Shirley Ann Sands

Shirley Ann Sands, 74, of Somerset, Kentucky and formerly of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Somerwoods Nursing and Rehabilitation in Somerset. She was born on February 15, 1951, in Mt. Sterling, to the late Shirley Becraft Jr. and Rhoda Nell Richards Becraft.

Shirley spent many years as a retail clerk at Big Lots, where she was known for her friendly demeanor and commitment to customer service. Her passions extended beyond her work. Shirley loved spending time engaging in farmwork, exploring yard sales, collecting antiques, and enjoying fishing trips. These activities brought her joy and allowed her to create cherished memories with her family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Sands, who passed away on July 11, 1999. 

Shirley is survived by her two sons, Tom Sands of Mt. Sterling and Jesse Sands (Patty) of Jeffersonville, as well as her daughter, Jennifer Coldiron (Chuck) of Somerset, one brother, Kenny Becraft (Cathy) of Mt. Sterling. Her legacy will continue through her eight grandchildren: Ashley Hammond, Michael Coldiron, Matthew Coldiron, Jennifer Faye Sands, Allie Mae Sands, Heather Sands, Kayla Ray, and Krista Hunter. Furthermore, she is survived by eleven great-grandchildren, whose names include Sloane Hammond, PJ Coldiron, Remi Ogilvy-Coldiron, Louise Ogilvy-Coldiron, Dylan Sands, Mia Callahan, Ryder Scott, Jeremiah Sands, Cami Lyle, Callie Weesner, and Levi Coldiron, all of whom she adored and cherished.

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Michael R Gray Funeral Home, located at 89 Slate Ave., Owingsville, KY. 

Funeral services will take place the following day, January 23, 2026, at the Michael R. Gray Funeral Home in Owingsville at 1:00 PM, with Andy Hadley officiating, with burial following at Kendall Springs Cemetery.

Pallbearers include, Tom Sands, Jesse Sands, Michael Coldiron, Jason Hammond, Matthew Coldiron and Danny Ginter. 

Danny Callahan will serve as an honorary pallbearer. 

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Hospice of Lake Cumberland and Autism Society. 

The Michael R. Gray Funeral Home in Owingsville is caring for all the arrangements for Shirley Ann Sands.