Sandra (Sandy) Sue Blankenship Novak, 83, passed away on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, from pulmonary fibrosis. She is survived by her daughters, Dawn Segard (Tim) of Trinity, Florida, and Cindy Haley (Jeff) of Richmond, TX; her sister, Janie Stone Rosenberg of Littleton, CO; and her grandchildren Nathan Haley, Allison Segard, Ian Segard and Cameron Haley. She was preceded in death by her brother, Donnie Stone and her husband, Tony Novak.

She was born in Monette, Arkansas on December 21, 1940 to Edna Wynette (Winnie) Shafer and Harley Blankenship. Her father was killed in the invasion of Normandy, June 19, 1944.Her mom married Tom Stone and a brother and sister later followed. Sandy graduated high school in Palmyra, MO. She attended William Jewell University before transferring to and graduating from Kansas State University in 1962 with a BA in Economics. She was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. Prior to marrying and raising a family, she worked for Hallmark Cards (Kansas City) and Treasury Department of the IRS (DC). While working in DC, she met her husband, Tony, of 47 years, who was serving in the US Navy. They were married in 1968. She relocated with him to Virginia (where Dawn was born), Florida, Iceland (where Cindy was born), Florida again, Spain and Maryland on various assignments. When Tony retired from the Navy in 1979, they moved to Rosenberg, TX. When the girls entered middle school, she rejoined the workforce in the mortgage industry.

After Tony retired from his second career in the oil and gas industry, they traveled and lived in several places while he did contract work - Saudi Arabia, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, Denver, and Mason, OH. They finally settled back in Richmond, TX, where they were actively involved at Sacred Heart Catholic Church..

Sandy enjoyed traveling, reading, puzzles, games, a cup of hot tea, playing weekly MahJong, Bible studies, Kansas State basketball, and meals with friends and family.  She loved camels, hummingbirds, Godiva chocolate, really most any chocolate, and roses. She was also an active member in PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization) helping raise money to advance women through educational scholarships.

She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.  There will be a small private ceremony for her at Houston National Cemetery where she will be placed with her husband.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to PEO.  https://donations.peointernational.org/

Condolence messages may be written for the Novak family at www.garmanycarden.com

Services are under the direction of Garmany & Carden Funeral Directors, 1201 4th Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471 (281)342-4671.