Sandra L. Carpenter

The lovely and talented Sandra Lee (Reeve) Carpenter passed away on February 24th, 2026, at the age of 79. Born on December 22nd, 1946, in St Louis, Missouri to Marshall Perry “Jack” Reeve and Dorothy Ella (Hahn) Reeve. Before Sandy turned 1, the family relocated to Jack’s hometown of Garden City, Kansas. After graduating from Garden City High School, Sandy attended Kansas State University and earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy. During her senior year, she met Warren Carpenter, a KSU alum himself, while he was visiting Manhattan. After graduating, Sandy moved to Denver, but her and Warren kept in close contact. On April 6th, 1969, Warren and Sandy married and started their 57-year adventure together, which included various travels through six of the seven continents and many cherished memories.

Although Sandy spent some of her early years as a bookkeeper, her favorite role was becoming a mother to Amy Kelleher (Mike), Scott Carpenter (Patricia) and Sam Carpenter. She was an advocate for children's’ education even before such advocacy existed, especially in the areas of dyslexia and ADHD. She also spent many hours volunteering at the children’s school, which culminated in receiving the prestigious Apple Award in the Wichita Public Schools in 1985. A few years later, when all three of her children were in high school, Sandy received her cancer diagnosis. Her experience through surgery, treatment and recovery led her to want to help others. She then spent many years volunteering with Victory in the Valley and counseling other patients as well as supporting the battered women’s shelter, Harbor House.

Once the grandchildren started arriving, Sandy really started to show her creative side. She started taking various art classes and, over the years, became an amazing artist. Her great love was enameling, which she did for many years and really enjoyed her time with her fellow artists at Mark Arts. Over the years, she did numerous projects, not only as an artist, but also as a cook. Her cooking was renowned and her family is blessed that she also was able to complete “The Grandma Dorothy Cookbook” which included, not only the recipes from various family members, but also stories from her childhood growing up.

Sandy is preceded in death by her father, Jack Reeve, her mother Dorothy Reeve, and her sister Laurie Bock. Besides her immediate family, she is survived by her brother Lee Reeve (Brenda), brother-in-law Mitch Bock, 6 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, nieces and nephews as well as many friends and extended family.

A Celebration of Life Reception will be held from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, at Cozine Life Events Center, 11500 E. 21st St. N., with brief remarks beginning at 1:30 pm. The Interment will be private. Memorials have been established with Victory In the Valley, 3755 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67218, and Harbor House, 437 N. Topeka, Wichita, KS 67202. Share condolences at www.cozine.com. Services by Cozine Memorial Group-Cozine Life Events Center.