Sandra Bowers

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Sandra “Sandy” Kay Bowers (McLaughlin), age 71, who left this world on November 30, 2024 at her home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma after a courageous battle with endometrial cancer, with which she was diagnosed in January 2024. Born on December 7,1952 in Denver, Colorado, Sandy was the daughter of Harold “Man” McLaughlin and Lois Ann Mclaughlin (Veile). She spent her youth in Glenwood Springs, Colorado where she was involved in programs at church, swam competitively, and played the violin. She also loved to read and excelled in academics. At 14, Her family moved to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma where she attended Broken Arrow High School. She made great friends in high school while participating in clubs such as National Honor Society and cheerleading. She was also active in her church youth group where she first met her future husband Walter McCoey Bowers Junior. After high school, she attended Brigham Young University, in Provo UT, where she majored in Political Science, and snow skied as much as possible She served a mission in Milan, Italy for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She was a woman of faith and deep devotion in her service to the Lord. Her mission served to further shape and strengthen her faith. After returning from her mission she continued dating Walter McCoey Bowers, Junior. They were later married and sealed for eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple on August 19, 1978. Together they built a happy family with their children: Walt, Starr, and Cara. After her children left home, Sandy turned her attention toward a lifelong goal of becoming a nurse. Although somewhat intimidated by the prospect of returning to school at the age of 56 with students half her age, Sandy enrolled in and successfully completed OU’s accelerated BS in Nursing program. She first worked at the St. Francis Hospital on the Neurology Floor and then later transferred to work as a school nurse in the Broken Arrow Public School system. She loved the students, particularly those that would come and check in with her regularly who she referred to as her “frequent flyers”. Her favorite title from this time was “Mrs. Band-Aid Teacher”. Sandy retired from her work as a nurse after fourteen years of service between the hospital and schools. Sandy was known for her kindness and wisdom. She had a special ability to connect with others on a deep and personal level. She was a wonderful teacher within her church congregation, teaching both Sunday School and Seminary for many years. She was also the leader of the Young Women’s program twice and focused on building the testimonies of the youth she was asked to serve. Her testimony shone brighter and brighter particularly as her time on earth came to a close. Sandy would often end letters and emails to family with “obey the commandments and be kind to others.” These were words she lived by as she firmly believed that these are keys to a joyful life. Sandy is survived by her husband, Walt; children (spouses), Walt Bowers III (Tricia), Starr Brookshire (Gene), and Cara Nicholes (Nate); grandchildren, Walt IV, Grace, Carina, and Christiana Bowers, Madison, Brighton, Saige, and Skye Brookshire, and Mckinley, Dallin, and Afton Nicholes; brother, Kevin McLaughlin (Chris); sister-in-law Janis Myers (Erny); as well as many nieces and nephews and extended family members. Friends and family are invited to attend funeral services on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 10:30 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 1701 N Hickory Ave, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to LDS charities or a charity of your choice.

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Sandra Bowers

December 7, 1952 - November 30, 2024