Sandra Payne Rushing's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Sandra Payne Rushing
December 2, 1944 - May 21, 2025
Sandra Payne Rushing, 80, of Garland, Texas passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Visitation will be held at the Wildwood Chapel at Restland Funeral Home in Dallas on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 1:00pm, with the service following at 2:00pm.
Sandra was born on December 2, 1944 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Wynne and Dorothy Atkins Payne. She went to high school at Lampasas High School, graduating in 1962.
Sandy was a devoted mother to her two daughters, LeAnn Ratliff and Laurie Rushing. She attended every soccer game, drill team performances, football games and many other school activities. She was a doting “Mimi” to her two grandchildren, Rachel and Ryan Ratliff, attending basketball and football games whenever possible.
Sandy’s faith played a central role in her life. She taught children’s Sunday School and Disciple I & II for adult classes at First United Methodist Church in Richardson. She made certain that her daughters were active in Sunday School, church services, church choir and handbells.
She worked at E-Systems and Raytheon for 35 years making many lifelong friendships with her work family throughout her lengthy career as an Executive Administrative Assistant.
Sandy had a heart of gold, and she treated everyone she met with respect and kindness. Her smile and laughter would light up any room she entered. After retirement, she enjoyed the simple pleasures in life such as cooking, gardening, shopping, travelling to Canton for gifts, and spending time with family and friends. She will be missed terribly, but she is in a better place after suffering with Parkinson’s these last few years. Those who knew her will fondly remember her for her unwavering faith, compassion and generosity.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Wynne and Dorothy Atkins Payne. She is survived by her two daughters, LeAnn Ratliff of Abilene, Texas and Laurie Rushing of Garland, Texas. Two grandchildren, Rachel Ratliff of Dallas, Texas and Ryan Ratliff of Plano, Texas. Her sister, Linda Nelson, of Lampasas, Texas. Her son-in-law, Bill Ratliff, of Plano, Texas as well as multiple nieces and nephews and cousins.
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