In Loving Memory of Sandra Earlene Ward

May 23, 1969 - August 12, 2026

Sandra Earlene Ward was born on May 23, 1969, and left this world far too soon on August 12, 2026. In her 57 years, she built a life centered around family, education, tradition, and a deep love for the people who meant the most to her.

Sandra earned her bachelor's degree in teaching from Northeastern State University, beginning what would become a lifelong dedication to educating and advocating for children. She began her teaching career in the late 90's with Tulsa Public Schools and later taught in Chelsea and Claremore before retiring in 2011.

Sandra was a devoted teacher who gave so much of herself to her students and the families she served throughout her career.

During her years at Claremore, Sandra was instrumental in developing its special education program and helping lay the foundation for what it has become today. She had a true passion for her students, especially children with special needs, and her dedication touched countless young lives and families. The impact she made as an educator extended far beyond the classroom and continued long after her teaching career ended.

While teaching was an important part of Sandra's life, family was always at the heart of it. Of all the titles she held, being a daughter, wife, mother, proud military mom, Nana, and great-Nana were the ones she treasured most. She loved fiercely and made sure the people she cared about knew exactly how much they meant to her.

Sandra is survived by her loving husband of almost 40 years, Chris Ward; her son, Christopher Ward and his wife, Jade; her daughter, Helena Harker and her husband, Jerry; and her mother, Candance Mitchell. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Zackery Weber and his partner, Tianna; Tucker Rogers; and Laney Crowder; her precious great-grandson, Rayden; her brother, DJ Mitchell and his partner, Alicia; her nephew, Jonathan Mitchell and his wife, Nicole; her great-nephew, Braxton; and several beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins who were always much more like brothers and sisters to her.

Being Nana brought Sandra immeasurable joy, and she treasured the time spent with her grandchildren. She shared a particularly special bond with Laney, her little best friend, and the many memories and lessons they shared will stay with Laney throughout her life.

Sandra had a special way of making holidays and family gatherings something everyone looked forward to. Christmas will forever bring memories of her famous chicken and noodles - the dish everyone waited for and usually fought over. Laney and Helena will carry on Nana's chicken and noodle tradition, while the rest of the family will do their best to keep alive all the other little traditions Sandra created along the way.

Those traditions will remain a piece of her, woven into every holiday, gathering, and story shared for generations to come.

Her passing leaves an immeasurable space in the hearts of those who loved her, but the life Sandra built leaves behind so much more than loss. She leaves a family shaped by her love, traditions that will continue in her honor, generations of students whose lives are better because she cared, and a lifetime of memories that will keep her close.

Sandra was deeply loved, will be terribly missed, and will forever remain at the heart of her family.