Sandy Anderson Sparling (March 16, 1941 — October 7, 2024)

Heaven is a brighter paradise today with the passing of Sandra Anderson Sparling to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. After a decline of several months, Sandy died at the Amarillo Center hospice in Amarillo TX, where loved ones visited her daily.

Sandy was born on March 16, 1941 to Clyde and Helen Anderson in Saint Louis, Missouri. She has three sisters and a brother: Irma Lou Rabeneck (deceased); Carolyn Warnky (husband Russell); Jane Thompson; and Gary Anderson.

Sandy married the “love of her life“ Russell Sparling on June 13, 1959 at Southwest Baptist Church in Saint Louis. They were married 65 plus happy years. Sandy proudly bore three sons: Kirk Darren (wife Darla); Craig Lee (wife Kennita); and Keith Tanner (deceased). Sandy and Russell also have seven grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. Sandy loved babies, especially her own, and being a wife and mother.

She worked hard and succeeded at whatever she attempted: assistant in the Admissions Office at Duke University; Director of the Duke Graduate Reading Room during move to the new Library; typing teacher in Colonial Williamsburg; Diamond Shamrock employee in Division Orders; participant in walkathons for charity; Delinquent Tax Manager for Randall County Texas; Twice President of WT Women; President of PEO, Chapter Z. She enjoyed tennis and aerobic dance, and did the can-can in the Canyon Follies.

She supported her husband’s academic career to the hilt. All who know her find her smile unforgettable, her interest in others unwavering, and her love for people unrivaled. She often said that favorite Southern expression: “Bless your heart.” Sandy believed in God and His Grace with her whole heart and loved First Presbyterian Church of Amarillo and the Ann Nassau Circle.

We who love her cannot imagine life without her.

Sandy's funeral service was held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church; interment followed in Memory Gardens Cemetery. Arrangements by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, Amarillo, TX. To send flowers to Sandy’s family in her memory, please visit our flower store.