Sandra Lee Gartin's Obituary
Sandra "Sandy" Lee Gartin, 72, of Carrollton, Texas, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 20, 2026, after battling cancer for over three years. She was surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on September 3, 1953, in Independence, Missouri, to Russell and Patricia Hisle, Sandy grew up rooted in Midwestern values of faith, family, and loyalty - qualities that would define her entire life.
She attended Truman High School in Independence, Missouri and later the University of Missouri at Kansas City, where she reunited with an acquaintance, Dennis Mark Gartin. Sandy and Dennis were married two years later at Mount Washington Methodist Church in Kansas City, Missouri. They would have celebrated 53 years of marriage next month.
Together, Sandy and Dennis built a beautiful life and raised two daughters, Jennifer Suzanne Gray of Dallas, Texas, and Jessica Marie Gartin of Little Elm, Texas. A stay at home mom until her children were school aged; Sandy later enjoyed a successful career in insurance with over 20 years at State Farm Insurance.
In 1983, the family relocated to Houston before settling in Dallas in 1986. Though an avid lifelong Kansas City Royals and Chiefs fan, Dallas sports eventually won her heart with three Dallas Cowboys Super Bowls, a Dallas Mavericks Conference Championship, and a Dallas Stars Stanley Cup in the late 80's and 90's. Over time, Texas became home.
In retirement, when Sandy and Dennis were not traveling the world, she embraced her favorite role: Memaw. She cherished every moment with her three grandchildren, Jefferson and Jackson Radcliff and Vivian "Viv" Gray, spoiling them without hesitation and cheering them on endlessly. They truly were the light of her life and her greatest joy.
Her church family at Vista Ridge United Methodist Church surrounded her with faith, strength, and comfort, and covered her with love in her final days.
Sandy is survived by her loving husband, Dennis; her daughters, Jennifer and Jessica; her son-in-law, Richard "Drew" Gray; her cherished grandchildren; and all who were blessed to know her steady love and generous heart.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Sandy's name to the American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org.
Sandy's service will also be available via livestream on the Facebook Page for Vista Ridge United Methodist Church at 11:00 AM on March 14, 2026 for any who may not be able to attend in person.
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