Sandra Stone Barr

July 11, 1941 — April 26, 2019

Those of us who had the privilege and joy of knowing Sandy are recipients of a multitude of blessings. Her quiet, but fierce love, coupled with her wisdom and sly humor made her the best mom, sister and friend.

Sandy Stone was born July 11, 1941, in Oklahoma City to Jack and Faye Stone. She grew up in Forest Park, went to Pleasant Hills Elementary School, Northeast High School and the University of Oklahoma.

In her early years, Sandy spent summers at Twin Hills Golf and Country Club and endless hours with her brother, Jack Ronald Stone, Jr., exploring the ravine behind the homes on Oakwood Drive.

During these adventures she began her lifelong love of nature and the appreciation of its majesty and beauty. If she could be found in her hiding places, she would have at least one book in tow.

Her voracious love of books was passed to her kids, Mendy, Link and Lissa and then to all of her “Grandgirls.” The importance she placed on reading was exemplified by taking her children on weekly excursions to one of the three local libraries in Kingfisher, Hennessey and Enid.

In her last year of life on earth, she heard of a child who had never owned a book, so she launched Sandy’s Superstar Readers, a program that awards children with books of their own and of their own choosing.

It was on a summer day in 1958 at Twin Hills that Sandy met a handsome lifeguard and future husband of 37 years, Bob Barr, working to fund his education at the University of Oklahoma.

On June 4, 1960, Bob and Sandy were married.

After the birth of their first child, Mendy, Bob was accepted to Yale University for a master’s program in ancient history. A year later, with his master’s degree completed, Bob and Sandy moved from New Haven, Conn., back to take over the family farm in Dover.

Although Sandy thought that she was going to be a college professor’s wife, she moved into an old farmhouse wrapped in Visqueen to curb the drafts and daily deposit of dust throughout the house. While this abrupt change of plans might have overwhelmed some, Sandy handled it with grace and aplomb.

While Bob attended law school at night, this city girl raised three children, managed the farm, and always had time to envelop her children in love.

Sandy led a busy life, volunteering at Dover Public Schools, often serving as Classroom Mother in all three children’s classes at once. She volunteered at the Dover Christian Church’s Vacation Bible School. She cofounded the Dover Booster Club and supervised state and county elections as a member of the County Election Board.

When all three children followed their parents to the University of Oklahoma, Sandy began a new life as the “Sheep Baroness of Kingfisher County.” She blazed a trail for breeding sheep that was so impressive that initial naysayers eventually followed her lead.

When she sold her business, she and Bob moved to Oklahoma City to be closer to their kids and Grandgirls.

Although she continued to be a stalwart in the family business until her retirement at 70, she found time to explore her passions. She became a beautiful poet, amazing ballroom dancer, avid traveler with friends, family and her beloved sisters-in-law, antiques collector, member of Genesis Club at Westminster Presbyterian Church, bird watcher, and was always surrounded with beautiful gardens she designed with great care.

As her three children married and had children she took on a new role as beloved Grandmother “Gma” to her five granddaughters.

Her home in Oklahoma City was a haven for all of us. The swimming pool resonated with children’s laughter and the freezer had a never-ending supply of ice cream bars. Her home and heart were always a soft place to fall when life’s inevitable sadnesses intruded.

Although our hearts are aching with the knowledge that we will never, in this life, see her, share her smile, feel her loving touch or bask in her unconditional love, we know that she is safe in our Lord’s care surrounded by unimaginable beauty, and that she will watch over us and wait for us with a loving embrace, saving that cozy perfect place beside her to sit and enjoy a book.

Sandra June Stone Barr was preceded in death by her mother, Faye Stone, and her father, Jack Stone.

She is survived by her brother, Jack Stone, Jr.; nieces Mindi Moss and Brittney Stone; daughter Mendy Barr, granddaughters Kelly Bergin and Mary Katherine Bergin; son Link Barr, daughter-in-law, Wyndi Barr, granddaughters Kirstin Barr and Alexandria Barr and grandson Jack Waggoner; daughter Lissa Barr Shaw, son-in-law, Jim Shaw and granddaughter Grace Gandolfi.

The celebration of Sandy’s life will be held at a private service. Please contact her children or brother for more information.