Dr. Sandra K. House - Barnes Family Funeral Home (2024)

Dr. Sandra Kay House, age 81, of Springfield, Mo passed away on June 22, 2024 in the comforts of her home. Sandra was born to Dee Ward and Dwight Lyle on February 23, 1943 in Springfield, Mo. She graduated from Parkview High School. Sandra took part in beauty pageants in hopes of attaining scholarships to go to college. Her beautiful and kind hearted personality shown through and she won the crown in Ms. Missouri, Ms. Dixie and Mrs. Missouri. This led to an interview with a very handsome disk jockey at the old KICK. There was definitely a spark but she was too young, so their love story would have to wait. Years later, they were set up on a blind date and the rest is history. After he won her heart she was truly devoted to him through 60 wonderful years of marriage. Cliff House married Sandra in Springfield, Mo on January 26, 1964. They both graduated with their PhDs and began teaching. Sandra taught drama at Hillcrest high school for 16 years where she directed numerous musicals. They built their beautiful dream home together in 1976 where they would start their family. In 1978 they welcomed their first child, Jonathan followed by Heather in 1981. Sandra loved teaching but took 10 years off to be with her children. When she eventually went back to work she taught at Kickapoo High School. She had a passion for her students and wanted them to not only be sussessful in theatre, but also develop skills to be confident and creative in all aspects of their life. She later became a professor at MSU where she taught public speaking. Sandra accomplished so many amazing things. She was a recipient of an award for the outstanding speech teacher in Missouri, she cut the ribbon opening interstate 44, and was the alumni President for MSU. The accomplishment she was probably most proud of was directing and producing two Christian movies alongside her husband. Sandra also worked with numerous charities and she volunteered at her daughters’ school (even when her daughter was the classroom teacher and no longer the student). She was a loving mother and everyone’s biggest cheerleader. She had a vibrant personality and was full of joy every day of her life. She lit up every room she walked in with her light that shone from her love of Jesus.

Sandra loved helping others in any way that she could. She loved being at the beach surrounded by God’s creations. She enjoyed flowers of all kinds, sewing, swimming, fishing, playing “Tile”, going on dates out to eat and to the movies with her beloved Cliff and attending all activities or events her children and grandchildren were in. Nothing brought Sandra more fulfillment than being with her family, and going to church every Sunday. She was a faithful member of 1st Baptist Springfield for over 30 years and served in many churches including River Bluff Fellowship where she became a member in 2017. She and Cliff traveled many parts of the world and were blessed with many unique experiences. Most will fondly remember Sandra for her welcoming smile, encouraging words, her generosity and her kind, positive, uplifting, and loving soul.

Sandra was preceded in death by her father, Dwight Lyle, her mother Dee Ward and step father Max and brother Ron Ward. She is survived by her loving husband Cliff; Son Jonathan House and wife Stephanie; Daughter Heather Larbey and husband Jesse; Grandchildren, Alicia and husband Tyler, Michaela and husband Gabe, David, Ben, Izzy, Haven, Jett; Great grandchildren, Urijah, Judah; brother Gerry Ward and wife Veronica, sister-in-law Michelle Ward and many more family and friends.

Memorial funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Monday, July 1, 2024 in River Bluff Fellowship, 2655 E. Farm Rd 188, Ozark, Missouri. Visitation will be 1:00 P.M. Monday until service time in the church. Arrangements under the care of Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark, Missouri. Online condolences may shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com.