-law, Janice Sanders, preceded him in death. He is survived by siblings Judy (Jim) Cantrell, Jerry Sanders, and Patricia Gonzales(Al).

Genniffer Jo (Kelley) Sanders was born October 20, 1948. Her parents, Verrell Kelley and Genevieve (Young) Kelley, as well as a sister, Charlotte Davis, preceded her in death. She is survived by her sister, Janice Guinn.

They were married in Grovesprings, MO on June 11, 1966. They just recently celebrated 60 years. Hubert and Jo passed away on July 9, 2026. They were members of Mt. Zion #1 Freewill Baptist Church, Norwood. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren have fond memories of singing at church.

Their grandson, Chris Dodson, preceded them in death. They are survived by their children, Dawn (Jeff) Moore and Brian (Jodi) Sanders. Grandchildren, Stephanie(Dodson) Riland, Graci (Sanders) King, Chanse Sanders, Charity (Moore) Hughes, Kimberly Moore, Adam Moore and Kaylee (Moore) Sportell. Great-grandchildren, Elisabeth Riland, Sophia Riland, Avery Paxton, Jaxon Kisner, Rosalie Kisner, Emma Hughes, Michael Sportell and Nova Sportell.

Softball, baseball and basketball were life in their younger years Hubert and Jo played softball for Arnall’s Lumber. Lifetime friendships developed on the field. Home runs and winning were how the game was played. Jo was his loudest cheerleader in the stands. Life was lived at the field.

Jo and Hubert were the kind of people whose presence made life feel fuller, warmer, and more meaningful. They raised two children, Dawn and Brian, and poured their hearts into being parents who showed up, supported, and loved without hesitation. They loved passionately; not just each other, but their family, their friends, and the community they were woven into. Family wasn’t just important to them; it was the center of their world. Their home in Norwood, sat in the middle between their children. A quick ride or walk brought Mam and Poppy's house in sight. Grandchildren grew up there. It was more than a house. It was a second home, a safe haven, a place overflowing with laughter, comfort, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Christmas at their house was legendary. They made sure every child felt equally loved, equally seen, equally celebrated. No matter how many grandchildren or great-grandchildren gathered around the tree, they always found a way to make it fair, to make it magical. Birthdays were just as special. They treated each one like a holiday, a moment to show how cherished that person was.

Jo was joy in its purest form. She was the grandmother that was your biggest supporter. Chris and Stephanie went on trips where laughter and pranks were numerous. Summer brought baseball, softball, theme parks, and playing at the river. Winter was finding the biggest hill to sled down. Grandma cheered from the kitchen table as her granddaughter Graci taught “class,” who laughed through fashion shows made from her own clothes, who hosted tea parties and summer days filled with toys, candy, and grocery trips that always ended with something special. She loved listening to her grandson Chanse play his guitar and loved having dance parties and shaking her “bubble butt” as she would say. She loved to the fullest. From the first grandchild to the last grandchild, she loved with an abundance. Her home was stocked with every kind of junk food because she believed childhood should taste like happiness. She loved flowers so deeply she’d stop anywhere to dig one up and bring beauty home. Her fiery personality, her humor, her warmth, and her homemade ice cream made her unforgettable. People were drawn to her. She just knew when someone needed a smile or just someone to listen to them.

Hubert was adventure. He had the best places (sitting in the middle of the kitchen table) when playing hide and seek in the dark with his children. A board game was never just a game. It was a winner take all. Chris was playing softball video games with Poppy, and he was beating him. Stephanie walks through and tells him ”You do know he has super players?”. Competition was fierce. The story is told of the Aggravation game that ended in the board and marbles being thrown. He was stories told with a smart-butt grin, bow-shooting lessons in the woods, and the kind of encouragement that made his grandchildren and children feel capable and proud. He was the first in line for the biggest and fastest rollercoaster. The jokes he played are still told at the kitchen table. He was the first person they wanted to impress; the one they called after every deer or turkey, the one who made every accomplishment feel bigger. Jo did the same; they were two peas in a pod when it came to that stuff. His presence was steady, loving, and full of life.

Together, they created a world for their grandchildren; nights around a fire roasting hot dogs and marshmallows, Sunday breakfasts before church, songs sung together, dogs cared for as a family, painting classes where laughter mattered more than perfection. They lived life to the fullest, side by side, always ready to lend a helping hand, always giving more than they took.

They were, simply, two of the best people on earth. And their legacy lives on in the countless moments they made magical, the love they poured into every day, and the family who will forever cherish the world they built. Two young neighbors who became sweethearts. For over 60 years, they were together, and they ended their journey together.

Memorial contributions for the Sanders family can be made to help cover funeral expenses. Checks can be made payable to Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home. Contributions can be dropped off in person to Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home in Hartville, or by mail to P.O. Box 236, Hartville, Missouri, 65667.