Sandra "Sadie" Lynn McKay

Sandra Lynn McKay, fondly known among her friends and family as Sadie, passed away peacefully at home on August 10, 2024, in Arvada, CO, just shy of her 73rd birthday. Born on August 15, 1951, in Quantico, VA, she was the cherished daughter of John and Jewell Brown. Sadie's vibrant spirit and loving nature were a beacon of light for all who knew her.
Sadie grew up in Southern California and attended Laguna Beach High School. Years later her pursuit of knowledge and personal growth led her to Front Range Community College, where she graduated "Cum Sum Late".   After leaving Laguna Beach Sadie lived in Cottage Grove, Oregon.  She called that her "pioneer woman times".  She then moved to Kona, Hawaii for about 5 years.

As Sadie traversed the pathways of life, while living in Fallbrook, California she found her soulmate in Charles "Charlie" Church McKay, her devoted husband, with whom she shared countless cherished moments. She moved from California to join Charlie in Colorado where she worked with Charlie at Church Ranch. Sadie helped Charlie maintain the history of Church Ranch which was established in 1869.  She also worked side by side with Charlie on other associated businesses.  Sadie is also survived by her son Shane Macdonald; her stepsons, Keith, Larry, and Gregg McKay; and her stepdaughter, Kelly McKay. Sadie held a special place in her heart for her niece, Carmina Brown, and her warmth and guidance will be deeply missed by her grandchildren Jason, Ryan, Gavin, Chase, Kelsey, Aleczander, Arianna, and Aiden, as well as by her six great-grandchildren. Sadie was preceded in death by her stepdaughter, Kandi McKay (Arce), whose memory remained close to her heart.

Sadie had a great love for the Ranch beginning with a tree farm at their Home Place Ranch. She enjoyed the calving times and seeing the new baby calves.  She persuaded Charlie to adopt 5 Llamas and she loved watching them along with the 2 horses that were born at the Ranch, Ranger (the Big Longhorn Steer) and of course she loved the family dogs.  She loved watching the hummingbirds and all the other birds too, looking at the flowers and watching the sun rise every day.  She truly loved the simple county living and always had a wonderful smile even on her last day!

Those who knew Sadie will remember her for her heartwarming smile, infectious laughter, her unshakeable optimism, and her innate ability to find the silver lining in every cloud. Her life was a lesson in love, a symphony of joyous moments that will echo in the hearts of her loved ones forever.

As we bid farewell to Sandra Lynn "Sadie" McKay, we take comfort in knowing that her spirit will continue to inspire and guide us. Her love for her family, her passion for the beauty of life, and her enduring kindness have left an indelible mark on the world. We honor her memory by embracing each day with the same love and optimism she shared so generously. Sadie's journey through life was a testament to the power of a loving heart, and her memory will be cherished forever.

A celebration of life will be held on September 13, 2024, at the Church Ranch Event Center located at 10204 Old Wadsworth Blvd., Westminster, CO 80021

Gathering begins at 10:00 a.m., service at 11:00 a.m., with heavy appetizers following the service, and more visiting and remembering until 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family would ask you to make a donation to the Lupus Foundation in memory of Sadie.

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