Sandra Kay Russell

In her youth, she was an active member of 4-H and a proud member of the Clay Center Bees softball team. She attended Clay Center High School, where she was a cheerleader and a member of the Kayette Club. Sandy then attended Emporia State University, where she earned her degree in Education and met her husband Gregg. Sandy and Gregg were married on May 30, 1970, in Wichita, KS. Sandy became a physical education teacher at Robinson Junior High and then Hadley Junior High. After welcoming their daughters Stephanie and Stacia into the world, Sandy decided to step away from teaching to dedicate her time to her children. She spent their childhood organizing school events, carpooling to practices, attending bible study, and volunteering at her church. Once her girls were older, Sandy found a new career as the Christian Education Director at Trinity Presbyterian Church. Her greatest joy in life was spoiling her grandkids and granddogs. She loved socializing with friends, spending time with family, and, most importantly, serving the Lord and her church.

Sandy was preceded in death by Donald and Delores Copeland, George and Imogene Russell, Russell and Jacqueline Russell, and Joe Morris. She is survived by her husband Gregg Russell, two daughters, Stephanie (Casey) Carlson of Wichita and Stacia (Nick) Pieroni of Lee’s Summit, five grandchildren: Caden, Carli, Cale, Harper, and Henley, brother, Steve Copeland, brother, Sam (Merri) Copeland, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at New Hope Community Church (LeVenue),109 W Main St.,Valley Center, Kansas, 67147 .

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be sent to the Ronald McDonald House - Family Room Program (https://ronaldmcdonaldhouse.org/donate) or the Sedgwick County Zoo for future giraffe renovation (https://tinyurl.com/zoomemorial).