Sandra Kay Gurley's Obituary
Sandra passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on November 18, 2021, one day before her 80th birthday. She was born Sandra Kay Halberg in Grantsburg, Wisconsin, to parents Opal and Lorain. Her brother, Richard, was three years younger. He had Muscular Dystrophy and was confined to a wheel chair for several years before passing away at age 23. During her early years, her family moved from town to town across the western United States, particularly Idaho and Wyoming as her father worked on new road construction. This upbringing seemed to instill a wanderlust that was never quite satisfied.
Her family later settled in Kevil, Kentucky and she attended Ballard Memorial H.S. in neighboring Paducah. After graduating from Draughon’s Business College, she moved to Memphis, TN where she enjoyed a long career as an accountant, including 47 years with Avionics Specialists Incorporated. Sandra was reluctant to retire and was still employed with ASI at the time of her passing. She was an active member of Oakhaven United Methodist and Emmanuel United Methodist churches.
Sandra loved traveling to new places and experiencing new things throughout her life – completing her last trip to Chincoteague, Virginia in September of this year. She counted Italy, Alaska and Maine among her favorite destinations. Sandra had visited 49 states, leaving only Hawaii off her list.
Sandra is survived by two very grateful sons and two adoring daughters-in-law – Scott Gurley with wife, Meghan and Kris Gurley with wife, Trisha. In addition, she is mourned by her large “church family” and “work family” to whom she meant so much over the years.
A memorial Service is to be held at Emmanuel United Methodist Church on Saturday, December 4th with visitation at 10 AM and service at 11 AM.
In lieu of flowers, her family requests memorial donations be made to Emmanuel United Methodist Church or the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
To view the tribute slideshow, please click the link below:
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