SANDRA KAY “SANDY” ECKELS
1944-2021
Sandra Kay “Sandy” Eckels went to be with the Lord on Sunday, the 25th of April, at the age of 76. Sandy was born the 9th day of August 1944 in San Antonio to Gene and Bertie Crow. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1966 with her degree in Education. She began her teaching career in Austin in early 1967 and ultimately moved to Houston in 1969 where she taught history in the Spring Branch Independent School District. During this time she met longtime friends Gaylene Adams Miller and Gail Diederich. She also met the love of her life, P.G. “Buck” Eckels, and they married in 1974.
Sandy and Buck shared a wonderful and adventurous life. Whether it was traveling around the world, spending time at their much loved Sierra Diablo ranch in Van Horn, hosting and entertaining a multitude of events for family and friends at their beloved home in Baycliff, or attending one of the many charity events they supported, especially the March of Dimes, you could always find the two of them side by side enjoying a night out on the town at one of their favorite Houston restaurants, Tony’s.
Sandy was known for her immense love of animals, especially horses. She generously donated her time and resources to numerous animal charities and foundations, including Citizens for Animal Protection and The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo where she was a member of The Cluckers. She actively served with a group of ladies on the Lamb and Goat Committee of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo where one of the top ten goats or lambs are purchased to help with the Scholarship program each year. Her generosity extended to multiple charities including the arts, faithbased Christian programs, conservative political groups, wounded veterans, and so many more.
Sandy will be remembered for her infectious smile and contagious laugh, forward fashion sense, affection for family, and above all the love she had for her late husband Buck. She was a perfect hostess, an avid animal lover, a talented gardener, a loyal friend, and a devoted sister and aunt.
Sandy was preceded in death by her husband, Buck; her sister, Betty Gene Crow, and parents, Gene and Bertie Crow. She is survived by her nieces, Deanna Siracusa, and Christi Sarrat and husband Paul. She is also survived by great niece, Ashley Celis, and great nephew, Payton Sarrat, as well as members of the Eckels family and many, many friends.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Houston Methodist Hospital doctors and staff for their compassion and care. We are so very grateful for their dedication and support.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from ten o’clock until eleven o’clock in the morning on Friday, the 7th of May in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.
The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation at eleven o’clock, also at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons.
The interment will follow, via an escorted cortege, at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery, in Houston.
In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to the American Stroke Association, A division of the American Heart Association at www.stroke.org or 7272 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX, 75231.
Please visit Mrs. Eckels’ online memorial tribute at GeoHLewis.com where memories and words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with her family.