Sandra Sue Burch

Sandra Sue Burch, lovingly known as Sandi, and even more proudly known as Nene, passed away suddenly on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Wichita Falls, Texas, at the age of 64. Though her time here feels too short, her impact was anything but. She lived a life full of purpose, grit, compassion, and faith, the kind of faith you don’t just talk about but carry in your pocket.

Born August 3, 1960, in Quanah, Texas, Sandi was the daughter of Sue Gentry and the late Joe Burch. She was also loved and raised by her stepfather, the late Sam Gentry. From a young age, Sandi had a deep love for horses and the western way of life, believing that “God’s Country” wasn’t just a saying, but a way of living — boots, jeans, and all.

Sandi’s life was defined by service. She spent many years managing Summit Apartments alongside her mother, Sue, and longtime friend Linda McCaffery, and she played an important role in the North Texas Rental Properties Association. She also served as office manager for Bob Bounds Paving and contributed her talents to several small businesses in Wichita Falls.

Earlier in life, she answered another call to serve through law enforcement, beginning in Watauga, Texas, then on to Haltom City, Hardeman County, and ultimately Wichita Falls. In Quanah, she wore many hats: sheriff's dispatcher, EMT, ambulance driver, and even donut shop owner. She was the kind of person who always showed up and made sure the job got done, and done right.

Whether it was through her career or in everyday life, Sandi always found ways to help others. She never stopped giving. If she had two of something, she gave away three. Her generosity wasn’t performative, it was simply who she was. Many people may remember her small crosses, Jesus figurines, or faith bracelets — simple things she kept on hand just in case someone needed a reminder of hope. She didn’t need a church pew to show her faith, she lived it every single day.

She was also a gifted storyteller and writer. Though her books were never formally published, she poured herself into the written word. Her most meaningful published piece, a heartfelt article titled "Ten Fingers and Ten Toes," shared her experience of pregnancy and the birth of her only son, Derek. Some may have called his difference a deformity — Sandi called it his divine purpose. That lens of love and intentionality defined how she saw the world: not for what’s missing, but for what’s meaningful.

A woman of many roles — law enforcement officer, dispatcher, dart-throwing champion, cowboy boot enthusiast, horse lover, ranch storyteller, faithful friend — Sandi’s favorite role of all was being Nene. She adored her grandchildren, Luke (11) and Grace (9), and lit up every time they were near. Her love for her only son, Derek Whisenand, and his wife Mandi, was unwavering and fierce. The kind of love that showed up, showed grace, and showed you how to get things done.

She is survived by her mother, Sue Gentry; son Derek Whisenand and wife Mandi; grandchildren Luke and Grace Whisenand; brother Joey Burch and wife Carey; and nephew Cody Gentry, and his wife Kelly, and their children: CooperAnne Barahona and Emilee Behringer and their families, along with Creed, Cortt, and CJ Gentry. She is also survived by her aunt Marie Wells, aunt Marti Burch, uncle Charles Burch, and their extended families.

She was preceded in death by her fathers Joe Burch and Sam Gentry, her brother Sammy Gentry, and her uncles E.L. Leonard and Bill Leonard, along with countless family and friends she now rejoins in Heaven.

Though she leaves behind more family and cousins than can be counted, two in particular, Deborah Moody and Donna Smith, held a special place in her heart. Sandi, Deborah, Donna, and her mother

Sue were often affectionately known as the “Golden Girls” on their travels, and Sandi, of course, played the role of “Dorothy,” the bossy one with a heart of gold and the voice of reason.

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, July 21, 2025, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Hampton Vaughan Crestview Funeral Home, 1917 Archer City Hwy, Wichita Falls, TX 76302. Sandi will be cremated and, true to her spirit, hoped to someday rest in “God’s Country.”

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to Scottish Rite for Children Hospital, a cause she was always proud to support.

To those who knew her, at work, in her family, or in her community, thank you for loving her. You made her life full. You made her life better. And through each hug, cross, or act of service, her legacy lives on.