Sandra “Sandy” (Karrick) Harper, 65, of Columbia, IL passed away on June 22, 2026 at 8:32am at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO surrounded by her 3 loving sons.

Sandy was a 1979 graduate of Bunker Hill High School and a 2011 graduate of SIUE, earning a degree in Criminal Justice after 9 years of perseverance. Due to her studies at SIUE, Sandy had a passion for watching true crime dramas and thriller films. She was a natural born care-giver for most of her life. First were her younger siblings, next came her sons, and finally at her longest employment endeavor, AbleLight, where she case managed and cared for developmentally disabled adults for nearly 20 years.

She is survived by her sons, Keith Harper of Kansas City, MO, Kyle Harper (Justin Chaipet Harper) of Olathe, KS, Alex Harper (Briana Harper) of St. Louis, MO, sisters Sally Forsythe of Benld, IL, Cindy Karrick of Gillespie, IL, Carla Schmidt of Largo, FL, brothers Stephen Karrick of Roodhouse, IL, Michael Schmidt of New Canton, IL, a host of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, grand cats Orange Peel, Paul, grand dogs Jolyne, and Max.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Ann (Johnson) Smith, stepfather Michael Smith, and sisters Suzanne Smith, Sherry Porter, and Judy Throne.

She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her. A celebration of life will be held at Sunset Hills Funeral Home in Edwardsville, IL on Tuesday, 6/30/2026 from 4p-8p. Memories by family and friends will be shared beginning at 6p. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her memory to the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), American Lung Association, or the Lawrence, Kansas High School Drama Club.

“….and in my heart you’ll always stay, Forever Young…” -Rod Stewart

We’ll see you in the trees.