Sandra "Sandy" Simkins

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard" -A.A. Milner

Sandra “Sandy” Lee Simkins went to be with the lord on December 26, 2023, at the age of 66. Born to the late Byron and Nancy (Dever) Simkins of Columbus, Ohio.

Sandy was a graduate of Franklin Heights High School and received her Cosmetology License in 1976.

She attended the North Terrace Church of Christ and was a long-time member of the American Legion, The Fraternal Order of Eagles #302, and The Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW #1058 all of Zanesville, Ohio. Participating in events held by these organizations brought her joy. She especially loved the bands and dancing the night away on the weekends. Line dancing was her passion, and you could clearly tell because it came to her naturally.

Family and friends remember her as a loving, compassionate person with a heart of gold. She would go out of her way to help a stranger in need. Delivering food to friends when they were sick, providing rides to and from appointments, helping Veterans get VA benefits, and Senior's property tax deductions just to name a few. These are all acts of a selfless person, and I'm proud to say she was my mom.

Sandy was a loving and devoted mother. She found pleasure throughout the years attending ball games, girl scout functions, dance recitals, field trips etc. As children we knew that succeeding and becoming a productive member of society was a must. Day after day, year after year bringing every book home from school every day was a nightmare. At the time I couldn't understand why, but I now know she is the reason I succeeded.

The grass never grew under her feet. Shopping was a favorite pass time for as long as I can remember. Sandy’s friends would say” she shopped till she dropped”. That saying withstood the test of time.

Not a day passed that her grandchildren Preston Barnette, and Tabitha Barnette weren’t mentioned. They were the apple of her eye, her heart and soul. Her home was decorated with drawings and pictures of and from them. Sandy would've given her life for her grandchildren. Her love for them was stronger than they’ll ever know.

Sandy is survived by her children Rachel (Scott) Comer of Kenna, WV, and Derak Skinner of New Straitsville, Ohio. Three grandchildren Preston (Hanna) Barnette, Tabitha Barnette both of New Lexington, Ohio, and Jakob Comer of Teays Valley, WV. Two Siblings Mark Simkins, and Martha (Guy) Renda both of Columbus, Ohio. Three great grandchildren Sawyer, Graham, and Bennett Barnette, and several nieces/nephews. Longtime friend Lesley Girton along with many other friends.

Funeral service will 1 p.m. Sunday, December 31st at Waybright Funeral Home, Ripley with Rev. Herman Robinson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Online memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.waybrightfuneralhome.com