Sandra Schwartz Hoover

Sandra Schwartz Hoover peacefully departed this life on March 24, 2026, at the age of 92. She left a legacy filled with love for her two families - the Schwartzes and the Hoovers. Sandra was an avid reader, intrepid traveler, classical music aficionado, stargazer, and dog lover. Her family and friends will miss her greatly, as will her beloved Chihuahua, Chula.

Sandra was the oldest of three children born in El Paso, Texas, to Ethel and Jonathan Schwartz. She revered her parents, always considering what they would have wanted before making consequential decisions. She was a competitive tennis player, and was remembered for her spirited matches at the El Paso Tennis Club and on the family court in Kern Place with her two siblings, Cecily and Jonathan Jr.

Sandra experienced profound tragedy in her life, losing her young sons Carl and David. In the depths of despair, she described being visited by the Holy Spirit, who embraced her and encouraged her to live on with a life of purpose. Soon after, Robert T. Hoover, Jr. entered her life, and they were married in 1967. Sandra always said they were meant for each other.

Sandra attended Dudley Elementary School, El Paso High School, Hollins College and graduated with a degree in Latin American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority and graduated with honors. Sandra was Sun Carnival Queen in 1953.

Sandra was a mother, wife, and lifelong volunteer. She was proud of her work as the librarian at St. Clement’s Parish School, where she shared her passion for reading and learning with many students. A faithful and constant presence, she found great comfort and community as a devoted worshiper at Church of St. Clement. Sandra enjoyed her participation in The Pan American Round Table, Las Comadres, The Junior League of El Paso, The Tuesday Book Club, and Monday Morning Bible Study.

More important than what Sandra did in her life was how she made people feel. She was always interested in others and what was happening in their lives. She had a beautiful smile, a contagious laugh, and a twinkle in her eyes. Curious, generous, and ever-positive, she leaves a lasting example for those who loved her. She was vibrant and full of life to the end.

Sandra was preceded in death by her husband Robert Thompson Hoover, Jr., her sons Carl Jones Haack and David Louis Haack, her parents Jonathan David and Ethel Meyer Schwartz, her sister Cecily Prestridge and her brother Jonathan David Schwartz, Jr., her son Robert Thompson Hoover III and daughter Betsy Hoover Miller. Sandra is survived by her sister-in-law, Jody Polk Schwartz, and her nieces and nephews, Laurie S. Smith (Bobby), Jonathan D. Schwartz III (Tracy), James P. Schwartz (Joy), Max Prestridge (Irma), Sharon Thompson (JD), Sandra McKinney, and 11 great-nieces and nephews. Also, she is survived by her children, Ruth Hoover Sprout, Samuel Doak Hoover (Carrie), David Livesay Hoover (Tami), daughter-in-law Karen Slaughter Hoover, son-in-law William Thad Miller, 12 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren.

Sandra’s extended family includes many neighbors, countless friends, her wonderful caregivers, and many others.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 10:00 am at Church of St. Clement, 810 N Campbell, El Paso, Texas 79902.

In place of flowers, consider a donation to Church of St. Clement or Pawsitive Rescuers of El Paso at pawsitiverescuers.org or 1354 Desert Canyon Dr., El Paso, Texas 79912.

Special gratitude to the devoted caregivers from Caring Companions and Grandview Hospice.