Sandra Sterk's Obituary
Sandra Sterk Obituary
In Loving Memory of Sandra "Sandi" Sterk
Sandra "Sandi" Sterk, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, passed away on January 1, 2024, at her home in Tulsa, OK. She was born on September 1, 1942, in Waco, TX, to proud parents Willie Lee Bledsoe and Opal Margaret (Thompson) Bledsoe. Sandi's journey through life was marked by love, resilience, and a spirit of adventure.
As a young child, Sandi's family relocated to Tulsa, where her father found employment with American Airlines after his World War II military service. Sandi attended and graduated from Rogers High School in 1960. Her pursuit of knowledge continued with education at Northeastern Oklahoma State University and the University of Tulsa. She dedicated five years of her professional life to the National Bank of Tulsa.
During the summer of 1961, Sandi's life took a beautiful turn when she met the love of her life, Jim Sterk, while he was on a break from college at OSU. Their love story unfolded with countless dates at the drive-in, and after thirteen heartfelt proposals, they were united in marriage in January of 1967 at The First Methodist Church in Tulsa, OK.
Together, Sandi and Jim embarked on a remarkable journey while Jim served in the United States Air Force, creating a life that spanned various locations, including Oklahoma, Georgia, Alabama, Tinker Air Force Base, Newport, Rhode Island, Germany, Omaha, Nebraksa, and Washington DC. In 1991, they retired to Tulsa. During this time Sandi became actively involved in the military support system, embodying her dedication to serving others.
Sandi's love for art, particularly painting, was evident in the beautiful creations she shared with the world. She enjoyed playing golf, staying active with exercise, indulging in sewing, and cherishing her role as a devoted mother. Her passion for others allowed her to reconnect with old friends at various military functions.
A woman of remarkable independence, Sandi was characterized by her quiet strength, forgiveness, and compassion. Her well hidden, slightly controlling nature was balanced by her love, making her a blessing to everyone fortunate enough to know her. Sandi Sterk was truly loved by all who had the privilege of crossing paths with her.
She is survived by her loving husband, Jim Sterk; son, David and wife, Brenda of Broken Arrow; grandson, Jake Sterk of Broken Arrow; sister-in-law, Sharon Sterk of Tulsa; brother-in-law, Tony Sterk and wife, Linda of Bartlesville; niece, Brenda Witt and her children, Tyler Allred and Derek Witt; nephew, Alex Sterk and wife, Anna, and their children, Graham and Ella Sterk of San Antonio, TX, and Andrew Sterk of Tulsa. Sandi was preceded in death by her sister, Jenny Lynn Bledsoe; and her parents.
A memorial service will be held at Rivercrest Chapel at Bixby-South Tulsa Funeral Service on Friday, January 5, 2024 at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Floral Haven Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 5-8:00 PM at Rivercrest Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to www.fillingthevoidoutreach.com .
Sandi Sterk will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, resilience, and kindness will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew her.
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