Sandra Kay Candler

Sandra Candler, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away leaving behind a legacy of love, devotion, and cherished memories that will remain with her family forever.

Born in Madison County, she was the daughter of the late Donald and Alfreda Ball Metcalf. Sandra was also preceded in death by her husband, Ronnie Lee Candler as well as a brother, Donald Lee Metcalf.

Sandra shared a deep and lasting love with her late husband, Ronnie. Their marriage was built on genuine love, companionship, and a devotion to one another that remained strong throughout their years together. They were deeply in love, and the life they shared became the foundation of the family they built. Even after Ronnie’s passing, Sandra carried his memory and the love they shared with her throughout the rest of her life. Their love lives on through their
children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Sandra was a wonderful mother to her two daughters, Rhonda and Regina, and was immensely proud of the women they became. She welcomed their husbands, Eugene and Amit, as members of the family and cherished the love they brought into her daughters’ lives.

Her greatest joy was her family. Along with being a wonderful mother, Sandra was a loving grandmother to Ronnie and Kevin, and later their wives Jill and Lauren, and a devoted great-grandmother to Harrison, Lennox, and Willow. Her family meant everything to her, and she treasured every opportunity to be surrounded by them and their love and laughter.

Being born on a farm in the country, Sandra never lost her love of the mountains and the outdoors. She could be found walking or hiking in the mountains every day. Sandra also loved outdoor sports, playing golf and tennis at every available opportunity.

While she loved the Blue Ridge Mountains, Sandra also loved traveling and seeing the world with Ronnie. Together they visited all of the United States and Canada, including Alaska and Hawaii. They also traveled to the Dominican Republic and Mexico, where Ronnie loved the heat and Sandra threatened to melt. And, of course, their favorite place of all was California, where they visited friends and places old and new several times a year.

Sandra worked at Sears for 30 years. She began part-time in the gift wrap department at the original downtown Asheville Sears, and worked her way into top management. Sandra was known for her dedication, reliability, and the relationships she formed with those around her. She took pride in her work and in being someone others could depend upon, both on the clock and off.

Sandra and Ronnie were devoted members of Long Shoals Baptist Church, involved in everything from the choir to the Vacation Bible School and Missionary support. They developed friendships with other members that they carried with them always.

For the last five years of her life, Sandra was cared for at Aston Park Healthcare Center’s Memory Wing (500 hall). She was loved and taken care of by so many wonderful people there. Special thanks go to Cheryl, Kait, Jenna, Tracy, and of course – Bilton, Mom’s favorite caretaker. Much love and appreciation from the family to Marsha and those at Aston Park.

Sandra will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her family, along with all of her extended family, friends, and everyone whose life she touched.

Rest peacefully, Sandra. May you and Ronnie be together again, surrounded by the love that brought you together, and the family members that have gone before.

Sandra is survived by two daughters, Rhonda Kilby (Eugene) of Lake City, SC and Regina Candler (Amit) of Hendersonville; a brother, Jimmy Metcalf (Shirley) of Marshall; two grandchildren, Ronnie Kilby (Jill) of Fletcher and Kevin Kilby (Lauren) of Charleston, SC; three great-grandchildren, Harrison, Lennox and Willow Kilby as well as other extended family members.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian. Private burial will be held at Bowman-Rector Cemetery in Marshall.

Sandra was cared for by Four Seasons Hospice and the wonderful people at Elizabeth House in her final days. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation, in Sandra’s honor, to Four Seasons and Elizabeth House, or the Hospice provider of your choice.