Sandi Sanders

Dr. Sandi Sanders, 82, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2026 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Born on October 17, 1943 in Bonham, Texas, Sandi lived an accomplished, elegant and remarkable life dedicated to family, community and career. Known growing up in Bonham as “Sandra,” she then became “Sandi” in college, then “Mommy,” “Mother,” “Mom,” and then “Grand.” She was one of those rare individuals who could correctly fold fitted sheets and was never seen looking less than her best. If anyone has seen otherwise, we challenge you to provide evidence.

Dr. Sanders earned a B.S. in Elementary Education at the University of Oklahoma. She became an elementary school teacher, and later a school principal after obtaining her master’s degree in education administration. Her successes led her to being recruited to Westark Community College to establish the first community service classes, ultimately serving thousands of students and community members. After acquiring her Ed.D in higher education, Dr. Sanders was the driving factor in establishing the University Center, offering four-year degrees on the two-year college campus, creating the bedrock for the future four-year university. Along with Joel Stubblefield’s leadership, she led the successful campaign to establish the University of Arkansas Fort Smith.

During her 28-year career, Dr. Sanders served as Director of Continuing Education, Director of University Center Operations, Vice President for Student Services and University Center Operations, Provost/Chief Academic Officer, Senior Vice Chancellor/Chief of Staff, Interim Chancellor, and Senior Vice Chancellor. During this time, she raised two daughters, working many hours a day to create a loving home and attending school programs, piano recitals, band concerts, gymnastics meets, swimming lessons, art classes, driving to camps and classes and practices and serving as troop leader. She did all of this while driving back and forth on old Highway 71 to the University of Arkansas to earn a master’s degree and a doctorate. During this period, she spearheaded the establishment of Leadership Fort Smith, bringing the program to the city and serving as its Executive Director for a decade, where she helped cultivate and inspire generations of community leaders. In addition, she led a record-setting United Way campaign. She accomplished all of this, in spite of a number of serious illnesses, which were unknown to others.

Following her retirement from UAFS, Dr. Sanders was recruited to become the founding director of the US Marshals Museum, having been a key member of the team that campaigned for Fort Smith to be selected as the location of the museum. When the Fort Smith Symphony called upon her, she turned her talents to serving as Development Director for several years, where yet again she raised funds at record levels.

She was a wonderful wife, supporting her husband in a wide variety of opportunities. He readily admits that he “married up, over-married, and out-kicked his coverage.” In his own words, he would not have achieved his many successes without her support. Together they traveled extensively, supported each other’s careers, championed various art and music programs, cheered on the Oklahoma Sooners, and savored the rich river landscape outside of their living room windows.

As “Grand” to six loving grandchildren, she made fudge, brownies, pies and cookies, played card games, went to more ball games, concerts, graduations, baptisms, confirmations, birthdays and vacations, and was an easy touch for a smile or a hug.

The list of her community accomplishments is long. If you have the afternoon or want to feel inadequate, keep reading. Otherwise, jump ahead. Arvest Bank Fort Smith, Board of Directors; Reynolds Cancer Support House Board of Directors; St. Edward Mercy Medical Center, Board of Directors, Chair; United Way of Fort Smith Area Board of Directors, Chair; United Way Women’s Leadership Giving, Founding Chair; Chamber Economic and Marketing Strategy Development Steering Committee; Leadership Arkansas Board of Advisors, Director, Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce; United Way of Fort Smith Area Campaign Chairman; Arkansas Leadership Organization, NALO, Chair; St. Edward Advisory Board of Directors, Chair; Lincoln Child Care Center, President; St. Luke Lutheran Church Council President and member of various committees including building expansion; Abilities Unlimited Board of Directors, Vice President; Girl Scouts of the Mount Magazine Area Board of Directors, Vice President; Library Endowment Committee; Sparks Regional Medical Center, Advisory Board of Directors; Junior League of Fort Smith, Treasurer and Sustainer.

The list of her honors is similarly long: The Jack White Outstanding Leadership Award, Leadership Fort Smith Alumni Association; Top 75 Graduates in the past 100 Years, University of Oklahoma; Woman of Distinction award and Top Women in Arkansas award, Girl Scout Council of Mount Magazine Area; Gloria White Community Angel Award, Project Compassion; Top 100 Women in Arkansas, Arkansas Business Professional Publishing Group; Spirit of the Frontier Award, City of Fort Smith; Administrator of the Year, Phi Delta Kappa; Professional Woman Award, Business and Professional Women Association.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Edward C. “Sandy” Sanders, who has been lovingly dedicated to Sandi since the moment they met in the lobby of her dorm at the University of Oklahoma. She also leaves behind daughter Susan Johns (Michael) and daughter Elaine Sanders (Jeff Dlabach), as well as beloved grandchildren Ian Johns, Faith Johns, Jack Johns (Alison), Isabel Dlabach, Nicholas Dlabach and Reese Dlabach.

Dr. Sanders in recent years continued her 59-year membership at St. Luke Lutheran Church and served as member and past president of Arkansas Arts Council, Member of the Fort Smith Montessori School Board, and Member of the Fort Smith Library Board of Trustees. She spent many happy hours with the Mahjong Mavens, the Happy Bookers, and PEO Chapter J.

Funeral services will be held at St. Luke Lutheran Church on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 3:00 pm under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.. Visitation will be at the Fort Smith Glass Pavilion on Friday, July 31 from 5:00-7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sanders Endowment for Music - University of Arkansas Fort Smith, Fort Smith Public Library, and St. Luke Lutheran Church.

Online condolences may be sent to, www.edwardsfuneralhome.com