Sandra Jane (Higgins) Carlon passed away suddenly at the age of 59 on July 31, 2026.

Sandra was born on June 19, 1967, in Burns, Oregon, to Russel and Ingrid Higgins. Five years later, the family welcomed her younger brother, Todd. They made Harney County their home, living in several communities from Burns to Lawen and then settling back in Burns. Sandra spent much of her time outdoors, riding horses and participating in 4-H. She began school in Lawen and later returned to Burns, graduating from Burns Union High School in 1985. During her senior year, Sandra represented the Harney County Fair & Rodeo as Fair Court Queen.

In 1994, Sandra welcomed her daughter, Courtney, into the world, followed by her son, Beau, in 1999. Family was an important part of Sandra’s life. She cherished the time that she spent with her children and she devoted many hours working on 4-H projects with them. She enjoyed sharing the places throughout Harney County that she loved. Some of Sandra’s favorite pastimes were taking drives in the hills, spending time with her animals, camping, gathering around a good campfire, and taking in a beautiful Harney County Sunset. These simple moments brought her joy and have become everlasting memories that her family will carry with them forever.

Sandra wore many hats throughout her life, both professionally and through her many years of volunteering and service to the community. After high school, she spent a few years living in Hood River where she worked for the phone company, before returning to Harney County to start her family. After moving back to Burns in the early 1990s, Sandra worked at Fine Bookkeeping before beginning what would become a 25-year career with US Bank, where she would later become the manager. Even outside of her regular work, Sandra rarely slowed down, spending many spare hours and weekends working at the Burns Elks Lodge.

Sandra also spent many years serving as the Fair Court Advisor for the Harney County Fair Board. She took great pride in mentoring local youth and formed lasting bonds with many of them. The relationships she built during those years remained important to her, and she stayed close with many of them long after their time on the Fair Court had ended.

Sandra leaves behind a lasting legacy of kindness, service, and compassion. She spent countless hours helping those who needed it, whether through her work or by simply being there for anyone who was in need of a helping hand. Serving others was a huge part of Sandra’s life and she found great fulfillment in being able to help wherever she could. She was a true pillar of the Harney County community and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Sandra had a warm welcoming smile that could put anyone at ease, often when it was needed the most. She had a way of offering wisdom and thoughtful words at exactly the right moment. Her kindness left a lasting impression on all the people around her. Her smile, wisdom, and genuine care she showed others will be missed, but the impact she had on so many lives will remain.

Sandra was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Don and Vachel Higgins, and her maternal grandparents, Karl and Elfriede Lubberger.

She is survived by her parents, Russel and Ingrid; her children, Courtney and Beau; her son-in-law, Gary; her grandchildren, Ryan and Addison; her brother, Todd and sister-in-law Lari; her longtime partner, Jim; as well as many extended family members and dear friends who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday August 22, 2026, at 1pm, at the Burns Elks Lodge #1680. A fellowship luncheon and time to share memories and celebrate Sandra’s life will follow at the lodge. Contributions in Sandra’s memory can be made to the Burns Elks Lodge #1680.