Saundra Meese

Saundra Jean Meese, age 82, of New Philadelphia, died peacefully, Sunday, March 24, 2024, while in the care of the Truman House at New Philadelphia following a second major stroke.

Born in Dover, Ohio on October 6, 1941, Saundra was a daughter of the late Dennis and Bertha “Boots” McIntosh Penick. 

Saundra graduated from the former Midvale High School where she was a cheerleader and Homecoming Queen. Following her graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, Jim Meese on June 17, 1962. Together, the couple had three children and have shared in 61 years of marriage. 

Saundra attended Kent State University, working toward becoming a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, until the tragic death of her son, Steve in 1977. For many years, Saundra was the owner and operator of The Denim Shoppe, located in downtown Dover. She later joined the staff of the Tuscarawas County Health Department where she assisted the administrative staff as a secretary and assisted in running a home health program. Following nearly a decade of service, she retired in 1998. 

Those who were fortunate to have known Saundra were well aware of her love for cooking and baking. There weren’t many Christmas Holidays that went by without her famous cookie trays which she gave as gifts to family and friends. Some of her other passions in life included countless years of genealogy study and flower gardening. She enjoyed spending time at the family home, a cottage at Leesville Lake, where she boated, fished, and enjoyed mornings and evenings looking out over the lake from her deck, which was built by her son, Ron.

Family was her greatest joy. She spent many years babysitting all four of her grandchildren and sharing in special events and activities with each. She also greatly enjoyed family vacations and family reunions. In her younger years, she looked forward to annual fishing trips she and Jim took to Canada with friends, Don and Sandy Beans, where Saundra held the distinction of catching the largest bass.

In addition to her husband, Saundra will be missed by her children, Terri (Randy) Bellerive of New Philadelphia and Ronald (Lisa) Meese of Dennison; her grandchildren, Kylie Bellerive, Chase Bellerive, Benjamin (Alicia) Meese, Destiny (fiancé, Ryan Moody) Meese; her great-grandchildren, Kendall Meese, Khyler Meese, Briella Moody, and Ellie Moody; a special niece and caregiver, Kathy Lynch, and numerous other nieces and nephews.

In addition to her mother and father, Saundra was preceded in death by a son, Steve Meese; her siblings, Ronald “Jack” Penick, Shyrlie Galanga, and Loren Penick. 

In keeping with Saundra’s wishes, there will be no public visitation or services. The family will plan a private Celebration of Life at a later time. The Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia is handling cremation arrangements.

Memorial contributions in Saundra’s name may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.

Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Saundra by visiting the funeral home’s website at www.GeibCares.com.