Amberlynn Elizabeth "Cass" Sanders

Amberlynn Elizabeth Sanders
December 17, 1990 – September 24, 2025
Amberlynn Elizabeth Sanders, lovingly known as "Cass" or "Cassie MoonChild," age 34, of Mt. Gilead, Ohio, passed away far too soon on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at Kobacher House in Columbus. She faced colon cancer with extraordinary courage and grace, departing this world surrounded by the deep love of her family and friends.
Born on December 17, 1990, in Columbus, Ohio, Cass was lovingly welcomed into her forever family through adoption by her devoted mother, Laura Sanders of Mt. Gilead. From the beginning, Cass radiated creativity, compassion, and a boundless imagination that would define her life.
Cass graduated from Olentangy High School and the Delaware Area Career Center in 2009, specializing in Digital Design and earning a WOW Certificate for website development. She later attended Columbus State Community College, where she helped establish the Anime Club-a reflection of her vibrant spirit and artistic passion.
Art was the heartbeat of Cass's life. Her imagination knew no bounds, and she found whimsical, heartfelt ways to bring her ideas to life. Whether through digital design, traditional media, or her remarkable fur suit creations, Cass's talent was as diverse as it was extraordinary. Her independent commissions were infused with originality and soul, leaving lasting impressions on all who experienced her work. Her artistic spirit touched every corner of her life, and she will be remembered for the joy and creativity she shared with the world.
Cass was a loving, kind, and generous soul who never met a stranger. Her warm smile and gentle presence radiated compassion and acceptance. She had a rare and beautiful gift for loving deeply and unconditionally-seeing people for who they truly were and embracing them without judgment. Her self-confidence inspired others to love themselves and strive to be their best. Despite facing many hardships and challenges, Cass persevered with grace and resilience, leaving a lasting, positive impact on everyone she met. She never let struggles or disabilities define her or hold her back, and she never turned anyone away. A passionate advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community, Cass stood beside those who felt unsupported or marginalized, helping them recognize their worth and beauty. She had an extraordinary ability to meet people where they were-physically, emotionally, and mentally-and made sure no one ever felt uncomfortable or alone in their struggles.
Conversations with Cass were effortless and often endless. Even if you thought you had nothing in common, she would find a way to connect-and talk with you for hours. Even in her darkest hours, Cass remained deeply concerned for the well-being of others. She participated in two clinical trials during her cancer treatment, saying, "This may not help me, but they will learn something from it and it may help someone else someday." In her final act of generosity, Cass donated her corneas to the Lions Eye Bank of Ohio (LOOP), continuing a legacy defined by empathy, selflessness, and care.
Cass had the most beautiful laugh and gave the best hugs-hugs that made you feel safe, seen, and loved. Her presence was magnetic, her heart immeasurable and her absence will be deeply felt by the many friends and family who loved her.
Cass is survived by her loving and devoted mother, Laura Sanders of Mt. Gilead; her beloved sister, Marissa (Sanders) Mulford and husband Branden of Grove City; and her cherished feline companion, Olivia. She is also survived by her grandparents Shirley (Mannasmith) and Jerry Young of Mt. Gilead, and Joan and Daniel Sanders of Columbus; and her extended family of aunts and uncles: Robert and Stephanie Sanders of Thornville, Luigia (Sanders) and Eric Bailey of Columbus, Stacy (Sanders) Robinson of Portland, MI, and Jenifer (Young) Jonas of Columbus, along with many cousins and others who held a special place in her heart.
Cass leaves behind her treasured second family-"Mom #2" Cindy, "Dad" Thom, and her "life siblings" Abigail, Luke, Jordan Kate, and Handy Moore-who embraced her as one of their own. She is also survived by her lifelong friends Wendy Jenkins and Kim Curry, along with countless friends across social media whose love, laughter, and connection brought light to her life.
She was preceded in death by her beloved great-grandparents Merl and Grace (Strohl) Mannasmith and Mickey; Marjorie (Dickason) and Robert "Bob" Sanders; and her uncle, Daniel "Danny" Sanders.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to the extraordinary nurses, doctors, and support staff at The James Cancer Hospital and Kobacker House for their exceptional care, compassion, and kindness throughout Cass's journey.
In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Cass's legacy by donating blood to the American Red Cross, registering as an organ, eye, and tissue donor, or making a financial contribution in her name to the Kobacker House Final Wishes Fund.
While no immediate plans for a Celebration of Life are in place, details will be shared in the near future. It was Cass's heartfelt wish to have a joyful gathering-a party filled with laughter, memories, and love-where friends and family could come together not in sorrow, but in celebration of the time shared with her. She asked that we not mourn her passing, but instead rejoice in the gift of her presence in our lives.
"It's not goodbye, just see you later."
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. -Romans 8:38–39