Sandra Ruth Long

Sandra Ruth Long, 85, went to be with Jesus on Friday, May 2, 2025.

Sandra was born September 3, 1939, in Mineral Wells, TX to Earl Hunter Shands and Viola Wilamet Anderson Shands. Sandra was a graduate of Mineral Wells High School. She married Kenneth Long on September 16, 1955. Together they raised four children in the nurture and admonition of the LORD.

Sandra grew up attending Parker Street Baptist Church in Mineral Wells and accepted Christ as her Savior as a child. She began playing in church services at the age of 12, becoming church pianist while still a teen. A few years into their marriage, Sandra, Kenneth and their young family moved to Ft. Worth and attended South Park Baptist Church, formerly known as Hemphill Street Baptist Church. Sandra taught Sunday School and again served as pianist. Sandra, Kenneth and their family moved to Santo in 1970 and joined First Baptist Church. Sandra served as church pianist and organist from 1970 until a few years ago when her declining health prevented her from playing at weekly services. After arriving in Santo, Sandra and her daughters, Janet and Deborah, began singing as the Long Family Trio and continued singing together throughout Sandra’s life. Sandra taught a Senior Ladies Sunday School Class and later an Adult Sunday School Class. She had a great love and talent for playing the piano and singing, and she used these talents to serve her LORD her entire adult life.

Sandra taught piano lessons to 26 students while her children were young so that she could stay home to raise them. As they got older, she began working outside the home. Sandra was employed in several places but primarily worked for Palo Pinto County. She worked in the Adult Probation Office for a short time, however most of her career was spent working in the Tax Office. Her last few years she served as Palo Pinto County Tax Assessor/Collector until her retirement in 2007.

Sandra loved spending time with family and friends. She had the gift of hospitality and loved to cook, often opening her home to pastors, music leaders, visiting revival preachers and evangelists. Family and friends enjoyed “Sunday dinner” in her home followed by an afternoon gathered around the piano singing praises to the LORD till early evening. Her children remember the time she served a meal at the picnic table under the trees to several hungry strangers that had hopped off the train looking for work. She always tried to make folks feel welcome and to share what she had. Sandra also enjoyed crocheting and made a special effort to ensure that each of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and special friends had an afghan blanket made by Nanna. She and Ken also loved to travel around the U.S., but Colorado was by far their favorite spot since their first trip in 1962. They loved the majestic Rocky Mountains and were joined in camping by many friends and family members throughout the years.

Sandra is survived by her husband of 69 years, Charles Kenneth “Ken” Long of Santo, TX; one son, Kenneth Ray (Michelle) Long of Santo TX; three daughters, Janet (Phil) Colvin of Santo, TX; Deborah (Russell) Pope of Red River, NM; Jeana (Kenneth) Poynor of Mineral Wells, TX; eleven grandchildren, Kyle Sportsman, Timothy (Emily) Long, Philip (Amanda) Colvin, Ruth Colvin, Lydia (Josh) Williams, Jennifer Pope, Jessica Pope, Brad (Lindsay) Poynor, Jennifer (Mark) Hamilton, Nathan Poynor, Allison Poynor and one grandson by heart, nephew Ryan Shands; 18 great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and close family friends.

Sandra is preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Wilamet Shands; one brother, Raymond Earl Shands; and one sister in love, Connie Shands.

Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Baum Carlock Bumgardner Funeral Home Chapel in Mineral Wells. Celebration of Life Service is scheduled for Friday, May 9, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Santo with Pastor Chris Weaver officiating.

Pallbearers will be Phil Colvin, Philip Colvin, Tim Long, Timothy Long, Russell Pope, Brad Poynor, Kenneth Poynor, Nathan Poynor, Robert Shands, Ryan Shands and Kyle Sportsman.

Honorary pallbearers will be Robert Banks, Paul Colvin, Gene Edwards, Eddie Foster, Richard Foster, Ronnie Johnson, Charles Kitchens, Brian Long, Michael Price, Rob Richardson, Joe Snow, Mark Tackett and Tim Winbourn.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the excellent care given to Mom these past 10 plus years by Dr. Alice Ramsey and staff - Twila, Amber, Joy, Amy, DeeDee, and Loraine. Dr. Alice was brilliant in her treatment, caring and compassionate in her manner, going above and beyond, and always displaying the beautiful love of Christ. A special thank you to Dr. Tahla Riaz for his compassionate and loving care for Mom. To Renew Home Health in Mineral Wells, especially Donna, Beverely, & Mark, your care these past 8 years will always be remembered and very appreciated. A special thanks to the ladies who helped us with Mom and Dad at home - Karrie Roe, Brooke Willis, Jodie Sellers, Connie Cox, and Debbie Marsden. You ladies are family and we love you. We offer our sincere thanks to Brookdale Assisted Living in Weatherford and College Park Rehab and Nursing, also in Weatherford. Your care has been invaluable this year. To the doctors and nurses at Medical City Weatherford, we thank you for how you cared for Momma this last month. Finally, to Alpha Omega Hospice - Jennifer, Amy and David, for making the last few days of Mom’s life peaceful, we thank you.