Sandra Hobbs

Sandra Sue Whitney-Hobbs, affectionately known as Sandy by her friends and Gramma by her family, went home to be with Jesus on Saturday, November 30th, 2024. She was born on February 8, 1944, and was a second-generation native of Albuquerque, NM.

Sandy was the daughter of Henry Hughes Whitney and Elva Louise Booth-Whitney. She lived a beautiful life alongside her husband, Gary Hobbs, for 59 years, and cherished their three children and their families.

From a young age, Mom was remarkably creative. She flourished in painting, drawing, writing, stage design, choreography and dance. She put on her first tutu at three years old. At Fishback's Studio in Albuquerque, NM, she fell in love with ballet and performed in countless recitals. Her passion for dance would ultimately lead her to complete a Bachelor of Arts and Science in dance at Texas Woman's University. But dance was more than something she did, it was, in a beautiful way, characteristic of the way she lived. She had an effortless grace, "a magic". She made all sorts of ordinary things special. She danced her way through life and into the hearts of those she loved.

Mom also had a deep love for learning and lived out 1 Corinthians 10:23, "Do all things to the glory of God", in everything she pursued. She graduated from Highland High School in 1962 and was actively involved in clubs and activities. She participated in Job's Daughters alongside her dearest friend, Janiece Bloomfield-Loveland, and was a member of the Senate all four years of high school, serving as president of her class in 1962. Her commencement speech soared with messages of patriotism, faith, and citizenship which eventually led her to become Govenor of Girls State.

In 1962, she danced her way into the heart of Gary Mac Hobbs at NMSU. They lived in married student housing alongside dear friends and enjoyed their time as Aggies. Mom was voted the Most Liked on campus the same year Dad was recognized as the Greatest Aggie. To us, they are the cutest couple of 1964! Mom supported her husband as an Air Force wife for 47 years which took them all over the world.

Mom was also an amazing educator. She was La Cueva's first dance teacher. She also taught stage design and musical theater, putting on productions that rivaled the local theaters. Her final years teaching were spent sharing her love for America, different cultures, and government with her students in Model UN and Contemporary issues. She taught at La Cueva for 25 years. In her retired years she loved Bible study. She loved hiking the Sandias. She loved travelling with her family. She loved making artwork, each piece a gesture of love. She loved building the best cowboy town ever for her grandkids and roasting hot dogs in the horno! She loved spending time with her family and her sister. She loved laughing until tears rolled down her cheeks.

Throughout her entire life, she held an unwavering faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, which she shared with those who surrounded her. Her life was infused with intentionality. Mom made everything wonderful. We know she would say these words to all of us ."I hope you never lose your sense of wonder. May you never take one single breath for granted and...I HOPE YOU DANCE!"

Sandy Hobbs was preceded in death by her love, Gary Hobbs; her parents Henry and Louise Whitney. She was loved and cherished by many people including her children, son, Micahel Hobbs (Karen Hobbs); daughters, Linda Pino (Ron Pino), Karen Holmes (Joe Holmes); grandchildren, Melissa Rain, Melanie Hobbs, Benjamin Hobbs, Kenneth Hobbs, Ashley West, Jacob Pino, Jonathan Pino, Faith Pino, Savannah Holmes, Ryan Holmes and 6 beautiful great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Linda Marmon (Richie Marmon); brother-in-law Joe Hobbs ( Lola Hobbs) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and cherished friends.

A Celebration of Life honoring Sandy Hobbs will be held at 10:00 Friday, December, 27th, 2024 at Hoffmantown church. Family, friends and community members, please join us to reminisce, share stories, and celebrate her life.

Memorial donations can be made to Carenet.

https://carenetabq.com/donate/