Sandra Louise Obstoj

Sandra Louise "Sandy" Merck Obstoj, a beacon of love and strength, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2025, in Temple, Texas. Born on February 6, 1952, in Easley, South Carolina, Sandy was a woman whose life was defined by her unwavering faith, her unwavering dedication to her family, and her tireless service to her community.

Sandy is survived by her devoted husband, Horst (Butch) Obstoj, and her beloved children: son Edward Prince of Harker Heights, TX, and son Chris Obstoj and his wife Christina of Moody, TX. She was the proud grandmother of Michael Baugh and his wife Destiny of Nolanville, TX, Alisha Frost, Hailey and Megan Obstoj all of Moody, TX, and the great-grandmother of Waylon Baugh of Nolanville, TX. Her loving siblings, sister Brenda Behringer and her husband Steve of Weatherford, TX, and brother Tommy Merck of Tomball, TX, will also cherish her memory. Sandy was an adored aunt to her nieces and nephews: Stephanie Stubblefield and her husband Colton, Steven Behringer and his wife Kristyn, Dalton Behringer, Tamara Behringer and her husband Cameron, Hunter Dulaney, Sarah Ford and her husband Lane, and Kaitlyn Merck-Juarez and her husband Greg. She joins in Heaven her late parents, Haskell (Hack) Merck and Elizabeth (Betsy) Ramsay Merck, her son James Obstoj, and her niece Hannah Louise Dulaney.

Sandy's professional life was marked by over 25 years of dedicated service in the banking industry. She began her career at Heights Bank, which transitioned to Heights State Bank and was later sold to Extraco. Sandy concluded her illustrious career as a Vice President at Cadence Bank. Her commitment to her work was paralleled only by her engagement in her community. She was a member of the Harker Heights Kiwanis, the Killeen High School Quarterback Club, and an enthusiastic supporter of the Killeen Kangaroo football team, particularly proud of her son Edward, who was part of the 1991 State Championship team. Sandy was a fixture in the stands, her spirit and encouragement a testament to her love for the game and her children.

A woman of deep Christian faith, Sandy's actions were a reflection of the love she carried in her heart for God and her family. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as spending time with her family, who were the center of her universe. She and Butch cherished their travel adventures together, especially to the Texas coast and the Great Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg, TN. Sandy's artistic flair shone through in her beautifully decorated home, which she loved to adorn for every holiday. Her hands were rarely still as she enjoyed crafting and creating beauty in the world around her.

Sandy lived by the words of Mother Teresa, "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." This philosophy was evident in every aspect of her life, from her selfless devotion to her family to her courage in the face of adversity and her loving nature that touched all who knew her. Sandy's legacy is one of warmth, generosity, and a life richly lived.

As we bid farewell to Sandy, we are comforted by the knowledge that her spirit lives on through the lives she touched and the love she gave. Her memory will be a guiding light to all who were blessed to know her, and her life an example of the beauty that can be found in a life lived for others. Rest in peace, dear Sandy, until we meet again.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 11:00 AM- 2:00 PM at Main Street Hall, 12 S. Main St., Temple, Texas.