Sandra (Fisher) Oakley, of Hays, Kansas, an amazing wife, mother, and grandma, passed away on March 19, 2020 at the age of 71. She was surrounded in life, and during her transition to heaven, by her loving family.
Sandra will reunite with some of her loved ones that went on before her, including her parents Bud and Betty Lou Fisher, brother Randy Fisher, and many other family members that were so important in her life. Although she loved her life on earth, her faith in God gave her the confidence that she would one day be able to wrap her arms around her parents again. She made such a huge impact on the lives of those around her, the grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, this must have been a sight to see.
Sandra “Grandma Sandy”, is survived by an amazing family that loves her dearly. She is survived by her loving husband and best friend of 50 years, Wes Oakley, their 5 children, 18 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild: Melanie and Kelly Petz of Hays, and their four children and one grandson; Nathan, Nick and fiancé Kaylin, Kallynn, and Kameron and grandson Easton; Melissa and Greg Ballard of Leawood, KS and their three children; Gregory, Alexis, and Kaylee; Lindsey and Edward McCray of Maricopa, AZ, and their three children; Jade, Italy, and Caleb; Christin and Tim Nunnery of Hays, and their four children; Isaiah and girlfriend Carli, Ethan and girlfriend Jaycee, Tasiah, and TJ; Seth and Brandi Oakley of Hays, and their four children; Wesley, Jaycee, Trey, and Taryn. She is also survived by her brother Barry and Stacey Fisher of Pratt, and their four children; Brett, Brooke, Steve, and Sam, her brother Randy’s children; Jamie, Molly, and Cody. “Aunt Sandra” loved these families with all her heart, and they absolutely adored her.
Sandra was born on August 1, 1948 in McPherson, Kansas. Her family moved to Lakin, Kansas just prior to her starting high school, and this is where she met the love of her life, Wes Oakley. The two both completed their college degrees in education from Fort Hays State University. Sandra was a fourth grade teacher in Stockton, Kansas. She became the greatest Pastor’s wife in America, as she stood by her husband Wes’ side through 40 years of ministry, most of the time here in Hays at Westview Church. Her role as a wife, a mother, a grandma, an aunt, a sister, and a friend will continue to impact lives for years to come. Sandra loved to help and encourage everyone, and she loved this community and her Westview Church family. Her heart was always to bless others, often creating gift bags or snack bags for local youth sports teams. Most recently before heading to the hospital, she placed a very large and expensive Amazon order so that she could once again be a blessing to others in this community. While in the hospital, Wes just smiled as he imagined what all those new Amazon charges could be for. Upon returning home, Wes and kids opened the boxes to see that she had ordered graduation gifts for several young graduates, and lots of snacks for the youth ministry groups at Westiview Church.
Sandra will be missed and never forgotten. We are comforted by our shared faith in God, that this isn’t the end of our time with Sandra. Her impact while on this earth was significant, and we will all miss our daily interactions with her.
A private family service to celebrate her life will be at 10:30 am on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at Westview Church, with Pastor Charles Mendenhall officiating. The service will be streamed live for the public on the Westview Church YouTube channel. Private family burial will be in Fort Hays Memorial Gardens Cemetery. A public celebration and dinner will be scheduled and announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Westview Church R3 Youth Group, in care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays, Kansas. Condolences and memories of Sandra may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com