Sandra Dee Kohls, 78, of De Soto died Aug. 30, 2025, at Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City. Mrs. Kohls managed parking and events at the St. Louis Arena. She also served as the official tour guide for the building. She retired from Southwestern Bell as a sales manager and moved back to Missouri to be near family and friends. She was known as a kind and happy soul who embraced life with contagious exuberance. She enjoyed boating at the lake, RVing across the country with friends and high kicking across the parking lot after Mexican food and a few margaritas. She also was known to tell tongue-twisting jokes, pick tomato candies with her grandchildren, dress as a hillbilly and get into hilarious mischief; one time, convincing her sister that pimentos were poisonous so she could have them all to herself. She will be remembered for her smile, hugs and devotion to family. Born Sept. 11, 1946, in Poplar Bluff, she was the daughter of the late Talmadge “Doc” and Sadie (Pope) Perkins.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years: Ken Kohls.
She is survived by a daughter: Kim Kohls; a sister: Pam Labbee; four grandchildren: Rachel Stechman, Joshua Balsman, Brenden Kohls and Christian Kohls; two pets: Precious and Sasha; and many other family members and friends.
She also was preceded in death by a son: Scott Kohls.
Visitation is scheduled from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, at Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home, 220 N. Main St., in De Soto. A celebration of life is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at the funeral home, officiated by Brad DeLaughter. A graveside service will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in De Soto. Memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation. Arrangements are under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home.