Sandra "Sandy" K. Gaines, nee McLemore, 77, of Columbia, Illinois, born December 11, 1947, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, passed away on Friday, December 5, 2025 at Mercy South Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.

Sandy had retired from Solutia in Sauget, IL. After her retirement, she then went to work for the Cahokia School District 187. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Gaines; her parents, Charles and Catherine, nee Brooks, McLemore; a brother, Edward McLemore; and a sister-in-law, Janet Murphy.

Surviving are her children, Scott Gaines of O'Fallon, IL and Lisa (Steve) Patton of Columbia, IL; a brother, Marvin (Connie) McLemore of Troy, IL; two sisters, Ella (Frank) Smith and Karen (Eddie) Rahar, both of Troy, IL; a sister-in-law, Linda McLemore of Troy, IL; a brother-in-law, Jerry Murphy of Belleville, IL; and five grandchildren, Hannah, Brenden, and Lily Gaines, and Garrett and Alaina Patton. She was also a dear aunt, cousin, and friend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gibault Catholic High School or to Helping Strays - Monroe  County.

Friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Friday, December 12, 2025 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Columbia, Illinois.  A Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 noon, with Monsignor Carl Scherrer officiating.  Burial will be in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Columbia, Illinois.