Sandra Kay Hickernell

Sandra Kay Hickernell was born April 7, 1943 to John Marlowe and Dorothy (Simmons) High. She arrived in the world when her dad was in Europe fighting WWII, while her mom was home in Van Wert, Ohio taking care of the family. She was raised on a 150-acre farm in rural NW Ohio near the town of Rockford. She was the oldest of 4 siblings that helped raise hogs and farm the land with their parents. She attended Mendon Ohio Schools where she met her sweetheart, Dick Hickernell, both graduating in the spring of 1961.

Sandy and Dick had a son Jeff, and 14 months later a daughter, Chris. She worked at the Marsh Grocery Store in Van Wert, Ohio until the family moved to the Columbus suburb of Gahanna for Dick’s new job. She found employment again at Albers Grocers which would be bought out by Kroger Company in the early 1970’s until her retirement. She and Dick bought a home in New Albany and moved there in 1972 where they resided for 52 years.

After raising their family and retiring, Sandy and Dick bought a motorhome where they enjoyed their winters in South Texas for a few years then moved to wintering in South Florida, then eventually ended up in the North Tampa Bay area just before illness brought them back to New Albany.

Sandy moved to the Sunrise of Gahanna Senior Living Center in December of 2023 where she resided until her peaceful passing on April 23, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Sandy loved their family Chihuahuas, painting and crafts, and flowers. She really enjoyed bargain hunting at flea markets while wintering in Florida with her friends. And most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family.

Sandy is preceeded in death by her father and mother, John & Dorothy High. Brothers Freddy Joe and John Ralph High, husband, Dick Hickernell. She is survived by her younger brother David (Lisa) High, son Jeff (Natalie) Hickernell, daughter Chris (Steve) Burns, grandson Adam (Jen) Hickernell, granddaughter Katie (Justin) Gartin, granddaughter Cindy (Anson) Brown. And 4 great grandchildren Georgia, Benji, Maia and Emmy. As well as nieces Lisa (Terry) Walker, Sharon Bishop and nephews Steve (Brandi) High, Matt (Brittany) High.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to Gentiva Hospice in Sandy’s memory. https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/GentivaFoundation/GHS.html

Friends may call at the NEWCOMER NORTHEAST CHAPEL 3047 E. Dublin Granville Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43231 on Monday, April 28, 2025 from 9:00am until time of funeral service at 10:00am. Pastor Mike Brown officiating.