Sandra Lee Abel of Sullivan, Missouri was born Oct. 14, 1948 in Clayton, Missouri to Henry and Estella (Roberts) Marshall and passed away on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026 at the age of 77 years.
She grew up and attended school in the Rock Hill and Webster Groves area.
On Feb. 6, 1977, she married Walter Abel in Sullivan, Missouri.
Sandy first went to work for Commercial Blue Print. After moving back to the Sullivan area, she was employed by Brown Shoe Company and later by Sullivan Precision Metal, where she worked for over 17 years until her retirement in 2016.
She loved crafting, cooking and collected many treasured recipe books over the years. Sandy enjoyed watching her favorite soap operas and the Hallmark Channel, and she had a special love for music and musicals. She enjoyed trips to the zoo and local parks with her grandchildren, loved flowers, and found happiness in watching Walter play music.
Sandy and Walter were long-time members of New Friendship Baptist Church and later became members of First Baptist Church in Sullivan.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Estella Marshall.
She is survived by her husband, Walter Abel of Sullivan, Missouri; four daughters, Kelly Heitmann and husband Jason of Sullivan, Missouri, Kimberly Bridgeman and husband Casey of Sullivan, Missouri, Cindy Orr of Brookfield, Missouri and Becky Townsend of Bourbon, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Jeff Abel and significant other Jenny, Jason Abel, Jacob Townsend, Bethany Burnett and husband Henry, Shelbie Brendel, Colton Brendel, Kambria Bridgeman and Paislee Bridgeman; eight great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; sister, Judy Licklider of Wichita, Kansas; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 10-11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026 at the First Baptist Church of Sullivan in Sullivan, Missouri.
Remembrance memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Sullivan in Sullivan, Missouri with Pastor Chester Lahmann officiating.
Inurnment followed at the IOOF Memorial Cemetery.
Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan, Missouri.
