Sandra Kay Carol Walker, age 60, of Hiawatha, Kansas, passed away unexpectedly on November 30, 2025, at KU Medical Center.
She was born on November 9, 1965, in Kansas City, MO. She is survived by her children Sandy Fell (husband Matt Fell), Leesport, PA; Missy Sales, Nebraska City, NE; Christina Grier (husband Caleb Grier); and Gloria Grier (husband Kyle Grier). Her grandchildren include: Elizabeth Fell (partner Riley Brennan), Kaitlyn Fell (partner Sherief Wright), Gwen Fell, Jasmine Silvis, Eric Hosford, Dakota Hosford, Brandon McKarnin, Nicole Friend (Austin), Brennon Barnes, Alan Simpson (partner Lynnsey , Blake Simpson (partner Gabby Konig), Jace Simpson, Makenna Grier, Kaden Johnson, Gabe Johnson (partner Emmy Cheek), Maurrice Schaber, and Jaxon Grier. Her great-grandchildren included: Elliot Friend, Harper Brennon, Elias Friend, Eric Brennon, and Shawn Simpson. Her surviving siblings include Patti Singletary, Brenda Rayburn, Teresa Freeby, Roy Tidwell, and Wanda Tidwell.
Sandra was preceded in death by her mother, Sandra Tidwell; sister Gloria Rayburn; grandparents Buela Cooper and Ernest Cooper; son-in-law Shawn Simpson; Aunt Sherry Cooper and Niece Shauna Rayburn. She is survived by her Aunt Peggy Cooper and Uncle Larry Cooper.
Sandra loved God and lived by faith, reading her Bible daily. She loved her church and cherished her family. She was a big fan of Elvis and proudly supported the Chiefs. She had a 45-year career, including most recently 11 years as a truck driver and four years as a supervisor at MARS in Topeka, KS, before retiring in 2022 due to health. Her decades of work were matched by a lifetime of love, generosity, and a radiant, infectious smile that brightened every room she entered. She was always there for her children and grandchildren, ready to lend a hand, share wisdom, or offer a comforting presence. She enjoyed helping others and made those around her feel seen and valued.
Sandra’s legacy lives in the many lives she touched—through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the countless nieces and nephews who considered her a second mom.
If you’d like to honor her memory, consider a donation to Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha, KS in her name to help cover funeral expenses, or share a memory of Sandra.
Celebration of Sandra’s eternal life is planned for 2 p.m. Friday, December 5, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Hiawatha, with Pastor Michael Lehman officiating. Burial will follow at Hiawatha Cemetery.
Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Thursday and until 11 a.m. Friday. The family will meet with friends one hour prior to services at the Church.
