Karen Gail Sandini
1941 – 2024
Karen Gail Coots Sandini, 83, peacefully passed away, surrounded by friends and family, on June 6, 2024 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She was born January 9, 1941, in Frederick, Oklahoma to Ernest T. & Lenora Milner Coots. She was raised on a farm in Tillman County and graduated from Grandfield School in 1958. She then earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1962. She taught first grade until 1971 and later obtained a Master’s in Counseling and Guidance from the University of Central Oklahoma. She worked for the Oklahoma State Vo Tech and the OKC Skills Center. In July 1973 Karen was recruited by the Oklahoma State Department Rehabilitation Services where she worked as a counselor and supervisor until retirement In July 1991. Her work as a counselor earned her recognition as a Counselor of the Year from the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Association, and also served as the Association’s President in 1998.
Karen had many interests and hobbies, including gardening, sewing, playing the piano. She was an avid University of Oklahoma football fan, and rarely missed a home game. Karen was especially fond of her active participation in the Samuel King Samuel King chapter of the Daughters Of The American Revolution, as well as spending time with the United Methodist Women Friendship Circle.
She is preceded in death by her late husband Edward J. Sandini, parents Ernest and Lenora Coots, stepdaughter Katharine Elkins and grandson Jacob Sandini.
Karen is survived by her, and Ed’s combined five children and spouses; Douglas & Wendy Howell, John & Erin Sandini, Charles & Danay Sandini, Kristin Sandini Cox & Greg Lebanowski, as well as their grandchildren; Lauren Howell, Justin & Michelle Elkins,, Stephen & Terece Sandini, Chad Cox, Derek & Kelly Cox, Dylan Cox, Nicholas & Hannah Sandini, Jordan Sandini, Kirk & Megan Balcom and Malorie Lebanowski. She was also blessed with 5 great-grandchildren Emma & Elijah Sandini, Greyson Elkins, MacKenzie & Kolette Balcom.
Public visitation will be held Tuesday, June 11, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Matthews Funeral Home in Edmond, OK. Karen’s Celebration of Life will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Edmond at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, and internment will be at Highland Cemetery on Ft Sill Blvd in Lawton, Oklahoma at 2:00 PM.
Karen had a full and joyful life; she will be missed very much but all will remember her with love.
The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider donating to American Lung Association or their favorite charity in Karen’s name.
So sorry to learn both sandinis have passed. Though we only visited with them several times they were warm and easy to love. Linda Steck Claus from Ohio, daughter of her Aunt Ada Belle Coots Steck and her Uncle Robert Steck.