PEOGA
Sandra Beach-Gillespie, 58, passed from a life very well lived early Tuesday morning, Sept. 22, 2015, at her home in Peoga, in the arms of her loving husband.
Sandy was born Nov. 16, 1956, in Franklin. She graduated from Franklin Community High School.
In her 40s, Sandy returned to school and received her teaching degree from Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus, where she was a member of Tri Kappa. She did her student teaching at Indian Creek Elementary School and in 2007 went to Africa to student teach, an experience of a lifetime she shared with David.
Sandy became a special education teacher at Eastside Elementary School in Edinburgh and continued as such at Edinburgh Middle School, finishing her teaching career as an intervention specialist at Eastside Elementary.
Sandy loved teaching and pouring her energy into the lives of her kids, and in return they loved “Mrs. G.”
Sandy was a member of Turning Point Church in Franklin.
Sandy loved life and lived it with a youthful enthusiasm … beautiful, funny, talented, hardworking and accomplished. She was a devoted, loving wife, incredible mother, spoiler of grandchildren, faithful daughter, caring sister and a true friend.
Sandy rarely, if ever, met a stranger. She had an inexhaustible supply of love and kindness; and if you were around her for very long at all, you couldn’t help but get it all over you. Her hugs will be greatly missed.
Loved one’s gone on before Sandy are her father, Zim Perry Cruse; and her nephew, Brent Allen Williams.
Sandy is survived by her husband of 20 years, David T. Gillespie; and four children, Tara Renea Beach-Cundiff (Buddy) of Edinburgh, Brian Patrick Beach (Rachel) of Martinsville, Brad Gillespie (J.P.) of Connecticut and Brian Gillespie (Shannon) of Kentucky.
She also is survived by her mother, Vera Helen Cruse of Nineveh; and five siblings, Sherry Rochford and Elaine Bauer (Terry), both of Florida, Perry Cruse (Cindy L.) of Paragon, Cynthia Morris (Paul) of Missouri and Clay Cruse (Cindy A. ) of Nineveh. Sandy has 14 grandchildren: Belle, Rebecca, Brent, Garrett, Trey, Makayla, Kristen, Dawn (Mark), Nic (Shelley), Julia, Grace, Ilivea, Roark and Finn.
Pastor Guy Longston will conduct the funeral service at 10 a.m. Friday at Turning Point Church, 3600 N. Morton Ave., Franklin. Calling will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Edinburgh Community School Corp. “Hope Organization.”
Arrangements are being handled by Eskew-Eaton Funeral Home in Edinburgh.
