Sandra Kay (Merritt) Philhower – Sandy was born on May 6, 1946 in Hazard, Kentucky to Jeri (Johnson) and Howard Merritt, Sandy was a loving wife and for many years she enjoyed being a homemaker / stay at home Mom, As her children grew older, Sandy ventured out into the work force and found her calling in 1996 at the Pasco County school district (First at Hudson Middle School ,then later Hudson High school.) as a Paraprofessional assisting with developmentally disabled children, Sandy often spoke of the children she worked with, the amazing friends and teachers she worked with and said her job was very rewarding. She retired from work in 2011.

Sandy passed away at home on Feb 13, 2018 leaving this earth to reunite with her beloved soulmate/husband Bob in heaven. Sandy enjoyed shopping and going out to eat at various restaurants, keeping up with friends and family via facebook, playing various games like Words with friends, scrabble, Candy crush, and liking all her friends and family's posts, In the past few years Sandy enjoyed traveling back and fourth between Ohio and Florida with her best friend Onyx (her dog). Sandy was the first one to cheer you up if you were sad , she had a wonderful sense of humor, was kind, generous and loving. She was passionate about her political views and always up for a good debate. Most important to her was her family.

Sandy was preceded in death by her parents , her husband Robert (Bob) Philhower of 50 years of marriage, her grandson, Jimmy and great grandson Robbie. Sandy is survived by her 3 daughters Kim Lane (Jeff) , Robin Pack, Lesa Manganaro, and son Scott Philhower (Nancy). She leaves behind 14 grandchildren – Amanda Turner (Joe), Brittany Burch (Joe), Jason Lane, Brandie Wilson (Jesse), Jessica Estevez-Adkins, Alesha King (Lindsey), Justin Cook (Cyndi), Jasmine Gomez ( Kristian), Jenna Lawson, Makenna Alley, Rachel Mayberry, Ashely Thomas (Cory), Ryan Elswick, and Kayann Weese. She also leaves behind 22 great-grandchildren – Damon, Jordan, Nate, .C.J.,Gage, J.J.,A.J.,Sydney, Jacob, Maria, Scott Jr., Micah, Cynthia, Belle, Sybella, Melea, Sage, Annie, Lilly, Claire, Ellie, Hailey. One Brother in Law Danny, 3 Sister in Laws Karla, Karen,Debbie and Mother in law Mary. Numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

The family invites you to join them for services Friday 2/16/18 Viewing from 6 to 7 pm with service following from 7 pm to 8 pm.
Services to be held at Dobies Funeral Home located at 9944 Hudson Ave., Hudson, FL.34669
Afterwards-
Sandy will be transported to Ohio for more services and then laid to rest with her husband at Dayton National Cemetery.