Sandra Kay McDaniel, 46, of Racine, Ohio, left this life and was lifted to heaven on August 10, 2012. She was born on June 9, 1966, in Manchester, Kentucky, to Harrison and Mallie Collett.

As a teenager, Sandra met the love of her life and best friend, Jackie McDaniel, who survives. Also surviving are her four loving children of whom she was so proud, Kimberly and Adam who now reside in Gallipolis, Ohio, Jonny from Rio Grande, Ohio and Tiffany, from Racine.

Sandra and Jackie were married on her birthday in 1982. In the early years of their marriage, Jackie and Sandra were drawn to live in Meigs County, Ohio, by a relative, and so they moved, eventually living near Racine. Their thirty year marriage was filled with many challenges, but their love for one another prevailed. One of their challenges was Sandra’s diagnosis of MS in 1989. This debilitating disease affected her in so many ways. But even though she was unable to live the life she wanted, Sandra was given such grace. We never heard her question why she had to live with MS. Instead, she allowed God to use her as an example of how to live life to the fullest through trials that most of us can never imagine. She has been unable to walk for several years and most recently, her breathing became affected, causing numerous hospitalizations.

Sandra was a true living testimony and she showed us how to live with both grace and gratitude. Many friends remember visiting Sandra for the purpose of uplifting her, only to realize that we were the ones being cheered by her unwavering faith and living testimony. One of her last wishes was to let everyone know that she tried her best to live the life God planned for her, and that she was devoted to caring for her four children and husband Jackie who became her very dedicated primary caretaker.

When she was physically able, one of Sandra’s favorite pastimes was to go shopping for clothes and costume jewelry,and she usually returned home with bargains no one else could find. She loved to dress up and look beautiful. Her family and friends will always remember that even though she was suffering, Sandra had a gorgeous smile and radiant beauty. Mixed with that wonderful Kentucky accent, she was a friend and relative that will not be forgotten.

Jackie and Sandra are both members of the Carmel-Sutton United Methodist Church. We all know that she is now in heaven, and that her special wish has been granted. That wish was to be free of the pain and suffering she has endured from the MS, and to be able to run and play on the streets of gold. She has pictured that vision in her mind for many years and now wants those who knew her to imagine her there, running freely and with no pain. Sandra’s fervent hope was that other family members will make the decision to ask forgiveness and dedicate their lives to Jesus so they can eventually join her as she runs and plays.

Sandra was preceded in death by a brother, Darrell Collett.

Other survivors include her brothers, Harold, Ricky, Keith (Turkey), Bobby, and sisters, Carolyn Collins, Lois Owens, Brenda Edwards, Diane Collett and Cathy, all from Kentucky, plus numerous aunts, uncles and extended relatives.

In addition, she is survived by many friends, including her church family and numerous caretakers, who have done their part to make her life a little more comfortable. And for that, she was always grateful.

Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 13, 2012, at the Sutton United Methodist Church on Bashan Road with Pastors Arland King and Dewayne Stutler officiating. Burial will follow in the Carmel Cemetery. Visitation will be held for family and friends from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, August 12, 2012, at the Anderson McDaniel Funeral Home in Racine. These services will include many songs that Sandra chose in advance. Her husband Jackie has so often given her a private concert of singing and playing on his guitar songs like these. She loved music.

A fund has been established by the Carmel-Sutton United Methodist Church to help the family with funeral expenses. Those donations may be sent to the Church Treasurer, Joe Cornell, at 48634 Van Meter Hill Road, Racine, OH 45771.

An online registry is avalible at www.andersonmcdaniel.com