SANDRA JEAN MCHENRY

Sandra "Sandy" Jean McHenry and Donald "Don" Franklin McHenry, devoted partners in life for more than five decades, are together again. Sandy passed away peacefully on October 13, 2025, in Reno, Nevada, and Don preceded her in death on September 7, 2021, also in Reno.

Sandy was born on July 10, 1948, in New Hampshire to Brenda Pratt and Harold Parker Pratt. She spent her early years in Milford, New Hampshire before her family moved to Boulder City, Nevada when she was 14. Don was born on October 30, 1946, in Kingman, Arizona to Betty McHenry and Donald Lee McHenry and grew up in both Kingman and Boulder City. The two met as teenagers in high school—an encounter that began a lifelong love story. They married shortly after Sandy's graduation from Boulder City High School and shared a lifetime of adventure, dedication, and deep devotion to family.

Shortly after their marriage, Don was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served in the Signal Corps during the Vietnam War. When he returned home, the couple welcomed their son, Don, and began building a life together rooted in service, hard work, and compassion for others.

Don dedicated his career to education with the Clark County School District in Las Vegas, where he served as a teacher, administrator, and later as Director of Special Education and Associate Superintendent of Alternative Education. He also earned his Ph.D. from Kansas State University during a time when the family lived in Manhattan and Emporia Kansas. His life's work reflected a commitment to helping students of all backgrounds find success and opportunity.

When their son was younger, Sandy worked at the school library and other jobs that allowed her more time at home. She even served as den mother for his Cub Scout Troop. Once he was older, Sandy built a distinguished career in human resources, most notably with Wynn Resorts. She earned her Bachelor's Degree from University of Nevada Las Vegas in 1992 and played a key leadership role in the opening and management of The Mirage, Treasure Island, and Bellagio. Known for her dedicated work ethic, professionalism, and steady grace, she mentored countless colleagues and built many friendships along the way.

After retirement, Don and Sandy built a new home on Whidbey Island, Washington and, later divided their time between there and Mesa, Arizona. In each place they found communities that they loved and built lasting friendships.

Together, Don and Sandy shared a life filled with love, laughter, and generosity. They took pride in their son and found immense joy in their grandchildren. They are survived by their son, Don McHenry, and his wife, Dina Ciaramella; Sandy's mother, Brenda Pratt; and her sisters, Louise Sobey and Karen Crouch. They are also lovingly remembered by their grandchildren: Madison (Drew), Alexandria, Anthony (Sarah), and Marcella (Meikin).

Following Don's passing, Sandy established a scholarship in Don's name (The Dr. Don McHenry Memorial Scholarship) to assist students at Boulder City High School and to honor Don's commitment to education.

A joint memorial service will be held at a later date at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, where they will be laid to rest together. In place of flowers, those who would like to celebrate Sandy's memory can make a donation to the Mercury Phoenix Trust which works to fight AIDS around the world to honor the memory of Freddie Mercury.

Their lives were defined by love—love for each other, for family, and for the communities they touched. They will be deeply missed and forever remembered.