Sandra "Sandy" Faye Castlebury

Sandra Faye “Sandy” Castlebury, 71, passed away in July 2026.

Sandy was born on March 5, 1955, to Donna and Gaylord “GJ” Wallace. She grew up in Sheldon, Missouri, where she graduated from Sheldon High School. In the summer following her graduation in 1973, she married the love of her life, Sam Castlebury, beginning a marriage that would span 40 wonderful years until Sam’s passing.

She later earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and dedicated her career to caring for others as a registered nurse. Throughout her nursing career, she served in several roles but found her true calling in psychiatric nursing.

Together, Sandy and Sam built a loving home and raised three children: Samantha (Tyler) Hammond of Northern Virginia; Rocky (Marissa) Castlebury of Greenfield, Missouri; and Shelly (Beau) Barwick of Neosho, Missouri. She was an adoring grandmother to Addilyn and Maisie Castlebury and Thaddeus Barwick, who brought immeasurable joy and pride to her life. Another Barwick grandson will be welcomed in the fall.

Sandy was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 40 years, Sam Castlebury, and by her parents, Donna and Gaylord “GJ” Wallace. She is survived by her three brothers, Jim Wallace, Gary David (Nancy) Wallace, and Lonnie (Lola) Wallace.

After retiring from nursing, Sandy embraced every opportunity to enjoy life. She frequently traveled to Northern Virginia to spend time with her eldest daughter, Samantha, and son-in-law, Tyler, delighting in the history of Virginia and exploring Washington, D.C. One of the greatest joys of her retirement was purchasing a vacation home in Fort Myers, Florida. There she loved exploring nature preserves, watching manatees, walking the beaches, and participating in activities within her community.

Sandy also cherished the adventures she shared with her dearest friends, Roberta Breaune and Toby Ellison. Whether traveling together, exploring new places, or simply enjoying each other’s company, their friendship was a source of laughter, encouragement, and countless treasured memories throughout the years.

A lifelong member of Sheldon Christian Church, Sandy treasured the friendships and fellowship she found through the church.

Always active, Sandy faithfully began each morning with a two-mile walk and eagerly participated in any local 5K fun run she could find.

An event she never missed was her grand kids ball games. Cheering and supporting and ever present. Sandy was always crafting or sewing. She loved sharing that passion with her grandchildren, and teaching Addilyn and Maisie to sew was something she cherished. Her children and grandchildren will forever treasure the gloves, hats, scarves, trivets, dog bandanas, aprons, and countless other handmade gifts she lovingly crafted for them.

Above all else, Sandy loved her family.

She will be deeply loved, forever remembered, and profoundly missed by all who knew her.

Funeral services will be held at the Sheldon Christian Church 200 S. First St., Sheldon Mo. 64784 at 10am on Thursday July 9th.