Sandra Tate Stahlnecker

Born on August 27, 1941, in Greenville, she lived a life filled with faith, family, friendship, service, and a love of the performing arts.

Sandra was the daughter of the late George D. Tate and Marie Hughes Tate. She was preceded in death by her siblings, G. Thomas Tate, C. Samuel Tate, and Patricia “Patsy” Tate Riddle.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 56 years, Ed Stahlnecker Sr., with whom she shared a lifetime of love, devotion, and countless cherished memories. She also leaves behind her children: Adam (Lee) Ludengow and his wife, Paula; Andrea Starkey; step son Tim Stahlnecker; and Eddie Stahlnecker Jr. and his wife, Melisa DeVito Stahlnecker.

Sandra was a proud grandmother to Lee Ann Merit, Gabrielle Mortimer, Cynthia “CJ” Stahlnecker, and George E. Stahlnecker III (“Chip”). She was also a loving step-grandmother to Abigail “Abi” Stahlnecker, Brooklyn DeVito, Noah DeVito, Kylee Pearce, and Jordan Pearce. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Carley Franklin, Jo Franklin, and Mariella Mortimer, as well as her step-great-grandson, Cain Cox.

One of Sandra’s greatest passions was dance. At the age of four, she began dancing alongside her older sister, Patsy, at the Marjorie Palmer School of Dance. What started as a childhood activity became a lifelong calling. Sandra dedicated much of her life to the dance community, working with the school for decades until only a few years before its closure. Through dance, she touched the lives of countless students and families, sharing not only her talent but also her warmth and encouragement. For generations of Greenville families, “Miss Sandra” was a familiar and beloved presence whose patience, kindness, and dedication helped shape the lives of countless young dancers.

Sandra’s love of the performing arts extended far beyond the dance studio. She loved singing in the church choir when possible. She was an enthusiastic fan of Broadway musicals and rarely missed an opportunity to enjoy live theater. Whether attending productions at the Greenville Little Theatre or traveling to see larger performances, she delighted in the music, storytelling, and artistry of the stage. Some of her happiest moments were spent sharing those experiences with family and friends, creating memories that will be treasured for years to come.

Her love of dancing extended beyond the studio. Sandra and Ed were active members of the Come Latelies Square Dance Club, where they formed lasting friendships and enjoyed many happy years together on the dance floor.

Sandra also had a special place in her heart for animals, especially cats. Her home was always filled with love for her furry companions, and she never met an animal she didn’t want to care for.

Christmas was another of Sandra’s greatest joys. Each year she delighted in dreaming up new and imaginative outdoor decorations, often recruiting Ed to help bring her festive visions to life. Those holiday displays became a treasured tradition for family, friends, and neighbors alike.

Sandra’s life was also marked by remarkable strength and resilience. She was a proud 12-year breast cancer survivor who faced her diagnosis with courage, determination, and faith. Through every challenge, she remained positive and continued to focus on the things she loved most—her family, her friends, her faith, and her animals. Her perseverance served as an inspiration to those who knew and loved her.

Above all, Sandra was a woman of deep and abiding faith. She was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and faithfully served throughout her life. In 1983, she and Ed were sealed in the Washington D.C. Temple for time and all eternity, a sacred event that remained one of the most meaningful milestones of her life.

Sandra will be remembered for her kindness, gentle spirit, unwavering faith, dedication to her family, and the joy she brought to everyone who knew her. Whether through dance, friendship, service, or simply sharing a smile, she left a lasting imprint on the hearts of many.

Though her family grieves her passing, they find comfort in the countless memories she leaves behind and in the faith that families can be together forever. Her legacy of love, devotion, and service will continue to live on through the generations she cherished so deeply.

If Sandra could leave one final image in the hearts of those she loved, it would likely be this: surrounded by her family, dancing with Ed, enjoying the music of a favorite Broadway musical, admiring a yard filled with Christmas lights, and holding a beloved cat in her lap. That is how she will be remembered—with love, laughter, faith, grace, and a heart full of joy.

Visitation will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 400 Farrs Bridge Rd, Greenville, SC 29617 on July 1, 2026, from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm followed by a funeral service at 6:30 pm.