On the evening of May 13, 2026, Sandra Rosalind Chitwood, 79, of Muleshoe, Texas, found eternal peace as she was called home.

Sandra (Sandi) was born on September 9, 1946, in Norman, Oklahoma, to Robert E. Busch and Christine (Coleman) Busch. After graduating from Norman High School in 1965, she earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Oklahoma and a Master’s degree at Eastern New Mexico University. In 1968 she married Richard Chitwood, who would be deployed within a year of their marriage. After returning from Vietnam, Dick and Sandi moved to Muleshoe to raise a family.

Sandi had a gift, a rare ability to capture a moment in time with a canvas, a brush, and a palette. She lived her life as a reflection of the way she saw the world, full of joy and vibrancy. To her children, she was ‘Mom,’ to her grandchildren she was ‘Gran,’ and to her community, she was a pillar and a servant. She spent her adult years educating minds and volunteering her time to help those in need and to help raise future generations. She was as devoted to her family and community as she was passionate about her art.

Sandi is survived by Richard, her husband of 57 years; two children: Kristin Duncan (Hal) and Doug Chitwood; three grandchildren: Haley Chitwood, Zachary Duncan, and Evan Duncan; and three great-grandchildren: Remington, Selah, and Dutton. She is also survived by her brother Brad Busch (Pat), three nephews: Robbie, Keith, and Ryan; her sister Cathy Brown; her brother-in-law Steve Olinghouse, her sister-in-law Patricia Yeager, and Patricia’s children Dwain, Traci, and Jennifer. She was preceded in death by her sister Jan Olinghouse.

A celebration of life service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Muleshoe on June 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home