Sharon Kay Sandoz

She was the first child and only daughter of Donald Wayne Pyle, Sr., and Joyce Whitfield Pyle. Sharon was born and raised in Oklahoma City and lived most of her adult life there, with a few short but meaningful years in Texas, Florida, and Louisiana.

Sharon valued education. She graduated from Putnam City High School in 1972 and attended Oklahoma City University; she later earned a master’s degree in accounting from Oklahoma City University. She was later awarded her CPA, and worked for several businesses and accounting firms throughout her lifetime. She served with the IRS for almost 20 years. But it was her first career path as an officer with the Oklahoma City Police Department that altered her life and ultimately led to her accounting career. Sharon was the first female officer to be shot in the line of duty, by a homeowner when she responded to a prowler call. The first bullet grazed her hair and the next three made body contact. As a result of these wounds, Sharon battled physical pain and trauma for the rest of her life.

Sharon’s first marriage was brief, but she was blessed by the birth of her only child, Kevin, and a lasting love for his two older sisters, Holly Ann and Kelly Jo Wagner. She later married the true love of her life, James David Sandoz. Jim and Sharon dissolved their marriage in 1994, but their love and friendship continued until his death in 2016, as did his parental relationship with Kevin.

Her commitment to family was one of Sharon’s greatest strengths. No person was ever more important to her than Kevin; her love for him was boundless. After his birth, all of her life decisions were made with Kevin’s welfare being the top consideration. When Kevin married in 2020, Sharon welcomed Michelle into the family and into her home with an open heart. Sharon’s relationship with her mother, Joyce, was honest and respectful. Joyce was Sharon’s best friend and Sharon was Joyce’s champion. She lovingly provided her mother with a home during Joyce’s final years and did everything possible to ensure her comfort and happiness. Sharon was also a faithful friend; she shared her kindness, quick humor, loving advice, frank wisdom, and gentle comfort with each person she befriended, always seeming to know what was needed in any circumstance.

Sharon had a deep compassion and natural love for children. Coupled with her years in law enforcement, this led her to volunteer through CASA of Oklahoma County as a court appointed special advocate for children who find themselves a part of the family court system. Sharon also served her community as a volunteer for almost 30 years.

Animals also benefited from Sharon’s kind spirit. She had a life-long affection for dogs, particularly the Chow Chow breed, but having a small lap dog or two (depending on what Kevin brought home!) also added to Sharon’s joy.

When it is all said and done, Sharon’s most important relationship was with God. Her friends and family can take comfort in knowing that she was a firm believer in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Sharon is survived by her son, Kevin Wagner, and his wife Michelle; her brother, Donald W. Pyle, Jr.; stepdaughters, Holly Ann Wagner and Kelly Jo Wagner Krenz; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, Donald W. Pyle, Sr.; her mother, Joyce Whitfield Pyle; and her ex-husband, Jim Sandoz.

A visitation will be held for Sharon from 12-6pm, Monday, September 6th at Memorial Park Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held at 2pm, Tuesday, September 7th at Memorial Park Funeral Home located in Oklahoma City, OK.