Sandra Boyd

Sandra Sue Boyd, 71, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 29, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

She was born on March 17, 1955, in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Horace William “Bill” and Dolores Ann Bartley (Shumaker). Sandra attended Topeka West High School, where she met her high school sweetheart and best friend, Steven Boyd—a love story that would span more than 52 years.

Sandra and Steven were married on May 25, 1974, in Topeka, Kansas, and built a life centered on family and unconditional love. Together they raised two children, Heather and Ryan, and created a legacy that continues to grow through generations. While she was a devoted wife and loving mother, her most cherished role was being “Gaga” to her grandchildren.

Family was the heart of everything Sandy did. She was the constant caretaker—always putting others first—whether caring for her husband, her children, her parents, her grandchildren, her friends, or even her patients. For more than 40 years, Sandra worked as a medical assistant and phlebotomist at Stormont Vail Cotton O’Neil, where she cared for countless patients with compassion and dedication before retiring in June 2021. Even in her final days, she continued to focus on those she loved, encouraging them to keep living, celebrating, and moving forward together.

Sandra had a deep love for travel and adventure. She and Steven explored more than 30 countries and 40 states, creating lasting memories everywhere they went—from Greece, Spain, and France, to Hawaii, with Italy holding a special place in her heart. She treasured taking her grandchildren on special cruises and visiting her brother and sister-in-law in Baltimore. Whether across the world or closer to home, Sandra found joy in both grand adventures and life’s simpler moments, especially walks along the beach, listening to the rhythm of the ocean.

Holidays at Gaga’s house were magical. Everything was thoughtfully planned and decorated, with trees overflowing with warm white lights and filled with glass ornaments, tables set with her beloved Spode Christmas china, and gifts wrapped in coordinated papers with beautiful bows. No matter how lively the house became with grandchildren and grand-dogs, she embraced every moment with joy and enthusiasm.

Sandra took great joy in celebrating life’s milestones. From ballgames and band performances, to graduations, birthdays, engagements, weddings, and anniversaries—no event was too small. She celebrated each with enthusiasm, making everyone around her feel deeply loved and special. She held on through her illness long enough to witness several important milestones in her family, a reflection of her strength, love, and unwavering dedication to those she cherished most.

Sandra’s life was defined by love, generosity, and an extraordinary ability to make others feel important. She was the glue of her family and its devoted matriarch, and her absence leaves an immeasurable space in the hearts of all who knew her.

She is survived by her loving husband, Steven Boyd; daughter, Heather (Tad) Layton; son, Ryan (Nicole) Boyd; her mother, Dolores Bartley; brother, William “Bill” (Nwando) Bartley; and her beloved grandchildren, Alec Boyd (Abigail Musick), Ellynor George, Cameron Layton, Cecylia Boyd, and William Layton. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Doug Boyd, and many dear friends and extended family members who will miss her greatly.

She was preceded in death by her father, Bill Bartley, and her parents-in-law, Gary and Barbara Boyd.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Mount Hope Cemetery Chapel, 4700 SW 17th Street, Topeka, Kansas, with funeral services beginning at 11:00 a.m. and burial to follow.

The funeral service will be live streamed and will begin 15 minutes prior to the service. To register to watch, please visit: Sandra Boyd Funeral Service Livestream Link

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Midland Hospice or the American Cancer Society.

Sandra Sue Boyd’s life was a testament to love, kindness, and devotion. Her legacy lives on in the family she built, the lives she touched, and the countless memories she helped create. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered, her spirit living on in the gatherings, journeys, and moments she inspired.

To share a special memory or leave condolences for the family, please visit our guest book below.

Make a memorial contribution to the American Cancer Society: American Cancer Society Donation Link

Make a memorial contribution to Midland Hospice: Midland Care Donation Link