Sandy Carrico-Sanders

Sandy Carrico-Sanders, 83, of Bourbon, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital. 

Oleta Mae Sanders was born on December 3, 1940, in Wild Cherry, AR.  Sandy grew up in Salem, AR, and graduated from Salem High School in 1958. Shortly after high school she moved to Rockford, IL, and went to work for National Lock. Here she was blessed with a son, Michael, who became the center of her universe.

Sandy began her entrepreneurial journey when she moved to Pacific, MO, opening an H&R Block franchise, and simultaneously selling Avon products. Her dedication to her work and her son was unwavering. In 1982, she relocated to Bourbon, MO, and opened another H&R Block office, where she continued to serve the community until her retirement in 2007. Sandy's successful career and commitment to her clients spanned over four decades.

It was in Bourbon that Sandy's heart found its match in Larry Shaw. The two met at a pool tournament and quickly became inseparable, sharing countless memories and a life rich with love and companionship. Together, they owned and operated "The In Crowd" bar in Sullivan, which became a local hub for over a decade. Sandy, often referred to as "Momma Sandy," created a warm, welcoming atmosphere where patrons became family.

Sandy was headstrong, spunky, and sassy, yet her approach to life was always tempered with love, kindness, and compassion. Baptized as a young child, she maintained her faith throughout her life, attending church at the Ridge Church of Sullivan.

Sandy cherished spending time with her family and stepfamily, attending school basketball games, and celebrating birthdays. A master at the card table, she often always won in games of Gin Rummy. Sandy also loved to bake Texas sheet cake. She and Larry enjoyed trips to Tunica, MS, for casino outings, and even ventured to Las Vegas, where Sandy proudly took second place alongside her team in a pool tournament. 

Shopping was another of Sandy's pleasures. Often times accompanied by her best friend Jackie Brenton or her stepdaughter Tammy Reeves. Sandy had an eye for fashion, especially purses. Sandy also enjoyed monthly gatherings with her girlfriends where they would often enjoy lunch, play Bingo, catch a movie, or take in a theatre production in Rolla. They were even able to travel all the way to France on a ladies trip. 

Sandy is survived by a special caring nephew, Bob Carrico of Bourbon, Missouri; a loving sister-in-law, Rose Carrico of Bourbon, Missouri; nephews, Ron Carrico and wife Alba and Dan Carrico and wife Carolyn all of Bourbon, MO; her stepdaughter, Tammy Reeves and husband Lonnie of Bourbon, MO; a stepson, Tony Shaw of Sullivan, MO; five grandchildren: Nicholas Reeves and wife Amanda of Sullivan, MO, AJ Reeves and fiancé Kaitlyn Wheeler of Bourbon, MO, Zack Reeves of Bourbon, MO, Jackson Rosen of Sullivan, MO, and Mackenzie Hewlett and husband Nick of Bourbon, MO; four great grandchildren: Audrey, Gracelynn, Elijah and Irish; two brothers: Carmen Sanders of Mountain Home, AR, and Bill Carrico and wife Pat of West Plains, MO; five great nieces and nephews: Tyler, Erika, Rachel, Leanne and Austin; other relatives and many friends. 

She was preceded in death by her son, Michael; her parents, Raymond and Sallie Sanders; and four brothers: Chester, Leevon, Adell and Joda Carrico. 

Graveside Services will be 11 AM, Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Hebron Cemetery in Viola, Arkansas. 

Friends may send their online condolences to Sandy’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Judes Children Research Hospital. 

All arrangements are under the care and direction of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.