Obituary for Sandra Qualls

Sandra “Sandy” Jane (McClain) Qualls of Poteau was born to Frank and Lucy (Hamilton) McClain May 24, 1951 in Clayton. She was the 9th of 10 children and passed away Nov. 15, 2024 at her home in Wister from Alzheimer’s at the age of 73.

Funeral service is 2 p.m. Tuesday at Grace Funeral Service Chapel in Poteau with Reverend Steve Hughes of Calhoun Baptist Church officiating and Danny Wann reading the Eulogy. Burial will follow at Ellis Chapel Cemetery in Wister, under the direction of Grace Funeral Service in Poteau.

Sandy had many natural talents including seamstress, culinary arts, interior and exterior decorating and intellectual capabilities. Though she got a late start, as an adult she completed her GED, got her Associates Degree, and earned the respected University of Oklahoma President’s Honor Roll while completing her Bachelor’s Degree. While serving as CASC’s Assistant Librarian, she served on President White’s Decorating Committee for special events and easily worked with the students, as well as, visiting dignitaries to include Presidents and Governors. Sandy and Librarian, Gail Stewart, were instrumental in getting the Carl Albert Corner in the CASC Library, in honor and tribute to the long serving Speaker of the House.

She used her baking skills to endear her in the hearts of many to celebrate birthdays, weddings, retirements, and honorary parties. Sandy was an avid reader and helped bring authors to CASC through their “Meet the Author” program. She hosted a variety of groups in her home, most notably the OU Study Group, high school reunions, and family reunions. For decades, Sandy organized an extensive “McClain” family reunion at Clayton and Sardis Lake.

Surviving family members are her husband, Dean Qualls, of the home; her son Shawn L. Goad, Sr. and wife Tammy; three sisters Lorraine Hensley, Irene Pitts and Linda McClain; six grandsons Waylon Goad and wife Tiffany, Shawn Goad, Jr. and wife Autumn, Aaron Goad and wife Jayme, Cody Ray Fox and wife Kristina, Reese Qualls and wife Alia, and Matt Akers and wife Erin; four granddaughters Nicole Fox, Misty McBride and husband Joey, Allison Qualls, and Stephanie Gillham and husband Thad; three step-children Royce Qualls and wife Kathleen, Vickie Dulane Qualls-Winston, and Susan (Goad) Akers and husband Steve; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other loved ones and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents Frank and Lucy McClain; three sisters Dorothy Evangelista, Flora June Morgan, and Maggie Ellen; and three brothers Dan McClain, Robert McClain, and William “Jake” McClain.

The family gives a heartfelt thanks to her primary caregiver, Ashlie Nelson and back-up caregiver, Rhonda Heflin, and a special acknowledgement to the hospice services of Elara Caregiving. 

Pallbearers are Aaron Goad, Shawn Goad, Jr., Waylon Goad, Cody Fox, Reese Qualls and Matt Akers.

Honorary pallbearers are Randy Frazier, Floyd Smith, Gene Heflin, Leroy Tackett, Steve Woodall, Thad Gillham and Merrill McClain.

Viewing is Monday from noon to 8:30 p.m. with the family visiting with friends from 6 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home.