Derenda Sandifer Grubb

Derenda J. Sandifer Grubb passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family following a short illness on October 22, 2024. She was born July 29, 1946, in Alexandria, LA to Mary Dick Sandifer & James Washington (J W) Sandifer. She and her family lived in Hilly, LA (Just North of Ruston,LA) until her marriage to John Grubb in 1962. A graduate of Ruston High School, Derenda went on to receive a BS in Elementary Education from LA Tech. It was at LA Tech where she met and married John Loren Grubb. From this Marriage they had Three Children. 

Derenda & John enjoyed an adventurous Life. After working for several years teaching 6th grade Science; the young family moved overseas to Saudi Arabia for John's employment with ARAMCO. They remained in Arabia for 13 years where they enjoyed many unique and memorable experiences. The entire family loved their time in Saudi Arabia and always spoke of the land, culture and lasting friendships made over there with such fondness.

Upon their return to the States, Derenda resumed her teaching career. She taught mostly at W. W. Lewis Middle School in Sulphur where she spearheaded the design and construction of W. W. Lewis's Botanical Garden & Outdoor Science Lab. She was able to obtain funds for its construction through various grants and donations of materials, equipment, work and expertise through local organizations and industries.  

After 16 years teaching, Derenda resigned and joined the SWLA Real Estate community. She was a REALTOR for 17+ years, during which time she served on the Board of The SWLA Association of REALTORS in various positions. These included as President in 2010 and one year later as President of the LA Association of REALTORS in 2011. She won many awards for her sales but the thing that meant the most to her was the friendships she made with her co-workers and clients. 

Retirement in 2015 afforded Derenda and John more time to enjoy their grandchildren and time to work on their various hobbies. Derenda was a skilled seamstress and loved being able to get back behind the sewing machine. And of course, travel! Jumping in the RV to go camping and off-roading brought both she and John joy. Derenda lived life to the fullest and appreciated the many blessings God had given her. 

Derenda was preceded in Death by her parents, her husband, John L Grubb, three grandchildren who went to Heaven before birth, Brothers: L G (Glynn) Sandifer of Vancleave, MS and James Sandifer of Dry Prong, LA, one Nephew and five Nieces. She is survived by her two sons David and wife, Kathy; Scott and wife, Linda; and daughter, Diya and husband, Andy; five granddaughters: Corinne, Megan, Trinity, Riley and Sydney and two grandsons: Payton and Lyndon; along with countless nieces and nephews and friends that she considered family.

Visitation for family and friends will be Saturday, November 2, 2024, beginning at 9:00AM and lasting until her Memorial service at 12:00PM in the chapel of Johnson Funeral Home, 4321 Lake St. Lake Charles, LA. 70605. The family will have a private entombment ceremony at Consolata cemetery, under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. 

Derenda and her Family wish to encourage friends and Family to make donations to the Diabetic Association, Alzheimer’s Association or St Jude’s Children’s Hospital in lieu of flowers.