Sandra Kay Neuenschwander

She was born on December 5, 1944, in Chico, California, the beloved daughter of Ernest and Ruby Neuenschwander. Sandra grew up in Warr Acres, Oklahoma, and graduated from Putnam City High School in 1962.

She married Kelly Owens and they adopted their son, Casey Owens. Though they were told they couldn't have children, much to their surprise and joy, they later welcomed a daughter, Kristi Owens. After 19 years of marriage, Sandra and Kelly divorced, and she began a new chapter of independence and dedication.

Sandra started working in the school cafeteria, later pursuing a long and meaningful career as a civilian in law enforcement. She worked at the Bethany Police Department, Yukon Police Department, the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oklahoma County Jail. While working at the Bethany Police Department, Sandra became a quiet hero to many of her children’s friends—often helping them out of traffic tickets with a wink and a warning. Later, during her time at the Oklahoma County Jail, she became known for her black military-style uniform and clunky black boots, a look that matched her fierce work ethic and sharp sense of humor. With her son Casey being a police officer, she especially loved giving him a hard time—playfully embarrassing him if he brought a prisoner into her workplace.

Sandra was young at heart and full of life. She loved thrift shopping with her daughter, collecting bold and fun eyeglasses, and caring for her many pets—especially her beloved dog Nibbles, who she often called the love of her life. She never met a stranger and had a gift for connecting with everyone she encountered. But more than anything, she loved her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the center of her world.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Ruby Neuenschwander.

Sandra is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Casey and Cathy Owens; her daughter and son-in-law, Kristi and Randy Tidwell; her grandchildren: Morgan (Kevin) Gunter, Ashley Owens, Connor Owens, Mary-Kate Rowe, Bailee Tidwell, Tyler Tidwell, Brady Tidwell, and Trevor Tidwell; and her great-grandchildren: Billy Sexton, Carter Gunter, Beckham Gunter, Jace Pinkney, Javiah Pinkney, Salem Grubbs, and Echo Grubbs. She is also survived by her dear friend, Billy Mitchell.

Sandra will be remembered for her sass, her humor, her compassion, and her fierce love for those she held dear. She was truly one of a kind, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.