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Sandra Lee Austin, 79, affectionately known as “Nanny Goat” to her beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren, passed away on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at her home in Boles Acres, New Mexico, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on December 31, 1945, in Pueblo, Colorado, to Frank Carkhuff and Naomi Webb, Sandra’s life was marked by love, faith, and dedication. At the young age of 15, she met the love of her life, Bert Austin, and they married just a year later on October 12, 1962, in Grand Junction, Colorado. Sandra and Bert’s marriage was a shining example of enduring love. They shared 62 beautiful years together, always referring to each other as “boyfriend and girlfriend”, unafraid to show their affection no matter who was around. Their bond was truly indescribable and remains an inspiration to all who know them.
Sandra was not only a devoted wife but also a cherished mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She had a loving and giving personality, a smile that could light up any room, and a heart full of faith. She was a proud member of Boles Acres Baptist Church for many years. Her faith in Jesus guided her life, even as her health declined in recent years.
Professionally, Sandra served as the assistant postmaster at the Boles Acres post office for many years, earning the respect and admiration of her community. She took immense pride in her work and was well known for her dedication and service.
Sandra loved spending time with her family, creating lasting memories, and embracing her role as Nanny Goat to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her passions included gardening with her husband; okra, lemon cucumbers, tomatoes, and sweet corn were among her favorites. She also loved bird watching in her backyard, especially hummingbirds, and had a deep love for dachshunds. Her faithful dachshund companion, Brindy, was her sidekick for many years and even gave her "grand dogs" who found loving homes with her grandchildren.
Sandra is survived by her devoted husband, Bert Austin of Boles Acres, NM; her brother, Mike (Stella) McGruder; her sister, Mary McGruder; her children, Jeffrey (Michelle) Austin of Fruita, CO, Debra Austin (Scott Cosgray) of Alamogordo, NM, Amanda (Mario) Paz of Rio Rancho, NM, and Scott (Becky) Austin of Boles Acres, NM. She is survived by her treasured grandchildren, Dustin (Samantha) Flores, Roxanne Paz (Steven Calzada), Cortney (Matthew) Leal, Heather (Jacob) Enger, Amy Austin, Emily Paz, Kaylee Paz, Hannah (Dalton) Sewell, Ian Paz, and Chasen Austin. Sandra leaves behind great grandchildren, Madisen Flores, Julieanna Leal, Nash Flores, Riley Enger, Elias Enger, Lucas Calzada, Carson Leal, and two little ones soon to arrive. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her in-laws, Charlie and Grace Austin; her siblings, Dale McGruder, Linda (Gary) Allen, Perry (Lilace) McGruder; niece, Phyllis Jean Allen; nephew, Nathan Langstaff; niece, Patricia Langstaff; niece, Michelle McGruder; and her beloved dachshund, Brindy.
A Celebration of Sandra’s life will be held at 9:00 am on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Alamogordo Funeral Home with burial to follow at Boles Acres Cemetery. Her dear friend, Chuck Moon, will officiate the service. Per Sandra’s wishes, guests are kindly asked to wear something lavender in her honor. Please, no black.
Sandra Lee Austin’s legacy of love, faith, and family will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. May her memory forever be a blessing.
The Austin family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home to direct the services.
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you
and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
