Sandra Lu Haynes

Sandra Lu Haynes (née Sadler), 93, passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2026 peacefully in her home. Visitation will be 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 29 at Piersall Funeral Directors. Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 30th at Rose Hill Cemetery in Merkel with C.V. Blake officiating, directed by Piersall Funeral Directors.

Sandra was born January 1, 1933 to William T. Sadler, M.D.and Mary Cleo Sadler in Merkel, TX. She graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in home economics, but happily cheered for the University of Texas Longhorns, where both her children attended, and later, two of her grandchildren. She grew up down the street from Billy Clyde Haynes, who courted her for years until they married March 11, 1953 in Merkel. They lived in New Mexico briefly before moving to Abilene in 1955 to their house on Santos Street where she lived for 71 years. She raised her two children while Billy Clyde built and operated the Abilene Livestock Auction. In the 70’s, they opened the Abilene Travel Service. They enjoyed traveling the world with their two children, and decorating their home with souvenirs from their trips. Her grandchildren fondly remember the giant globe in their living room that they’d spin and point to, and she’d patiently answer questions about, “What’s this one?”

Sandra will be remembered by all as a kind, caring wife, mother, and grandmother. She had a green thumb, and loved tending to the plants in her beautiful backyard and greenhouse gardens, a hobby now carried on by her daughter. She enjoyed playing church hymns on the piano and organ in her home. But most of all, she loved laughing at her husband’s funny stories (and occasionally rolling her eyes at his tall tales), and spending time with her beloved children and grandchildren. She never missed a chance to say “I love you,” and showered her family with love, hugs, and held hands. She was affectionately known as ‘Pooh’ to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Bill C. Haynes.

Survivors include her son, Bill Haynes, M.D. and wife Carol; daughter, Melinda Haynes, all of Abilene; 5 grandchildren, Kimberly (Alyssa) Haynes, William (Rebecca) Haynes, Jr., Sandi (Taylor) Burroughs, Matthew Davis and Zoe Astra; 4 great grandchildren, Darcy and Haven Burroughs, and William C. (III) and Thomas Haynes.

A heartfelt thank you to Home Instead care service providers, especially Mary, Florinda, Renea, and Shannon who cared for Sandra in her home. We also sincerely thank Hospice of the Big Country who helped comfort her in her final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation. You may view and sign the online guestbook at https://www.pbfuneraldirectors.com/obituaries/sandra-haynes.