Sandra Jean "Ya Ya" Bakker, age 66 of Cankton, Louisiana passed away on Thursday, December 27, 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was the daughter of the late Cline and Pauline Rea.
Sandra, known as Sandi to family and friends, attended Hanford Joint Union High School and was in the graduating Class of 1963. She spent the majority of her life residing in Hanford, California; however, due to health reasons, moved approximately 5 years ago to Louisiana to live with her sister and her husband, Gene and Margaret Parker, as well as her niece Lora Rogers and husband Jim who live near by. Sandi's daughter, Dana Blackwood also moved to Louisiana approximately 6 months prior to her passing. She has always been surrounded by loving family and good friends.
Her love for the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as well as family and friends, were her passions and delight. Sandi loved being a grandma and "YaYa" to her grandchildren and great-grandchild; they were the joy of her life and she was so proud to brag about each and every one of them. She loved to cook and take care of her family; and up until the time she moved to Louisiana, she had Tuesday night family dinners at her house. Sandi was also a great and caring friend to those who knew her. She was a devoted member of the Calvary Chapel of Hanford fellowship. Her religious faith was deep and unending.
Sandi is survived by her two children who loved her deeply; Dana Blackwood of Cankton, Louisiana and Leonard Bakker of Hanford, California; as well as six grandchildren, Chase Brassart & wife Catheryn, Caitlan Brassart, Madison Blackwood (Dana's children); Tyler Bakker, Ryann Bakker and Ryder Bakker (Leonard's children); Sandi also had one great-grandchild, Kylee Brassart (Chase's daughter; with one more great-grandchild on the way). She is also survived by her loving sisters, Shirley Spurlock of Washington & husband Herschel, Margaret Parker of Louisiana & husband Gene, Margie Proctor of Tennessee & husband Bobby as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Sandi was preceded in death by her parents, Cline and Pauline Rea and her brother, Jack Rea.
The family wishes to sincerely thank all of those who cared for her during her life. She is at peace, in a renewed body living with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in Heaven; and will always remain in our hearts.
There will be a graveside service at the Oak Grove Cemetery, 19811 Cedar Avenue, Laton, California on January 26, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. to celebrate the life of Sandra Jean "YaYa" Bakker. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Calvary Chapel of Hanford, 1900 N. Douty Street, Hanford, Ca 93230.
This obituary was originally published in The Hanford Sentinel.
