SpeerSandraSandra Jean Speer, known affectionally as Sandi or Foxy, passed away on June 28, 2024, at the age of 78, in Duncan, Oklahoma. Born on August 2, 1945, in Hernshaw, West Virginia, she was a cherished member of her community and a beacon of joy to her family and friends.

Sandi graduated from Carlsbad Highschool and led a fulfilling career that began at the local Bus Depot in Carlsbad, where she met her beloved husband, Robert Speer. She later worked at Sul Ross State University in the library, located in Alpine, TX, then moving to Deming, she spent time working in two local banks, Deming National Bank and Mimbres Valley Bank, followed by a position as a vet tech at a local vet clinic. Sandi concluded her professional journey at the Deming Senior Center, where she served as the director of the volunteer program and contributed to the home-delivered meals program. Even in retirement, she continued to volunteer at the Senior Center, dedicating her time and energy to those in need.

Her personal life was filled with adventure and love. Sandi was an active member of the First Baptist Church and indulged in hobbies such as camping, motorcycling, golfing, and reading. Known for her outgoing, fun-loving nature, she cherished the time spent on motorcycle trips with her husband and camping with friends. Sandi was a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother, whose presence was a source of happiness and inspiration.

Sandi is survived by her sons, Kevin and Eric Speer; daughter-in-law, Wendy Harpe; granddaughters, Mary Sue Rivera, Katelyn Speer, and Alyssa Nicholson; along with her great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Speer; mother, Zelma Burdette; father, Sydney Kirk; sister, Judith Calhoun; and brothers, James and Steve Kirk.

Visitation will be held on Saturday morning, July 20, 2024, at the First Baptist Church at 9 o'clock, followed by funeral services at 10 o'clock, officiated by Caleb Kartchner. Concluding services will take place at Mt. View Cemetery. Baca's Funeral Home in Deming, NM, is assisting the family during this time. Sandi's life will be celebrated and remembered for her generosity, exuberance, and unconditional love. She lived a life that was as vibrant and heartfelt as the community she nurtured around her. Sandi will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Pallbearers will be Ramon Pena, Dane Speer, Bryan Stevenson, Matt Harpe, Manny Rivera and Robbie Nicholson.

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

Content on the Beat

WARNING: All articles and photos with a byline or photo credit are copyrighted to the author or photographer. You may not use any information found within the articles without asking permission AND giving attribution to the source. Photos can be requested and may incur a nominal fee for use personally or commercially.

Disclaimer: If you find errors in articles not written by the Beat team but sent to us from other content providers, please contact the writer, not the Beat. For example, obituaries are always provided by the funeral home or a family member. We can fix errors, but please give details on where the error is so we can find it. News releases from government and non-profit entities are posted generally without change, except for legal notices, which incur a small charge.

NOTE: If an article does not have a byline, it was written by someone not affiliated with the Beat and then sent to the Beat for posting.

Images: We have received complaints about large images blocking parts of other articles. If you encounter this problem, click on the title of the article you want to read and it will take you to that article's page, which shows only that article without any intruders. 

New Columnists: The Beat continues to bring you new columnists. And check out the old faithfuls who continue to provide content.

Newsletter: If you opt in to the Join GCB Three Times Weekly Updates option above this to the right, you will be subscribed to email notifications with links to recently posted articles.

Submitting to the Beat

Those new to providing news releases to the Beat are asked to please check out submission guidelines at https://www.grantcountybeat.com/about/submissions. They are for your information to make life easier on the readers, as well as for the editor.

Advertising: Don't forget to tell advertisers that you saw their ads on the Beat.

Classifieds: We have changed Classifieds to a simpler option. Check periodically to see if any new ones have popped up. Send your information to editor@grantcountybeat.com and we will post it as soon as we can. Instructions and prices are on the page.

Editor's Notes

It has come to this editor's attention that people are sending information to the Grant County Beat Facebook page. Please be aware that the editor does not regularly monitor the page. If you have items you want to send to the editor, please send them to editor@grantcountybeat.com. Thanks!

Here for YOU: Consider the Beat your DAILY newspaper for up-to-date information about Grant County. It's at your fingertips! One Click to Local News. Thanks for your support for and your readership of Grant County's online news source—www.grantcountybeat.com

Feel free to notify editor@grantcountybeat.com if you notice any technical problems on the site. Your convenience is my desire for the Beat.  The Beat totally appreciates its readers and subscribers!  

Compliance: Because you are an esteemed member of The Grant County Beat readership, be assured that we at the Beat continue to do everything we can to be in full compliance with GDPR and pertinent US law, so that the information you have chosen to give to us cannot be compromised.