Sandra Kay Rabensburg

Sandra Kay Yeager Rabensburg, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, left this world on Friday, August 9, 2024, at the age of 76 years old. She was surrounded by her family and went peacefully while being serenaded by her daughters to Jerry Jeff Walker “London Homesick Blues.”

Sandy was all about her kids, her family and friends, good food and good times. She was a well- rounded woman who was generous, thoughtful, classy, adventurous, quick witted, competitive and loyal to those she loved.

Sandy was born December 29, 1947, to James “Slim” and Rosemary Yeager in Port Arthur, Texas. She was the third of four children, Sherry, Vicki, and Kip. It was her upbringing that instilled the importance of family. She was close to her mother and siblings throughout her life and lived for the impromptu cup of coffee and “visits”. Her mother, sisters and brother were her lifelong best friends.

She graduated high school in 1965. Married Robert Covington June 2, 1967. Although her marriage to Robert did not last, they had 3 beautiful children, Rob, Kimberly “KK”, and Caryn. She would share often that her kids were her greatest accomplishment. The sentiments she learned from her upbringing were passed down to her children. She would take advantage of any opportunity to spend time together with them and forged very special and unique relationships with each one of them.

Like a beautiful gemstone, Sandy had many facets. She was by far an amazing cook. Born and raised in SE Texas, she had a flare for TexMex, comfort and Cajun food. She loved hosting family and friends any chance she could. She was notorious for her fried gulf shrimp, and a master of so much more. She passed on her affinity for cooking to her children and they learned through her example that the secret ingredient in each of her recipes was love. It was a given -- if you ever left her home hungry, it was your own fault.

She was also an entrepreneur and artist. She had a passion for creating things and most of her knowledge was gained through research and self-education. While living in Florida, she was a co-developer and marketer of a sunscreen lotion named Sandals. She was an accomplished furniture reupholster; she would shop consignment and antique shops and would love to take something old and make it new again. She was passionate about nature and flowers and had a perennial nursery business with her dear friend, Ellen, called Garden Market. They grew plants mainly from seed to sell to wholesale.

She also taught herself the art of jewelry and wreath making. Those who knew Sandy knew she was plagued with essential tremors which caused her to shake so severely she could hardly hold a fork, yet she could string a strand of beauty like no other. Eventually, she created an online store named Stonehouse where she networked with other likeminded artists and shared her creations.

She was a doting grandmother to her three grandchildren. “Magaw T was the best!” She earned the nickname from Alex when KK referred to her as Grandma in Tennessee. She enjoyed spending time with the grandkids and watching them grow up. She made it her goal to be the one to introduce them to Clumpy’s Ice Cream, good manners and proper grammar.

Love found Sandy the second time, when she married Don Rabensburg, February 4, 1977.

In Don’s words, she gave me the best 47 years of my life.

“I would like to say our life together was perfect, but it was not, but it was pretty damn close! She was my very best friend, and I love her with all my heart. She brought joy to everyone she met and those who met her had their lives enriched just like mine. I miss her so much.”

ODE TO SANDY

HI BABY

THIS IS NOT GOODBYE. IT’S SEE YOU LATER

KEEP A LIGHT ON FOR ME BECAUSE I AM NOT FAR BEHIND

IF YOU SEE YOUR MOMMA AND MINE, SAY HELLO

PET GINGER FOR ME AND TELL HER THAT ABBY WON’T BE FAR BEHIND EITHER

YOU HAVE BEEN, AND WILL ALWAYS BE, THE LOVE OF MY LIFE

I DON’T KNOW WHERE YOU ARE, BUT WHEREVER IT IS, I KNOW YOU ARE SURROUNDED BY LOVE BECAUSE THAT’S WHO AND WHAT YOU ARE, PURE LOVE

WHEREVER IT IS, I WILL JOIN YOU SOON

LOVE ALWAYS,

YOUR DON

Sandy is survived by her husband Don, children Rob (Kim) Covington, KK (Pat) Motley, and Caryn (Julie) Hardy, 3 grandchildren, Alex Motley, Emily Motley and Jaycie Hardy. Sisters, Sherry Thorup, Vicki (Charlie) Iwasko, and dear friend Ellen Law. Preceded in death by her parents and brother Kip.

Honoring Sandy’s final wishes, there will be no formal services. The family will gather for a Shrimp Fry in her honor at a later date. In remembrance of Sandy’s life and love, the family ask in lieu of flowers, any charitable donation be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com