Sandra Sue (Brand) Morell Minks, 81, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026. She was born on July 18, 1944, in Evansville, Indiana, to Harland and Emeline Brand.
Family was at the heart of everything Sandy did. She loved deeply and unconditionally and nothing brought her greater pride than watching her family grow. One of her greatest joys was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, creating memories that will be cherished forever.
Sandy dedicated more than 40 years of service to the State of Indiana, including many years at the Evansville Psychiatric Children’s Center and the Evansville State Hospital, where she served as a Human Resources Director. She was respected for her professionalism, remarkable work ethic, and commitment to serving others.
Following the passing of her first husband, Jerry, in 1995, Sandy was blessed to find love again when she married Wayne Keeling Minks. Together they shared 11 wonderful years of marriage, traveling, enjoying evenings on the back porch watching hummingbirds, spending time at Oak Meadow Country Club, and making lasting memories together until Wayne’s passing on June 1, 2026.
Sandy found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She adored her beloved Bichons, loved tending to her flowers and garden, enjoyed shopping, cooking for those she loved, especially looked forward to Christmas each year, and treasured her lunch dates with her wonderful group of friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harland and Emeline Brand; her first husband of 30 years, Jerald Robert Morell, who passed away in 1995; her second husband, Wayne Keeling Minks, who passed away on June 1, 2026; her sister, Beverly Atherton; her brothers, Ronnie Brand, Harland “Sonny” Brand; her stepson, Randall Wayne Minks; and her stepdaughter, Rebecca Anne Nickel.
She is lovingly survived by her sons, Brent Robert Morell, John Donahue Morell, and Matthew Jacob Morell (Amie); her stepson, Dustin Minks; her stepdaughter, Cynthia Harmon (Dan), her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many extended family members and dear friends.
Sandy will be remembered for her kindness, generous heart, quiet strength, and unwavering love for her family and friends. She touched countless lives through her compassion and genuine care for others, leaving a legacy of love that will continue for generations.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Sandy’s dear friend, Betty Harker, whose love, friendship, and presence by Sandy’s side in her final hours brought immeasurable comfort. They also wish to sincerely thank the compassionate caregivers of St. Croix Hospice and Newburgh Healthcare for the exceptional care, dignity, and kindness shown to Sandy and her family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in honor of Sandra Sue Morell Minks to a local humane society, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
A Celebration of Life will be held August 1st, 2026, at The Refuge Christian Church from 11am to 1pm. The family kindly requests that flowers not be delivered to the church.
The Refuge Christian Church, 8566 Telephone Rd., Chandler, Indiana 47610
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