Janelle Ann Sanders

Janelle Ann (Stevenson) Sanders was born on November 2, 1969, to Brian and Carol Stevenson in Woodbury, New Jersey, and passed from this life on April 25, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, after an extended illness.

Janelle graduated from high school in 1988. She continued her education at the University of Art in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she obtained her bachelor's degree in 1992.

She moved to Missouri in 1993 and opened her dance studio, Dance Unlimited. There she was able to share her passion for dance with many children during the 25 years of its operation. Her connection and commitment to her students created lifelong memories for both her and her kids. She spent many hours making certain that the end of the year recitals would showcase their talents. Every detail, from the costumes down to the dance floor, was well thought out and planned months in advance. She spent weeks prior making sure that everything was perfect.

She married her husband, Steve, on September 28, 2007, and gained a son with that union. They enjoyed the great outdoors together. Gardening, hunting and fishing were among their favorite ways to share their love of nature. In addition, wood crafting offered her hours of relaxation time.

Janelle was preceded in death by her father, Brian; her maternal grandparents; her paternal grandparents; and one niece, Jamie Holloway.

She is survived by her husband, Steve Sanders; her mother, Carol Stevenson; one brother, Todd Stevenson; two sisters, Cheryl Stevenson and Wendi Brown; one son, Travis Sanders (Teresa); grandchildren Aiden and Allie; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Richard and Fern Sanders; her sisters-in law, Janet Whitehill (Jody) and Cindy Bradshaw; five nieces; two nephews; two great-nieces; two great-nephews; and many friends, all of whom will miss her very much.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Janelle’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.