Sandra L. Abel

Sandra Lee Abel, 77, of Sullivan, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital – surrounded by her loving family.

Sandy was born in Clayton, Missouri to the late Henry and Estella (Roberts) Marshall. She grew up and attended school in the Rock Hill and Webster Groves area. On February 6, 1977, she married the love of her life, Walter Abel, in Sullivan, Missouri. The couple later moved to St. Louis, where they began raising their family.

Sandy first went to work for Commercial Blue Print. After moving back to the Sullivan area, she was employed by Brown Shoe Company and later by Sullivan Precision Metal, where she faithfully worked for over 17 years until her retirement in 2016.

Above all, Sandy was an all-out, ultimate homemaker. She adored her children and grandchildren and found her greatest joy in caring for her family. She loved crafting and cooking and collected many treasured recipe books over the years. Sandy enjoyed watching her favorite soap operas and the Hallmark Channel, and she had a special love for music and musicals. She cherished trips to the zoo and local parks with her grandchildren, loved flowers, and found happiness in watching Walter play music.

Sandy and Walter were long-time members of New Friendship Baptist Church and later became devoted members of First Baptist Church in Sullivan. Her faith was an important part of her life.

Sandy will be remembered as a kind, compassionate, and caring woman who was deeply devoted to her family. Her gentle spirit, warm heart, and unwavering love will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Walter Abel of Sullivan, Missouri; four daughters: Kelly Heitmann and husband Jason of Sullivan, Missouri, Kimberly Bridgeman and husband Casey of Sullivan, Missouri, Cindy Orr of Brookfield, Missouri and Becky Townsend of Bourbon, Missouri; eight grandchildren: Jeff Abel and significant other, Jenny, Jason Abel, Jacob Townsend, Bethany Burnett and husband Henry, Shelbie Brendel, Colton Brendel, Kambria Bridgeman, and Paislee Bridgeman; eight great – grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; her sister, Judy Licklider of Wichita, Kansas; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Estella Marshall.

A Remembrance Memorial service will be held at 11 AM, Monday, February 23, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Sullivan with Pastor Chester Lahmann officiating. Inurnment will follow at the IOOF Memorial Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 10 – 11 AM, Monday, February 23, 2026, prior to the funeral service.

Friends may send their online condolences to Sandy's family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com

Memorial contributions may be made the American Breast Cancer Society.

All arrangements are under the care and direction of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.