Saundra "Sandy Sandefur" Keesling

Saundra "Sandy" (Sandefur) Keesling, age 68, passed away on September 30, 2025, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's Disease. She is now reunited in heaven with the love of her life, her husband Jim, who preceded her in death in 2018. Sandy was born on March 15, 1957, in New Castle, Indiana, to Bonnie (Bell) Triplett and Jack Sandefur. She spent her early childhood in New Castle before moving to Pendleton, where she graduated from Pendleton Heights High School in 1975. In 1978, she married Jim Keesling and later earned her degree in Elementary Education from Anderson University. Although Sandy began her professional journey in ER registration at St. John's Hospital in Anderson, it was within the halls of Human Resources that she found her true purpose. Rising to the role of Director of Human Resources, Sandy dedicated 38 remarkable years to fostering a workplace culture built on compassion, integrity, and genuine care. She became a trusted advocate, a steady mentor, and a welcoming presence to countless employees and new hires. Her passion for people wasn't just part of her job - it was who she was. Even after her retirement in 2013, the legacy of her warmth, leadership, and unwavering commitment continues to shape the lives she touched and the organization she helped build. Outside of work, Sandy embraced life as a devoted farmer's wife. She was known for preparing hearty meals and homemade goodies. Whether she was delivering lunch to the field or baking something sweet "just because," her care and generosity showed in everything she did. Sandy also had a strong commitment to staying active. She loved working out and took pride in her health, always making time to move her body and encourage others to do the same. Her energy, strength, and determination were just a few of the many qualities that inspired those around her. Sandy had a heart for helping others and a vibrant spirit. She loved live concerts, beach vacations, and most of all, spending time with her grandsons, who were the absolute joy of her life. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Lindsey Keesling (Andrew Peters); her brother, Scott Sandefur (Maggie), niece Hayden Sandefur; and her beloved grandsons, Ellis (9) and Easton (6). She also leaves behind her treasured cat, Sugar Bell. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Keesling; her parents, Jack Sandefur and Bonnie Triplett; her stepfather, Carl Triplett; her in-laws, Joe and Beverly Keesling; and her dear friend, Joanie Fowler. Services will be held at Loose Funeral Home & Crematory in Anderson, Indiana. Visitation will take place on Monday, October 6, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., with a funeral service beginning at 10:30 a.m. with Gary Meeker officiating. Burial will follow at Mechanicsburg Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to an organization close to Sandy's heart, such as the East Elementary PTO (in honor of her grandsons), Outfitters Pendleton - or any cause that brings you joy, as Sandy would want. Lindsey would like to extend a special thank-you to Indiana University Hospice and the compassionate nurses at Methodist who cared for Sandy with dignity and grace. Sandy's legacy of kindness, strength, and love will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.