Sandra May Carter
Dec. 22, 1954 - Nov. 16, 2024

Sandra passed away peacefully on November 16, 2024 due to complications from an infection. She was know to most as Sandy and known as Boop to close friends, family and grandchildren.

Sandra May Short was born in Chiseldon, Whitshire, England to James and Irene Short, December 22, 1954. James Short served in the Air Force, stationed in England, where he met Irene Gruber and married. They had two daughters, Kathy and Sandy. The family moved to his home in Eureka in 1956, when they settled and had more children.

Sandy was introduced to her first husband, Michael E. Burns, by their friend Mike Sweeney at Jacobs Junior High in Eureka. They got married in August 1972, moving in 1977 to Deming, New Mexico, where they had their daughter, Sarah, in 1979.

Soon after, Sandy moved back to Eureka to be with her family. She met and married James Carter in 1992, adding his children Julie and Mike Carter to the family. Sandy loved to go to town and socialize with her husband, Jim. They had many favorite places, like Baywood Golf & Country Club, BC’s, AA Bar & Grill, Sidelines, The Alibi and Everett’s. She was creative and loved doing arts and crafts at home.

Jim was an avid golfer, so they traveled around to different tournaments through the years. They retired in 2007 and enjoyed gardening, cooking, playing with their cats and being grandparents. Together they loved being able to help take care of their grandson James a couple of days during the week until he started school. They played, painted and gardened with him. It was a very special time for the three of them.

Sandy is survived by:

Children: Sarah Burns (Travis), Mike Carter (Wendy) and Julie Gibson; Grandchildren: James Fike, Daphne, Shane and Trace Carter; brothers: Robert Short (Jennifer), Linden Short (Lisa) and Andrew Howard (Jessica); nieces and nephews: Michelle Wilkins, JJ Jeffers, Tabatha Reese, AJ & Seth Howard, Brandon & Sean Amis, Rhiannon & Linden Short, Eric & Becky Strombeck, Natalie & Ronnie Wright; cousins Joanie and JimBob Hartman; several great nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews; cats Cherokee and Flameo.

Sandy is proceeded in death by:

Husband James V. Carter; mother-in-law Marcelle Carter; mother Irene Howard; father James Short; stepdad Art Howard, Aunt Vickie Hartman; cousin Curtis Hartman; sisters Kathy Jeffers & V’Lee Wright; brother-in-law Skip Jeffers; nephew Beau Jeffers; and best friend Lisa Miller.

There will be a small private memorial at a later date. If you are interested in attending, please reach out to Sarah Burns on Facebook. In the meantime, toast to her with your favorite beverage, as this is a family tradition that we will keep alive as well.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local pet rescue.