Saundra Lee "Sandy" Truax

Saundra Lee “Sandy” Truax, 78, of Wintersville, Ohio, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025, surrounded by the love of her devoted family — the people she cherished most in this world.

Born on May 19, 1947, in Steubenville, Ohio, a daughter of the late Harry T. Thompson and Madelene McKinney Chapman.

While recovering in the hospital from pneumonia, fate stepped in when Sandy met the love of her life, James “Jim” Gale Truax. Jim always said she was the prettiest girl he had ever seen and from that moment on, they were inseparable. The two were married on February 18, 1966, beginning a lifelong love story that would span nearly six decades. Together, they built a home overflowing with laughter, faith, and unwavering devotion to their family.

After completing a year of college, Sandy began her career at Weirton General Hospital, later joining St. John Medical Center — now Trinity Health System — where she dedicated an incredible 46 years of service as Market Manager of Payroll. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and her remarkable work ethic, Sandy gave her all to everything she did. She was so trusted and relied upon that the hospital once flew her home in the middle of a family vacation just to process payroll — a story her family still tells with admiration and pride. Her colleagues knew her as steady, loyal, and deeply respected — a true example of dedication and integrity.

Outside of her career, Sandy’s heart belonged to her family. She was the glue that held everyone together — a constant source of love, laughter, and warmth. A lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan, she rarely missed a game and loved cheering them on every Sunday. She adored playing board games and cards, especially Mexican Train Dominoes, Euchre, and 500 Rummy, where her competitive spirit always shined.

Sandy also loved to travel and explore — from her three cherished trips to Hawaii to countless cruises and adventures — yet no place ever meant more to her than being surrounded by her family. Her greatest joy came from time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandsons, whose presence brought light to her every day.

Sandy was preceded in death by her father, Harry Thompson; her mother, Madelene Chapman; her stepfather, Raymond Chapman; and her stepmother, Mamie Thompson.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion that will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched — her loving husband of 59 years, Jim Truax; her children, Eric, Sean, and Lisa (Truax) Billick; her nine beloved grandchildren: Meghan (Nathan) Stiffler, Cody Billick, Madelene (Devan Roksandich) Billick, Gabriel, Tristan, Julian, Noah, Elle, and Tatianna Truax; and her two treasured great-grandsons, Baylor Roksandich and Beau Stiffler. She is also survived by her sister, Cathy Magazzeni, and her stepbrothers, Ray Chapman and Alan Thompson.

Sandy will be remembered for her grace, her strength, her endless generosity, and her unwavering love for her family — a love that will continue to surround them always.

Family and friends will be received on Tuesday from 1–3 PM and 6–8 PM at Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton, WV, where stories of her life and love will be shared and celebrated.

Funeral services will be held there Wednesday at 11am, with Pastor James Rhodes; entombment to follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Garden, Weirton.

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