Sandra (Sandy) Marie Sarkees Ness passed away Friday, May 24th 2024 in Stillwater, Oklahoma with family and close friends by her side and surrounded by love. Strode Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.

Those who knew Sandy loved, admired, and respected her. She was intelligent and kind and was described by more than one of her close friends as a "trailblazer" for women's rights and civil rights. A faithful and dedicated Democrat, she worked hard supporting candidates and causes she believed in. Sandy was an advocate for many, but especially those who were often overlooked and less fortunate.

She was born Sandra Sarkess in Watertown, South Dakota in 1937 to Shebel and Etma Sarkees. She arrived several weeks early on Christmas day and was so small at birth her first "crib" was a cigar box. Sandy was joined 5 years later by her sister Anita Sarkees (Bahr) and the two remained close throughout her life taking many trips to see each other and keeping in frequent touch.

After graduating high school in her hometown of Clark, Sandy attended the Minnesota School of the Air where she honed her skills as a radio reporter and broadcaster. She worked at radio stations in New Ulm, Minnesota, and Brighton, Colorado. She then moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico and worked as a legal secretary before moving back to South Dakota. During a Christmas visit to Clark, Sandy reconnected with longtime friend Clayton Ness, then a firefighter in Rapid City, and eventually married. They celebrated 64 years of marriage this past February. During her time in Rapid City, Sandy held positions at the District Attorney's office and the Sheriff's office.

Sandy and Clay raised three children; Chris, Leslie, and Mara. The family moved to Stillwater in 1970 where Sandy worked as a legal secretary and then served as the Court Clerk's First Deputy. She was later appointed, then elected to serve as the Payne County Court Clerk from 1980 until 1993. She was very proud of her 35 years serving in county government.

Sandy was a member of the League of Women Voters, the National Women's Political Caucus, the Payne County Legal Secretaries, and Toastmasters. She attended many conventions and meetings over the years and developed life-long friendships along the way.

After her retirement Sandy enjoyed traveling across the country with her husband for his work. Sandy and Clay also spent memorable summer vacations with family and returned often to South Dakota, ensuring their children developed a lasting love for that area.

Although her body grew weak with the crippling effects of rheumatoid arthritis her mind remained sharp until the end. She was outspoken, loyal, and loved talking politics with her many like-minded friends.

Sandy spent her final years as a resident of Westhaven Nursing Home in Stillwater, with Clay visiting her almost daily. Her family is so thankful to the staff there, many who not only cared for her but also became close friends. They would often stop by her room for a quick visit or to get some of that heartfelt Sandy advice. She was loved, and it felt like a second family in many ways.

Sandy is survived by her husband Clay and son Chris of Stillwater, Leslie and George Duffield of Atlanta, Mara Hillard of Tulsa, granddaughter Erin Collins of Atlanta and her sister Anita Bahr of Kennebunk, ME.

A memorial service will be held for Sandy on Wednesday, June 12, 2pm at Strode Funeral Home in Stillwater. Donations can be made in Sandy's name to the Payne County Democrats and the League of Women Voters.

An online obituary may be viewed, and condolences left for the family, at www.strodefh.com.