Obituary

Sandra Michael Haden, 73, of Charleston, WV, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at CAMC General Hospital.

Sandy was born in Charleston on June 15, 1951, to James Michael and Betty Anne Michael, both of whom preceded her in death.

Sandy, a lifelong resident of Charleston, attended Elk Elementary and Thomas Jefferson Junior High, where she was a cheerleader, and graduated from Charleston High School in 1969. She spent the next four years at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV, where she joined the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and met her future husband, David. In 1973, she completed her undergraduate studies and was awarded a bachelor’s degree in education from West Virginia University. She obtained a master’s degree in education from the West Virginia College of Graduate Studies in 1980.

Sandy and David were married on August 11, 1973. She soon began her career at Kenna Elementary, teaching first grade for 35 years. A devoted reader, she loved teaching her students to read and was exhilarated when they succeeded. Her commitment to her students was unwavering, and many of them reconnected with her in adulthood. Following her retirement in 2008, she often worked as a substitute teacher, always eager to continue her mission of educating and inspiring young minds.

Sandy was not just a part of her community; she was an active and influential member. She enjoyed exercising and participated in many local dance and fitness groups. She loved needlepoint and gave many of her works to friends and family. She was a longtime member of the Junior League of Charleston and Christ Church United Methodist. For many years, she was an integral part of the reunion committee for her class at Charleston High School, leaving a lasting impact on those closest to her.

She was an energetic and dedicated mother, always encouraging her children to pursue their interests. This meant many summers spent at dance competitions, skateboard camps, and band booster activities – to name a few. She was proud to watch her children become successful and loved spending time with her grandsons. Sandy also maintained a deep connection with her friends – those from childhood through high school to college and beyond, and could always find a reason to send a friendly card.  Sandy traveled extensively, making memories from Florence to Pisa, London to Belgium, Colorado to Utah, and beyond.

She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, David Samuel Haden; daughter Allison (David) Kruetzkamp of Cincinnati; son, Craig (Justine) Haden of Heber City, UT; grandsons Jack and Max Kruetzkamp of Cincinnati and Aiden Haden of Heber City. Sandy’s love for her family was boundless, and she cherished every moment she spent with them. Her sister Pat (Eric) Gadd of Houston, TX; brother-in-law Mark (Donna) Haden of Edmond, OK; nieces Emily Porter and Kristina Haden of Oklahoma City, OK; and nephews Alex Gadd of El Paso, TX, and Scott Gadd of Friendswood, TX, were also dear to her heart.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Kenna Elementary. Please send a check made out to “Kenna Elementary” with “In Loving Memory of Sandy Haden” in the memo to 198 Eureka Road, Charleston, WV 25314.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 24, at Christ Church United Methodist in Charleston, with the Rev. Dr. Tim Bias officiating. A reception at the church will follow the service.

Condolences may be sent to her family at www.barlowbonsall.com.

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, Charleston, has been entrusted with arrangements.