Sandra Kay (Biehl) Mock

Once upon a time, on a cold January 4, 1945, in a land called Noble, Illinois, our world was blessed with the birth of Sandra Kay Biehl.  Raymond and Ina (Fulk) Biehl were proud parents to Sandra and her four brothers, Harold, Harvey, Darrel and Ted.

In her childhood years, Sandra loved to ride horses, sneak off for a swim, twirl batons, babysit, churn & sell butter, dress up dolls….and her little brother.  She grew from a feisty girl who could keep up with her brothers and do riding tricks on horses into a teenager who was a band majorette and a beautiful young woman.

In 1961 she wed Tommy Hemrich and from that union she gave life to Kathy, Carl, Lisa, Doug and Kim.  Sandra was a good and very, very busy mother to five rambunctious children at the age of 25.    She always worked very hard to give her kids special treats.  We have memories of baby cones at The White Spot, baby mugs at Dog ‘n Suds, Carl’s favorite DQ ice cream bar that he could not QUITE pronounce, (or could he?) and our annual favorite, Kiddie Day at the Richland Country Fair.  She would have her kids go on a scavenger hunt for pop bottles to exchange for deposit.  Thank the Hemrich kids for the clean ditches back then, because we were going to the fair!  She made worksheets to teach us to count before we got to school.  She gave spectacular dance lessons.  Later, she was able to take the younger kids camping and hiking.  They hold special memories of Garden of the Gods and Gypsy Bridge.  She taught us to pray and sing.  She was always striving to find a way to give us more, which in the times she was in, was difficult with five kids in tow.  As a mother she was tested, yet she was never cruel in her discipline.  She taught us to work hard for what we wanted, to think positive, to pray and fight fiercely for those we love. 

In 1982, she married Don Young and welcomed three more children into her heart - Jeff, Lisa and Wade.  She and Don enjoyed camping and many travels and business ventures.  The dearest to Sandra’s heart was Cresthaven Boarding Home, which was her fondest calling.

In 2000, she joined in matrimony to Tony Mock who made her feel like the princess that she was, protecting her from the sun with a parasol on their first date, always cooking for her, and buying her diamonds and jewelry.    They shared twenty years of laughter and adventures.

Sandra loved to “doodle” and was always planning future projects and other ideas she would find a way to manifest into reality.  Often, this was what flowers to plant where, as she had a green thumb and enjoyed growing flowers and working in the yard.  She loved shopping for clothes and jewelry the most, especially thrifting.  She loved to travel and go camping.  Most of all she loved her children. 

In her final days, not even cancer could take away Sandra’s sparkle, her sense of humor or her fierce determination.  Without the ability to speak she still found ways to reinforce her wishes and to respond to the stories, music and the kind of fun banter you just always had in her presence.  She nodded, wiggled toes, raised eye brows, and pointed fingers to respond.  As a matter of fact, Sandra confirmed the day before her passing that diamonds are indeed a girl’s best friend! 

In her lifetime Sandra made the hardest of sacrifices.  She gave more than she received in return.  She endured the most undeserved of arrows.  Sandra remained confident and uniquely true to herself and yet she never lost faith.  She always wore a cheerful spirit, a grateful heart, and that extra bling.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents Raymond Biehl and Ina (Fulk) Biehl, her brothers Harvey Biehl and Harold Biehl, 9 grandchildren, Nicohl, Rickie, Jr., Victoria, Dakota, Heather, Chance, Mason, Jami and Steven, 1 great-grandchild, Clayton and 2 very special pets, Sammy and Snuffy.

She is survived by two brothers, Darrel and Ted as well as her children, Kathy (Bob) Welty of La Vergne, TN, Carl (Angie) Hemrich of Flora, Lisa (Ron) Taylor of Clay City, Doug (Kelly) Hemrich of Xenia, and Kim (Brad) Merrick of West Salem.  Also survived by Don’s children Jeff (Cary) Young, Florida, Lisa (Rick) Miller of Edgewood IL, and Wade Young of Flora. 

She is survived by her 14 grandchildren - Lena, Erica, Zachary, Sarah, Rebecca, Anthony, Marci, Jacob, Tara, Matthew, Nathan, Aleshia, Jarod, Natasha and 26 great-grandchildren.

Sandra is also survived by her very dear partner in crime, Ruby Williams, who has become honorary family to Sandra’s children.

A funeral ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Pastor Richard Artis officiating.  A visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.  Private burial in Elmwood Cemetery will take place at a later date.  If you wish to make a memorial in Sandra’s honor, we ask that you donate to Clay County Hospice as our way to thank Nurse Bobbi for her exemplary care for our mother.