12/19/2025
Sandra Jane Halford, age 77, passed away peacefully at her home in Ashland, Missouri, on December 18, 2025, after a courageous journey with pulmonary fibrosis.
Born with a bold spirit and a generous heart, Sandy lived a life rooted in faith, love, and devotion to her family. She faced life’s challenges with courage and determination, guided by her steadfast trust in the Lord. Her strength, passion, and unwavering commitment to those she loved were evident to all who knew her.
Sandra, lovingly known as Sandy, was raised in Wisconsin and later Illinois. She attended middle and high school in Anna, Illinois, and graduated from Carrollton High School in Carrollton in 1966. She treasured the lifelong friendships she formed in Anna, often enjoying regular get-togethers with her school friends, which brought her great joy throughout her life.
Feeling called to care for others, she pursued her education at the School of Nursing at Passavant Memorial Area Hospital in Jacksonville, Illinois, graduating with the Class of 1969. Sandy dedicated her career to nursing, serving with compassion and skill in communities including Columbia, Jefferson City, and Saint Joseph, Missouri.
On July 10, 1971, Sandy was united in marriage to Thomas Joseph Halford at the First Baptist Church in Carrollton, Illinois. Their marriage was built on faith, love, and commitment, and together they shared a life centered on family and service.
Sandy is survived by her devoted husband, Thomas, and their three children and spouses: Megan Halford (Bradley Bauer), Michael Halford (Ashley), and Matthew Halford (Jana). She also leaves behind seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild, who were a constant source of joy and pride. In addition, she is survived by her three brothers, Bob (Sally), Tom (Lauri), and Willie (Ellie) Shoemaker; and sister, Susie (Bobby) Bowers; and many cherished cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Betty Jane (Larson) Shoemaker, and her beloved “Nana”, Ida Peterson, who welcomed her home.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. at Howard-Millard Funeral Home in Boonville, Missouri.
Sandy’s family finds comfort in knowing she is now at peace, reunited with loved ones, and resting in God’s loving presence.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul. – Psalm 23:1-3
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Sandra Halford to:
• Missouri Association of State Troopers Emergency Relief Society (MASTERS)
780 County Road 383, Whitewater, MO 63785
• Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation
223 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 350, Chicago, IL 60606