Tracey A. Sandefur

Tracey A. Sandefur, 51, of Lexington, KY., died Saturday, May 26, 2012.  

She was preceded in death by her Mother, Rose Sandefur.  She is survived by her Father, Larry L. Sandefur, Sister, Karen L. Sandefur, Brother Kevin O. Sandefur, Sister-in-law Laura (Davis) Sandefur and niece Darcy E. Sandefur.

Tracey grew up in Fairview Heights, IL.  She was a member of Winstanley Baptist Church and a student at Illini, Grant, BTHS East, and SIUE.  Being athletically and artistically inclined, she enjoyed being a valued participant in sports, music, and theater activities.  Her first jobs included the Youth Conservation Corps, Toy Chest, and a dude ranch in Colorado.

After earning a B.S. in Anthropology with a Minor in History at SIUE, she spent several years as a freelance archaeologist, starting out at Cahokia Mounds, then traveling and living in several of the United States and Guam.  The last 17 years were spent as a historic archaeologist at CDM Smith in Lexington, KY, serving as a field director, lab director and artifact analyst.  She was an integral part of the cultural resources group, mentoring younger staff and sharing her love and knowledge of history.

In her spare time, she loved to read and help with special causes, primarily animal rescue groups.

Family and friends will miss her unique sense of humor and wit, along with the love and care she shared with us.

In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate memorial donations to American Cancer Society, an animal rescue organization of your choice, or Cahokia Mounds Museum Society.

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