Sandra “Sandy” Elizabeth Spalding, born Sandra Elizabeth Jordan on April 15, 1944, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord on May 18, 2026, in Shreveport, Louisiana. She was 82 years old. Sandy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Raymond “Ray” Murrel Spalding.

Sandy was, in every sense of the word, a pioneer. Wherever she went, things were different — and better — because she had been there. She possessed an unshakable conviction that if something needed to be done, it would be done, and she had a remarkable gift for finding a way when none seemed available.

After finding herself a young single mother of three, Sandy did what she always did: she pressed forward. She sold Volkswagens at a time when women on the car lot were virtually unheard of, and she put herself through business school at Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS), earning her two-year degree while raising her children.

Sandy’s love of hospitality had deep roots. She often reminisced about her mother, Ruthmary, and her grandmother, Ruth Voss, whom she described as “top notch homemakers.” They hosted frequent gatherings and “over-the-top” Christmases, welcoming others with warmth and generosity. Those early memories first instilled in her the joy of making people feel cared for, well-fed, and at home.

After building a real estate portfolio of rental properties in Louisiana, Sandy fell in love with the historic town of Jefferson, Texas — and Jefferson fell in love with her. She and Ruthmary opened their first restaurant in a charming open-air courtyard that had no roof and no kitchen. They cooked every dish in their Stonewall home, loaded the Buick station wagon, and made the hour-long drive to Texas every Friday and Saturday night.

After reading about the growing bed and breakfast industry in a magazine, Sandy recognized an opportunity no one else in Texas had yet seized. In 1979, she blazed a trail by opening The Pride House in Jefferson — the first bed and breakfast in the state of Texas. Sandy and Ruthmary also opened Ruthmary’s Restaurant together — a true family affair. Ruthmary was the cook, Chris & Lynn waited tables, and Ruth Voss delighted guests by making her way through the dining room offering her famous homemade hot rolls. Sandy welcomed every guest with the warmth that defined everything she touched. Jefferson honored her lasting impact by designating an official Sandy Spalding Day on the city calendar.

After many happy years living in Oregon, Sandy and Ray returned to Louisiana where Sandy continued to give generously of herself, especially to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who knew her lovingly as “Shasha.” She was a constant and caring presence in their lives, helping with after-school activities, making summer camps possible, sending postcards, and taking them on country car rides filled with stories from her own childhood. Each Christmas, she thoughtfully chose ornaments for her grandchildren, creating a tradition that became a cherished part of the season.

She also shared her love through the meals and recipes that brought family together. Her gumbo, bread pudding, and blackberry cobbler were favorites that everyone looked forward to, and her recipes will continue to be part of family celebrations and annual Thanksgiving gatherings for years to come. She had a keen interest in genealogy and found great joy in learning and sharing the stories of the generations who came before her. Her love of family history and local history made her a valued member of the DeSoto Historical Society.

Faith in Christ was the bedrock of Sandy’s life. She was a devoted and active member of Calvary Chapel Shreveport, where her son Billy served as pastor for a number of years. There, she taught children the Bible and even wrote Sunday school curriculum. The faith she lived and modeled continues in her children and grandchildren, remaining one of the greatest gifts she leaves to her family.

Sandy spent her final days in Shreveport, Louisiana. After a brief stay in a nursing home, she slipped quietly from this world. She had a remarkable outlook on death – she saw beyond it to heaven. She spoke of heaven as an absolute joy and had no hesitation that when her time came, she would be ready to go with her arms raised. She was independent, loving, joyful, and deeply sweet.

Sandy is survived by four children, 12 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren:

Her son Jim Burford and his children Jamie (Josie, Ashton), Macy, and Micah; her daughter Lynn Barnwell and her children Katie (Andrew, Anna), Patrick (Mark), Nathan (Haley, Caroline, Nathan Jr.), and Emma; her son Chris Burford and his wife Ann, and their children Chris (Daisy) and Max; and her son Billy Spalding and his wife Emme, and their children Liam, Noah, and Selah.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 18, at 10:00am at Keatchie Presbyterian Church, followed by a brief graveside service at Keatchie Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to a reception afterward at Gloster Baptist Church.