Bluefield, VA - Sandra Susan Puckett (72) of Bluefield, VA, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, March 9, 2026, after fighting a long battle with cancer.

Born July 23, 1953, in West Virginia, she was the adopted daughter of Andrew Jackson Mitchell and Virginia Elizabeth Blankenship Mitchell, with biological parents being Ralph O. Rife and Isabell Mitchell Rife.

She graduated from Iaeger High School, then shortly after, met the love of her life and soulmate, Stanley M. Puckett, whom she was married to for 53 wonderful years. She went on to get her associate's degree in nursing at Bluefield State College and graduated with honors. She later returned to school for her bachelor's in nursing at Old Dominion University, where she also graduated with honors while raising two kids.

She worked for 38 years at Bluefield Regional Medical Center as a charge nurse in the emergency room and loved her job and co-workers. She especially grew close to Billie Cantrell, her longtime best friend and co-worker. They shared many life journeys. Sandra not only had Billie as a best friend but also Amalia Lawrence, who was her neighbor for over 30 years. They always talked about flowers and gardening and went on many family vacations together.

Sandra was also blessed to have three sisters-in-law whom she loved dearly. Sharon Wells was one of them. Sharon helped care for Sandy while she was sick and always came over to visit with her while she was in Virginia Beach. She always made sure Sandra had her favorite meal along with a Coke. Sue Puckett was also her sister-in-law, who went above and beyond to keep things in check in Bluefield while Stanley was visiting and caring for his wife, who was in Virginia Beach. Linda Barrett, also a sister-in-law, was always there to pray for Sandra and encourage her. The most special bond was between Sandra and her sister, Kay Alexander. No matter how far apart they were, they never missed a beat. They were truly the best of friends and had the most beautiful relationship that just can't be put into words.

Sandra had three sisters and two brothers. Kay Alexander, Steven Rife, Kimberly Rife, Marvin Rife (deceased), and Robin Lundy (deceased). She also has a bunch of nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.

In her spare time, Sandra loved watching movies, reading books, gardening, and spending time with her family.

She was preceded in death by her one and only son, Brandon Shane Puckett, her adopted parents Andrew and Virginia Mitchell, her biological parents Ralph and Isabell Rife, her sister Robin Lundy, and her brother Marvin Rife.

She is survived by her loving husband Stanley, her only daughter Courtney (Alex), and her one and only grandson Brayden Perkins, whom she was so proud of and loved dearly.

A service to celebrate her life will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 12:00 pm at Destiny Outreach Ministries in North Tazewell, VA, with Pastor Steve Branch officiating. Burial will follow at Grandview Memorial Gardens with Brayden Perkins, Alex Alvarez, Dewey Mitchell, Ryan Eads, Mark Lawrence, Andrew Holder, Carson Holder, and Kent Barrett serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearer is Bobby Puckett.

Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Dudley Memorial Mortuary in Bluefield, VA, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.