Pauline Lavada Gandy

Ringling – Funeral Services for Pauline Lavada (Blackwell) Gandy, 89, of Ringling, are scheduled for 1:00PM Saturday, January, 22, 2011 at the First Baptist Church of Ringling with Dr. Steven D. Mertens officiating and with Rev. Mike Williams assisting. Interment will follow at the Ringling Memorial Cemetery in Ringling. Services are under the direction of Alexander Funeral Home of Ringling.

Pauline was born on March 8, 1921, the only child of Johnny C. and Effie Lee (Barnes) Blackwell in Cornish, Indian Territory, Oklahoma. She departed this life Sunday, January 16, 2011 at Healdton, OK.

Pauline married Jack C. Holden on June 6, 1946. He preceded her in death on November 22, 1947. They had one son, Jack Charles Holden, Jr. who also preceded her in death in August, 1973.

She later married Kenneth Edward Goldsmith on May 9, 1950 in Globe Arizona. They had 3 children, Paula Ann, Larry Dillard and Susan Lee. She lastly was united in marriage to Leroy Gandy on December 1, 1978 in Wheeler, Texas.

He also preceded her in death in November of 2009.

Pauline’s years were a life of devotion to her family, friends, community and church. Her Bible was well read and her Christian faith lived out her life. She was always fearless in her faith, whether it was reaching out to the needy by providing supplies to drug addicts at a halfway house or leaving behind a comfortable and growing church to initialize a mission Church at a school cafeteria. She had also served as PTA President in California when her children were attending school and also served as the Women’s Missionary Union President and Vacation Bible School director. While living in Ringling she continued to serve her church by being the First Baptist Church secretary for many years and was a longtime devoted member.

She is survived by her Daughters, Paula Ann Crawford of Ardmore and Susan Mertens and husband Steven of Joplin, MO. Son Larry Dillard Goldsmith and wife Mary of Wildomar, CA. 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Numerous other family and friends.

Pallbearers are Grandsons and Grandsons in Law, Trey Holden, Timmy Crawford, Tyler Downing, Theron Baker and Travis Curtice.

Family visitation will be from 6-8 pm Friday evening at the funeral home in Ringling.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Ringling, P.O. Box 530 Ringling, OK 73456.

Condolences may be made online at www.alexanderfuneralhome.org