Class of 1959 Paducah High Graduate.
A THUMBNAIL OF MY LIFE SINCE PADUCAH :
Married Gene Boyd in 1966. Gene had three children by a previous marriage, so I quickly became the “other mother” to 9, 7 and 4 year olds. One by one we obtained custody of them and got them off to live their lives. The oldest daughter married, had two little boys, divorced, and we took the boys and raised them. So I have 5 “heart” children, but none biological. Gene passed away in February, 1997. One son and 3 grandchildren life here in El Paso , the others are scattered.
I served as a mentor to middle school children for several years, and for the last 5 have been a mentor to the University of Texas at El Paso women's basketball team. This has been interesting, as I've had a student from Lithuania , two from Poland (this relationship was for their full 4 years in the United States ), and now have another from Poland , and one from Detroit . These kids and the teams have been the light of my life for the last few years.
I was one of three (now grown to ten) to start our own Red Hat Society chapter here, now I am Queen and having lots of fun. We go out to eat, take short trips, visit museums, exhibits, attend dinner theater performances, etc. For those of you that don't know, Red Hat Society is a disorganization for women over 50. There are only two rules – when we “gather” we must be in a red hat and purple clothing. Our motto is Live, Laugh and Love, and our official pastime is shopping.
Last April I was diagnosed with Small Cell cancer in both lungs. I completed one regimen of chemotherapy, and was pronounced in complete remission in September. In November it was back, but only in one lung. Chemotherapy was once again started, and after 3 five day sessions was determined not to be working – the cancer had grown, and had spread; one lymph node was also involved between the lungs. Radiation was started, will be finished on March 3, and I will go to Lubbock for second opinion screenings after that time. I'm doing all I can do to beat this sucker, and the Good Lord willing, I will!!
That about sums me up – but I'll bet we can find something to visit about in June. See you at the reunion.
Actually, this is a little more than a thumbnail, sorry ‘bout that!
Obituary
Sandra Neile Boyd
(February 25, 1942 - September 9, 2009)
Sandra (Sandy) Neile Boyd, 67, lost her hard fought battle with cancer, Wednesday, September 9, 2009. She was born February 25, 1942 in Delwin, Texas to Weldon and Fredda Rodgers.
Sandy married Gene H. Boyd in 1966 and moved to El Paso to raise their family in 1968. She was a DEVOTED wife of 34 years, PROUD mother, grandmother, volunteer and friend. She was preceded in death by her mother Fredda and husband Gene. She is survived by her father Weldon, brother Lyndon (Dee), sister Paula (Bill), sons Shane (Marty), Todd, Jason (Melissa), 10 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, 2 nephews, 2 nieces, and many very dear friends.
Sandy’s profession was in insurance all of her life--28 years at Aetna and more recently with Tom Silverthorn State Farm Agency. Sandy was a devoted past president for Reach for a Star, current Queen of the Red Hat Society, and mentor to the UTEP Lady Miner Basketball Team.
Visitation will be held at Sunset Funeral Home (Resler) from 6-8 pm. A procession will begin at 9:00 am from the funeral home followed by graveside services on Saturday, September 12 at 9:30 am at Memory Gardens of the Valley Cemetery, Santa Teresa, NM.
Our “MaMa” was a great role model and inspired all of us that knew her. She was DEEPLY loved and will be IMMENSELY missed.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to: American Cancer Society-Hope Lodge 3411 73rd Street Lubbock, Texas 79423 (806) 792-7128
Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-West.