Sarah Virginia Chandler

Sarah Virginia Chandler was born to Dr. Oren H. and Virginia Welton Chandler on September 12, 1939 in Ballinger, Texas, where she spent her childhood. Sarah had an adventurous spirit and had the opportunity to live in Austin, Dallas, London, Minnetonka Beach, San Antonio, and San Angelo before moving back to her hometown of Ballinger. She passed away peacefully, at home, on April 15, 2010.

Sarah celebrated life, love, and friendship. She cherished spending time with her friends playing bridge and in her book club. She was an avid reader, who loved travel and movies, and could hold her own with any New York Times crossword puzzle.

She spread her love in numerous ways, one of which was cooking for others. Her favorite place was the kitchen, and she passed this love down to her children, collecting and preserving family recipes for future generations.

A University of Texas graduate, Sarah was a tireless community volunteer. She served as a city council member of Minnetonka Beach, Minnesota, where she was also active in St. Martin’s Church and the Art Center. She served as treasurer of the Ballinger Hospital Auxiliary, volunteered for Meals on Wheels, and served BISD on a variety of committees. Sarah remained close with her Ballinger High School graduating class of 1958 and was on the Planning Committee for class reunions.

Sarah lived, laughed, and loved. She will be remembered as patient, thoughtful, and wise in her role as a dedicated mother, devoted sister, and enduring friend; for above all, Sarah valued family and friends. “It mattered that she was.”

She was preceded in death by her father, Dr. Chandler, and her beloved mother, Virginia. Sarah is survived by her son, Andy Norris and his wife Alex, and their sons Zachary and Tucker; her daughter, Katy Norris; her brother, Chuck Chandler and his wife Martha, their son Chip and his wife Stephanie, and their sons Steven, Wyatt, and Brady; and her Brunson/Reeder family. Sarah will be remembered by all her dear, lifelong friends from Ballinger and the Dallas bridge letter ladies.

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 20 in her home from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A celebration of her life will be held on Wednesday, April 21 at 4:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Ballinger with Max Pratt officiating.