Sandra Lee Abney

Sandra Lee Abney was born in Pontiac, Michigan on March 3, 1941, and passed gently into the waiting arms of her Lord, on June 24, 2024, in Tucson Arizona, surrounded by her family.

Sandra was born to John Harry Lilliquist and Florence Evangeline Lilliquist. She was the middle of three siblings, Suzanne the eldest and John the youngest. It was a household of meager but sturdy means, filled with love and fun, and steeped in the strongest traditions of 40’s and 50’s Midwest Americana.

She lived and loved her youth with starry eyed dreams and vigor. Growing up in small-town life, she made a friend with a neighborhood boy in Kindergarten, Robert Owen Abney, who in time became the love of her life, beginning an epic marriage spanning the globe, and touching countless lives. It was unconditional love.

Robert (Bob) graduated from ROTC and their Army life began, never looking back, culminating in 18 shared moves across three countries and six states, ending at Ft. Huachuca. They loved living in Germany on multiple tours, and traveled across Europe, soaking up romance and adventure with zest, as only a young couple can. Europe sparked a lifetime interest in antiquities that created the warmth and beautiful homes she made with Bob. In their 61 years of marriage, they were separated for only two years, while Bob was in Vietnam, then Korea.

Their marriage was blessed with two children; Craig Owen Abney and then Kevin Robert Abney. Sandra epitomized the doting mother, creating the firm foundation of their home as their young family blossomed. Her many prayers were answered with the addition of three grandchildren; Troy, Megan, and Madeline. She loved them all dearly; they lit up her world, and she reflected Christ into theirs.

Sandra’s many interests included genealogy, delving into libraries, city records, and newspapers; producing a living legacy of five branches of documented history back to the 1700’s. Ever outgoing, she was an ardent community tennis player from the 1980’s all the way into her 70’s.

She challenged herself to hike the Grand Canyon, one of her proudest accomplishments. Sandy loved to travel and went on many RV trips with Bob, soaking in God’s creation at the major western national parks. She also traveled with her two sons, on special mother-son trips to points of their interests. During their tour of Panama in 1986, a world changing transformation took place as Sandra found the Lord and accepted Him into her life. She gained new purpose and passion, sharing it freely with a verve that touched many hearts. She witnessed through the Christian Women's Club, becoming a leader and spokesperson to many women, inspiring and mentoring young families. This calling grew into countless Bible studies hosted at her home. She dutifully studied, testified, and shared wisdom through conversations and notes to family, friends, and acquaintances. Her passion for Christ powered her volunteer work, helping troubled youth learn to read, and most notably with the Crisis Pregnancy Center, touching hearts and saving lives.

Sandra Abney adored the fairytale adventure of travel in far off lands, reveled in life as an Army wife, and immersed herself in community wherever she was. Always an ardent friend, always a loving mother, always a cherished wife, and always a faithful servant; she will be supremely missed by the countless hearts touched.

Funeral will be at the First Baptist Church of Sierra Vista, Arizona July 18, 2024 at 11:00 AM. Reception following.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sandra Lee Abney, please visit our floral store.