Sandra Chilton

Sandra Jean Finnell Chilton, nearing her 80th birthday, beloved wife of LTC (R) Robert Chilton, passed away peacefully at home on August 19, 2025, surrounded by her family and friends.

Born on September 3, 1945, in Fayette County, Kentucky, Sandra was the daughter of Gene "Monk" Finnell and Edna Earl "Polly" Anderson Finnell of Woodford County. She attended Nonesuch Elementary and Versailles High School.

Sandra pursued her passion for beauty and design at Hager Beauty School in Lexington, where she began her career in the beauty industry. She later worked for Texas Instruments before finding her calling working in admission and later retiring from Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital.

A devoted member of her community, Sandra served on the Woodford County Fair Board and, alongside her husband Robert, volunteered with the Lexington Lions Club Bluegrass Fair and the American Legion Post 67 Auxiliary Board. She was also active in several local organizations, including the Busy Bee Homemakers, the Clear Creek Art Club, the Cacklin' Hens, Secret Santa, Lake Cumberland Decorative Painters, and the Salt Bible Study Group. She was one of the longest-standing members of Clear Creek Baptist Church, where her faith was a guiding light throughout her life.

Creative and artistic, Sandra found joy in painting, jewelry making, handcrafting cards, and sharing her talents with friends and family. She was also a proud supporter of the Legion of General Lafayette Scholarship Fund.

Sandra and Robert were married on November 24, 1992, at Versailles Methodist Church. Together they shared a love for travel and adventure, exploring the world side by side. Their journeys took them to Alaska, Israel, France, Cyprus, Russia, Morocco, Cuba, Germany, the Canary and Galápagos Islands, and Gibraltar among many other destinations.

Sandra is survived by her devoted husband of 33 years, Robert; her brother Gary Finnell (Linda). She was lovingly known as "Zizzy" to many, especially to her nieces Gina Ziegler (Travis) of Louisville and Carrie Spellman (Brian) of Versailles; and her great-nieces and nephews Tanner and Raegan Ziegler of Louisville, and Katherine and Andrew Spellman of Versailles. Sandra was blessed with many "special kids" who held a treasured place in her heart, including Kristen Smither (Jacob), Jordan Finley (Addie), and Annie Denington, along with her pride and joy, Anderson "Andi" Brooke Smither. Sandra is also remembered with love by dear family friends, Kack Adams, Gayle Thompson, Mary Jo Reynolds, and will be deeply missed by her faithful companion, her dog Bailey.

Sandra's life was defined by her creativity, generosity, and deep love for her family, friends, and community. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, faith, and joy that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Services

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 24, 2025, from 3:00 pm, to 6:00 pm at Blackburn and Ward, Versailles. The funeral service will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Clear Creek Baptist Church, with Pastor Dave Menser officiating. Burial will take place at Hillcrest Cemetery, Lexington.

Pallbearers include: Brian Spellman, Andrew Spellman, Travis Ziegler, Tanner Ziegler, Jordan Finley, and Jacob Smither.

Honorary Pallbearers: Gayle Thompson, Sandy Stratton, Crystal Darland, Etta Thacker, Brandie Beasley, Pinkie Wright, and Barbara Ott

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Clear Creek Church Road Fund or Sandra Chilton Scholarship Fund at Clear Creek Church 30 Pinckard Pike, Versailles, Ky 40383.