Sandra "Sandy" Butler Clark Rhodes

Sandra "Sandy" Butler Clark Rhodes, a devoted mother, passionate horsewoman, and accomplished businesswoman, passed away after a brief illness, surrounded by loved ones.  Born and raised in Nahant, Massachusetts, Sandy cherished her childhood by the sea.  After graduating from Salem State College with a degree in accounting, she began her professional career, working for several companies before establishing herself as an accountant at The Ship restaurant.

From a young age, Sandy adored horses.  Her love for riding led her to Pepperell, Massachusetts, where she immersed herself in local horse shows.  It was there she met her soulmate, Jonathan Elliott Clark III, a soldier stationed nearby and fellow rodeo enthusiast.  Their shared passion for horses blossomed into a deep bond, and the two married.  John showed his loving heart by adopting Sandy's daughter Sandra Leigh Schaffner, and later welcoming their son, Jonathan Elliott Clark IV into the world.

Sandy and her family moved directly from Pepperell to Bertram, Texas, as Sandy's career brought her to Hewlett-Packard.  She commuted to Austin for her job at Hewlett-Packard while also managing a ranch in Bertram and raising her family.  During this time, John pursued a career as a long-distance truck driver.  Though Sandy and John eventually divorced, they remained close friends and loving co-parents to their children.

After her children were grown, Sandy embarked on new adventures, joining IBM as a consultant traveling all over the world.  During this time, Sandy continued to manage her ranches and raise animals.  Upon retiring, Sandy settled in Lometa, Texas, pursuing her true passion, buying and selling horses.  Sandy furthered her entrepreneurial spirit opening a tack store named the Lometa Trading Post.  The tack shop became a hub for the community, offering equestrian merchandise and saddle repairs.  Sandy shared her knowledge and skilled hands restoring countless saddles, earning her a lasting place in the hearts of her local community and equestrian community abroad.

Sandy is survived by her daughter, Sandra Lee Schaffner; her son, Jonathan Elliott Clark IV; her granddaughter, Allison Jean Hembree; her grandson, Thomas Roger Hembree; her great-granddaughter, Simone Renea Monroe; her great-grandson, Royce Thomas Hembree, and her sisters, Roz Puleo of Nahant, Massachusetts, and Carolyn Arduini of Montreal, Canada.  She was preceded in death by her brother, Ted Butler of Texas; sister, Victoria Gavin of Marlborough, Massachusetts and her parents, Shirley Mason and Theodore Butler.

Sandy will be remembered for her warmth, determination, and love for family, friends, and horses.  A celebration of life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a local equestrian organization in her honor.