Sandra Gail Russell

Sandra "Sandi" Gail Russell, 69, of Lake Charles died Monday April 14, 2014 at her home. Sandi was a native of Silsbee, Texas and longtime resident of Lake Charles. She was a retired surgical technologist from Christus St. Patrick Hospital and very active in her church, St. Luke Simpson United Methodist Church, and community. Sandi loved life and enjoyed helping others with organizing and coordinating special events and was the wedding coordinator for St. Luke Simpson United Methodist Church. She never met a stranger and was a devoted friend to many. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ervin and Ima Culp Gee and grandchildren, Dana Marie Bates and Jacob Lloyd Bates. She leaves to honor her memory her sons, J.W. Bates and wife Dolores, Lake Charles; Mike Bates and wife Holly, Glenmora; and Ken Bates and wife Barbara, DeRidder; stepdaughters, Lettie Lee and husband Austin, Sulphur, and Leah Alexander and husband Ty, Hackberry; three sisters, Charlotte Guidry, Beaumont, Carolyn Wilson, Houston, and Brenda Reed, Austin; thirteen grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Visitation with the family will be on Friday, April 18, 2014 at St. Luke Simpson United Methodist Church from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. A service to celebrate and remember Sandi's life will be at 4:00 PM Friday at the church with Dr. Jack O'Dell officiating.