Sondra Martin Sickels

Sondra Martin Sickels, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away November 16, 2025, at the age of 77 with her family at her side. She was born October 21, 1948, in Poteau, Oklahoma, to Lawrence and Nellie (Bandy) Martin.

Sondra was known for her unwavering devotion to her family and friends and her affectionate smile, and always a nice cold Dr. Pepper in her hand (had to be in can only). After Steve's retirement from racing you could find her fishing, riding the Harley, gardening, reading classic books, cook-outs with the family, watching her Westerns, and love for antique shopping and thrifting. Once her parents passed, she took on hosting the holidays with her family that she loved so dearly.

Sondra is survived by her husband, Steve Sickels, the love of her life of 42 years. She was a proud mother of 5 daughters. Sondra is survived by her brother Larry and Claudia Martin of Grand Saline, TX, brother-in-law Wayne and Debbie Sickels of Greenville, TX, brother-in-law David Tresp of Rowlett, TX; children, son-in-law Stan and Lorri Cowley of Crandall, TX, Kari Ritter of Garland, TX, Misty Ogdie of Mineola, TX, Kristi Smith of Garland, TX, and Amanda and Scott Davis of Houston, TX; grandchildren Cassie Cowley and husband Omar Villagomez of Quinlan, TX, Austin McCown and fiancée Harloh Pintor of Garland, TX, Antonio Argumaniz and fiancée Monica Vazquez of Garland, TX, Devin and wife Christina Ogdie of Wilmington, NC, Taylor Ogdie of Tyler, TX, Morgin McCown of Garland, TX, Nathan Ogdie and fiancée Melody Absher of Monroeville, AL, Natalee Ritter of Garland, TX, Katlyn Ogdie of Mineola, TX, Collin, Brooke, and Annabelle Davis of Houston, TX. Sondra also had 12 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter Kim Cowley from Quinlan, TX, sisters Linda Jo Miller from Garland, TX, Lajaun Cartwright-Tresp, former brother-in-law Mike Cartwright from Rowlett, TX, and parents Lawrence and Nellie Martin from Garland, TX.

Sondra loved her family unconditionally and her life was one of courage, strength, love, and grace. She will forever echo in the hearts of her family and all who were blessed to know her.

Though Dementia sought to dim her light, it could never take away her essence-the warmth of her heart, the beauty of her soul, or the love she poured into others. She is free now, no longer in pain, and remembered not by her illness but by the fullness of her life and the joy she brought into the world.

As Psalm 90:10 reminds us: "The span of our life is 70 years, or 80 if one is especially strong. But they are filled with trouble and sorrow; they quickly pass by, and away we fly."

Sondra's journey on this earth may have passed, but her love and spirit remain eternal.