Sandra “Sandy” McCloskey
08/31/1956 - 8/19/2026
Sandra “Sandy” McCloskey, 69, of Indianapolis, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on August 19, 2026.
Sandy loved Jesus with a passion, and that love shaped every part of her life. She devoted her life to serving Him and serving His people. Her faith was not simply something she believed; it was something she lived. She loved people deeply, cared for them faithfully, and spent her life pointing others toward the God she loved so much.
Sandy was born to John and Wilma Thrasher in Terre Haute, Indiana, and grew up alongside her siblings, Chuck and Cindy. Raised in a pastor’s home, Sandy answered her own call to ministry as a young woman. She graduated from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1984 and devoted the decades that followed to serving the Church and loving God’s people. At the time of her passing, Sandy was serving at Even If Church in Indianapolis. Remarkably, she had served the same congregation, in the same building, for 34 years. Through seasons of change, joy, hardship, and growth, Sandy remained faithful to the people God had called her to love.
Sandy was a devoted wife and mother. She was married to her husband, George, for 43 years, and together they had three children, Bethany, Ashleigh, and Matt. But the McCloskey family rarely stopped at five. Sandy believed there was always room for at least one more. Throughout the years, she opened her home and her heart to anyone who needed love, a place to belong, or simply a family to call their own. Many came through the doors of the McCloskey home as friends and left knowing they were family.
Of all the things that could be said about Sandy, perhaps the most important is simply this: she loved Jesus. She gave her life to Him, trusted Him, served Him, and wanted everyone around her to know His love too. Her family grieves deeply because she was deeply loved, but they do not grieve without hope. The Jesus Sandy spent her life loving is the Jesus she is with now, and because of Him, Scripture gives us the assurance that this goodbye is not forever.
Condolences (12)
thian thang
I found out that Sandy had passed away, the night before I came to Indy. I was shocked. I cried, and honestly, I couldn’t accept what I had heard. I had thought of going to her house on Monday – have a chat and have fun. I just couldn’t. I just Wish I had last year and be able to this year as well. I hope Sandy can forgive me, i’ve always had everyone on my mind, and i can never forget you guys, especially Sandy and George
Sandy was like a grandmother to me. We used to go “work” for her, and she would pay us, but me and Van never really did it for the money. We just wanted to be around her. We wanted to help however we could and spend time with her.
Sandy was truly one of the greatest people I’ve ever known. She brought us together through the youth groups, and those moments changed many of our lives. At the time, we probably didn’t fully understand what it meant to be loved the way Sandy loved us.
Sandy, George, their friends, and their family showed me, Za, Van Van, Van Ceu, Joseph Biks, the other Joseph, and so many others what family could feel like. They welcomed us, cared for us, and treated us like we were part of their family. They gave us a kind of love and warmth that we will never forget.
I never got the chance to say this to Sandy while she was here, but I hope she knows how much she meant to me.
Sandy, I miss you. I miss George, and I miss the rest of the family too. I’m forever grateful for everything you gave us—not just the things you did for us, but the love you showed us.
I pray that George and his children continue to be strong and that they are surrounded by the same love and warmth that Sandy gave to all of us.
Thank you, Sandy, for making us feel like family.
Bonnie Gebby
I had the honor of knowing Sandy when our children attended Gray Road Christian School. I worked in (now Even If) church office for a short time and learned so much from Sandy. She truly was an example of someone who walked the walk and talked the talk. I remember a time when I needed to ask her for forgiveness and dreaded talking to her, but not only did she welcome me with opened arms, she showed the love of Christ. She told me that God was a God of grace and second chances. I have never forgotten that lesson. Her attitude and acceptance of my apology meant more to me than I could have ever imagined. Sandy, there were other times you taught me things that I’m sure you were unaware, but I have remembered for years our discussions and the way you would explain things to me. I am so thankful for the example you lived before me. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. You probably never knew, but God and I know what you did, for me, through Him. My deepest condolences to your precious family.
van van
I joined the sunday school program back in 2021 and sandra was the first person to open me with loving arms. She ways always so gentle and caring. Rest in peace. May God be with you Sandra❤️
Bella Schoettle& Ryan Terrell
Ryan and I are so grateful for all the love and kindness Sandy showed us. She touched both of our lives in such a beautiful way, and we will always cherish the memories we made with her. We know you are resting peacefully with Jesus. ❤️
Greg McGarvey
What a blessing Sandra has always been. She blessed my life so richly in our connections in the old New Albany District. And through our commitment to Jesus, she was always leading the way. I am so grateful for her and I am praying for you in your loss!