Sandra Kay Oakley

Sandra Kay (Hartman) Oakley, affectionately known as Sandy, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2025, at home in Bremen, Indiana, at the age of 83. She was born on Jan. 25, 1942, in Elkhart, Indiana, to Guy and Gladys Hartman. She married the love of her life, Richard Oakley on Aug. 30, 1963. Sandy was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, cherished for her warmth, kindness, and dedication to her community. Sandy and Richard both adored their beloved dog, Pippa, who passed hours following Sandy. Pippa was a longtime companion for both Richard and Sandy.

Sandra is survived by her loving children, Phillip (Leanna) Scott of Idaho Falls ID, Monica (Alan) Waples of Hendersonville TN, Ronald (Trish) Scott of Morgan Hill CA, Melanie (Phil) Capo of Bremen, and Cyndy (Roger) Keeling of Bremen.where her joy was multiplied by her 14 grandchildren: Katie (Jeff) Zellner, Amanda (Jon) Moore, Caleb Scott, Alanah (CJ) DeLong, Hannah (Devin) Holloway, Chaunte (Drew) Betzler, Jesse Scott, Robert (Erin) Oakley, Ryan (Ali) Capo, Greg Peppers, Amanda Keeling, Kelly Keeling, Savannah Peppers, and Emily Peppers; and her cherished 12 great-grandchildren and 19 beloved nieces and nephews. She was also affectionately referred to as "Grandma" by many others in the community that she touched with her kindness. Preceding her in death were her loving husband of 57 years, Richard Oakley, her sisters Janet Lambka and Nancy Schweinler, and her parents Guy and Gladys Hartman.

Sandy graduated from Elkhart Central High School, where she lettered in and was a state finalist in Archery. She continued her education later, when at the impressive age of 81,she graduated from Ivy Tech, marking one of her proudest achievements. She had a fulfilling career, first with Miles Laboratories in Elkhart, and later retired after 22 years of service as a rural mail carrier for the Bremen Post Office. She often spoke fondly of the many friendships she formed along her routes.

Her dedication to her community was evident through her long-standing association with several organizations. As a devoted member of the St. Joseph County Extension Homemakers for 31 years, Sandy also served as an officer for the Miami Moderns Homemakers Club. One of her greatest joys was hosting her club's annual Christmas dinner, decorating every room inside and out. Her passion for mentorship shone through her over 50 years as a 4-H leader, where she, alongside her late husband Richard, was an initial recipient of the St. Joseph County Swine Club Hall of Fame for Outstanding Service and Commitment in 2015.

Sandy's involvement with the Indiana Spot Association began in 1978, and she contributed tirelessly as the Indiana State Spotted Swine secretary/treasurer for 31 years, from 1992 to 2023. Her unwavering dedication to the swine industry was honored in 2023 when she received the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion Legend award.

Creativity was a cornerstone of Sandy's life. She found joy in cake decorating, creating edible masterpieces for weddings, birthdays, and special occasions. A die-hard Notre Dame basketball fan, she held season tickets for the men's (42 years) and women's teams for over 30 years and enthusiastically supported the women's team across the country. Sandy's love for quilting resulted in beautiful keepsake pieces for family and friends, and she extended her artistic talents to custom embroidery, generously donating her time to embroidery 4-H champion awards, FFA jackets, varsity jackets, and other items for her community. In addition to her creativity, she loved her time playing bunco and hand & foot canasta, as well as her weekly lunch at Bravos for the past 22 years with her friends.

Sandy's life was a testament to her love for her family, her commitment to service, and her zest for life. Her unwavering spirit and the memories she created will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. Sandy's presence will be deeply missed, but her influence will continue to be felt by the many lives she touched. Her family takes comfort in the knowledge that her legacy of love, community service, and personal strength will endure for generations to come.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, at the Palmer Funeral Home, within the Palmer Community Complex, 601 N. Michigan St., Lakeville. Pastor Bette Thompson will officiate. Graveside services and entombment will follow at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend. Friends may visit with the family from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday prior to the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Richard Oakley Memorial Swine Scholarship, 67226 Miami Road, Bremen, IN 46506, to support youth involved in livestock production. Online condolences may be offered to the Oakley family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.