She was born in Mansfield on November 26, 1935, to the late Lloyd and Ruth Stricker, and was one of three children. Sandy was a proud graduate of Mansfield Senior High School.
Sandy shared over 50 loving years of marriage with her husband, Oscar L. Whitaker. Together, they built a life centered on family and had two sons.
She had a creative spirit and found great joy in crafting and painting. Sandy also had a lifelong love of horses and spent time riding in her younger years. Her compassion extended to animals, especially her dogs, and she cared for many beloved pets throughout her life.
An active and generous member of her community, Sandy enjoyed Red Cross aerobic swimming as a volunteer swim instructor and served as a volunteer swim instructor for the YMCA, sharing her skills and enthusiasm with others. Sandy will be remembered for her kindness, creativity, and dedication to her family and community.
She is survived by her son, Brian L. Whitaker; two granddaughters; brother, Hayes (Vonda) Stricker; and her cousins, Betsy Morgan, Marlene Ruhl and Marian Hamaker.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded by her husband, Oscar L. Whitaker; brother, Douglas Stricker and her mother and father-in-law.
Family and friends may visit on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Wappner Funeral Directors-Mansfield, 98 S. Diamond Street, from 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM. A graveside service will follow at Mansfield Cemetery beginning at 1:00 PM.
Memorial contributions in Sandy’s honor may be made to the Richland County Humane Society.
Wappner Funeral Directors-Mansfield is honored to serve the family of Sandra Emily Whitaker.
