Sterling Jay Sanders

Sterling Jay Sanders, age 81, of West Point, Utah, passed away on January 24, 2026, at Sunridge Assisted Living in Layton due to complications of Alzheimer's. 

Sterling was born in Ogden, Utah, in 1944 to Cleon and Dorothy Sanders. He was the second of four brothers and also had three older half-siblings. He grew up in Ogden, where he attended Mound Fort School and Ben Lomond High School, and later briefly attended Weber College. 

Before his marriage to Anne Jensen Thompson in 1991, Sterling had been married twice and was the father of a daughter, Michele. 

He worked for many years as a lineman for Utah Power & Light, a job that suited his practical skills and strong work ethic. 

Sterling found enjoyment in the great outdoors. This was evident during his time in Sandpoint, Idaho, where he and his dog spent hours on the porch of his cabin without a cell phone, choosing instead to make bird-calls to the birds that gathered at his feeders. There, he loved taking his catamaran out on the water. He once had a unique summer job as a fire lookout high in the forests of Idaho. Later he was a park ranger on Antelope Island, where he also photographed wildlife. 

Sterling also expressed himself creatively through three primary artistic pursuits: metalworking, woodworking, and photography. He created many unique and beautiful pieces in both metal and wood, with his woodwork often featuring distinctive porcupine quill details. A member of the Ogden Photo Club, Sterling was recognized for his photographic work and artistic eye. 

Sterling was preceded in death by his parents, Cleon and Dorothy Sanders; his older half- brothers, Gail and Jerry; and his brother, Steven. He is survived by his wife, Anne; his brothers, Larry and David; his daughter Michele, and step sons Chad, Jeff, and Renn Thompson. 

An informal viewing was held on January 31. 

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 7, at 2:00 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 1585 W 300 S, Syracuse, Utah. An excursion to Antelope Island will follow.