Sandra Sue "Sandy" Woodin

Sandra Sue Woodin, 82, passed away on December 4, 2024 in Wichita, Kansas. Her husband, Chuck, was waiting for her to join him on the dock with a smile on his face and a drink in his hand.

Sandy was born in Hays, Kansas on December 2, 1942. Her father, Wilfred Dietz, was deployed in World War II and received special permission to return home to see his wife, Nina, and to meet his daughter. He rejoined them in WaKeeney, Kansas after the war ended. Sandy grew up in WaKeeney with her younger brother, Dean, surrounded by her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and dozens of cousins. Laughter was frequent in the Dietz household with Sandy and Dean getting in trouble every evening for looking at each other and starting to laugh at the dinner table. Music also played an important role in the Dietz home. Sandy played the piano and clarinet. She also played the organ at her family’s church, Immanuel Lutheran. Sandy turned down the honor of being the drum major at her high school because she did not want to wear the ugly hat. 

After graduating from Trego County High School, Sandy and her best friend moved to Denver to work as secretaries at the Martin Company. She then moved to Wichita where she attended Wichita Business College and made the city her home. Sandy worked as a legal secretary for many years. 

After she stopped working, Sandy was a frequent volunteer at Stacy and Shelly’s schools and was always happy to drive on Nicky and Shelby’s field trips. She was on the Board of Directors at Starkey and co-managed the gift shop at the Wichita Sedgwick County Historical Museum. Sandy and Chuck’s door was always open for their grandchildren and their friends to visit or spend the night. Her hobbies included reading, doing puzzles, playing Scrabble, decorating, sailing, and raising a slew of big and rowdy dogs. 

Sandy loved music, which was always playing in her house. Chuck and Sandy frequently went out to listen to live music. Friday nights at the Candle Club with the band, Haze, were always a family highlight. Sandy never passed up an opportunity to sing “Desperado” with the band.

Sandy was a wonderful cook and loved to entertain. Sandy’s fried chicken dinners were a family favorite. Parties at Chuck and Sandy’s house were always the best. Whether it was at their beloved home in Spring Acres, the Claimjumper in Breckenridge, or on their sailboats at Cheney Lake or in the British Virgin Islands, Sandy and Chuck had a knack for making every guest feel welcome and comfortable. Their yearly Christmas party was often declared the hit of the holiday season and is still fondly remembered by their family and friends.

Sandy laughed until she snorted and always said exactly what was on her mind. Along with Chuck, Sandy will be greatly missed but always celebrated and remembered for a life well lived.

Sandy was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Chuck Woodin; her parents, Wilfred and Nina Dietz; her brother-in law, Bill Woodin; her sister-in-law, Marjorie Patrick Arnold; and her niece, Krista Dietz. 

She is survived by her aunts, Rose Doxon and Marilyn Hudson; her brother, Dean Dietz (Cindy Schoen); her children, Susan Olson (Evan), Shelly Gillum (Todd Seymour), Stacy Woodin, and Shelly Riedel; her “grands” Nicky Shaw (Matt), Eliot Olson (Hannah), Shelby Gillum (Derek Martin), Katie Lee (Trevor), and Grace Casey (Dan); her “greats” Raegan and Cooper Shaw; Austin Rudkin and Brynlee Chrisman, Sydney and Joey Lee, and Zion and Addie Casey; her nieces, Erin Dietz, and Shannon and Ava Fagan; and her nephew, Chase Sheydaei.

A heartfelt thanks from her family to those who provided exceptional care and love to Sandy during the last months of her life. Jordan, Taegan, and the entire team at Good Shepherd Hospice. Eva, Mary, Lillie, Jessica, Dot, Donnell, Chloe, Tacasia, Zach, Susan, Cuanna, Mylasia, Violet, Sherry, Tammy, Cynthia, Amaris, Aikee, Risper, and many more at Reed’s Cove.

The family will receive guests at Noon on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at the Cozine Life Events Center. A memorial service will follow at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Sandy’s honor to the Phillips Fundamental Learning Center; 14533 East Sharon Lane; Wichita, Kansas 67230.