Sandra Sue Blaydes

Sandra Sue Blaydes, 84, of New Castle passed away Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Willows of New Castle with her husband Charlie, daughter Tina and granddaughter Tiffany by her side. She was born March 7, 1940 in Louisville, KY to the late Virgil and Catheleen (McDonald) Drabing.

Sandy was best known as an antique dealer, having done this for over for 25 years. She had worked at Chrysler Corp. in the die room office and for the Henry County Township Trustee as an investigator. Sandy was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star #116 in New Castle and volunteered for the sesquicentennial in 1972. She was a member of South Memorial Drive Church of God for many years. She loved to cook and was recently featured on the front page of the Courier-Times. Sandy also enjoyed shopping and she could always find a bargain.

Sandy was known by many names: Wife, Sweet Pea, Mom, Momma, Bonus Mom, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Caregiver, Friend and Neighbor. But the one that would bring the biggest smile to her face was G-Ma. She cherished those times with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She would hug and squeeze them and say “I Love You a Bushel and a Peck and a hug around the neck”. The love for her family was boundless.

Sandy was caring, kind, selfless; always putting others first before herself. Her presence enriched the lives of those who knew her, leaving many treasured memories of her kindness, strength and her love of family and friends. She loved life and loved people unconditionally. There are so many words that people have used to describe Sandy: The Sweetest Person, Beautiful Soul, Stunning Woman, Special Lady, Sweet Sandy, Encourager, Beautiful Inside and Out, Unforgettable, A Bright Light, Always Happy. And when talking about Sandy, everyone says they will always remember her Beautiful Smile, that Beautiful Smile. Her smile was contagious, and you couldn’t help but laugh along with her. 

She genuinely cared for everyone. She wanted everyone to feel special and she would let you know how special you were. Her words of encouragement and comfort were heart felt. Sandy always found the good in everything, always positive. If she was having a bad day, she wouldn’t talk about her bad day. She never complained, she would put her focus on everyone else and wanted to make sure everyone else was having a good day. She was always so uplifting, always giving compliments. She loved listening to Elvis Presley and even went to several of his concerts with her friends. She enjoyed traveling with family and friends and some of her favorite memories were traveling to the beach in Florida. When it was time to retire, she and Charlie moved to Foley, Alabama which was only 10 minutes from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. They enjoyed life in Alabama for 23 years and returned to New Castle in 2019 to be near family and friends.

A Mom’s Love knows no bounds; she dedicates herself to your well-being and imparts invaluable wisdom along the way. Her happiness is intertwined with yours, and she feels every joy and sorrow deeply. In essence, your mom plays many roles in your life – she’s a caregiver, a mentor, a confidante, and a friend. This was our Mom, Sandy. We will always carry her memory in our hearts. Her goodness, her caring and her wisdom will live on; her legacy of love will always be with us.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Charlie A. Blaydes; daughters, Barbara Robinson of Shelbyville and Tina (Terry)Matthews of New Castle; "bonus" daughter, Cindy (Jeff) Cross of New Castle; grandchildren, Eric Browne, Tiffany (Kevin) Bako and Robby (Amanda) Saul; step grandchildren, Abigail Matthews and Aaron Matthews great-grandchildren, Tripp Saul, Gunner Saul, Chris Saul, Dylan Bako and Charlie Bako; sister Vicki Lewis of Foley, AL; Best Friend and Sister-in-law, Leta Key of Sunrise, FL; nieces, Dana Claywell and Kimme Warnerand nephews, Bruce (Cheryl) Key, Jimmy Key and Brice Privett.

The family would like to thank the staff of Addison Place and the Willow’s of New Castle for their excellent care given to Sandy.

 A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Memorial contributions may be given to the Alzheimer's Association, 2200 Cabot Dr. Suite 460, Lisle, IL 60532. You may express condolences or share a memory of Sandy atwww.hinsey-brown.com.