KENDALL MARAY (CARAN) S

Kendall Maray (Caran) Sandage, 43, of San Diego, CA, formerly of Yorktown, TX, passed away on September 27, 2025. She was born on September 8, 1982, in Victoria, Texas, to Clay and Robin (Koehler) Caran.

From an early age, Kendall lived a life of faith and service. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Yorktown, where her foundation of compassion and commitment to others began. After moving to California, Kendall and her family became members of St. Peter’s by the Sea Lutheran Church in Point Loma, where she continued her servant leadership by serving on the church council.

Kendall graduated as Salutatorian from Yorktown High School in 2001, where she excelled not only academically but in every activity she took on. She was a proud participant in volleyball, basketball, track, cheerleading, student council, and one-act play. She went on to attend Texas A&M University in College Station, graduating with honors in 2005 with degrees in Kinesiology and Business.

Following college, Kendall completed an internship at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA. Her professional career was as diverse and dedicated as her heart—working first with Northwestern Mutual Insurance for eight years, later becoming CFO of a counseling clinic, and most recently working as a personal accountant. Her passion for helping others extended beyond her career into her community service.

Kendall married the love of her life, Damon “Jake” Sandage, on May 29, 2010, in Boerne, TX. Together they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and community. She was an active and loving mother to their two children, Reese Maray and Lawrence “Lars” Clay Sandage. Whether she was cheering from the sidelines of softball, baseball, or water polo, Kendall was fully present and endlessly supportive.

A true servant at heart, Kendall was involved in countless organizations. She served as President of The Thursday Club Juniors, was a member of the Meals on Wheels Gala Committee, Treasurer of San Diego Madcaps, and generously volunteered with many others. She gave her time and energy freely, always eager to lift others up and make a difference—no matter how big or small the task.

Kendall had a gift for making people feel seen and valued. Her kindness was constant, and her heart knew no boundaries. She never said “no” when someone needed help, and her gentle strength inspired those around her. Her love for her family, friends, and community was unwavering. She had a sparkle in her eye and a warmth in her smile that made everyone feel at home.

She is survived by her loving husband Jake, her cherished children Reese and Lars, her devoted parents Clay and Robin Caran, mother-in-law June Sandage, grandparents Kermit and Doris Koehler, and Mona Caran. She also leaves behind her beloved sisters Morgan (John) Carriger and Madilyn (Chuck) Cook, and their children Kaylor, McKinley, Tatum, and Charles. She is remembered with love by brothers-inlaw Dave (Anette) Sandage and Brent (Patchara), sister-inlaw Kirsten (Roland Williams), and their children Mykaela, Shai, Davy Waldapfel, Lance and Brianna Sandage, Kira (Timo) Broecker, and Devon (Louie) Young.

She was preceded in death by her father-inlaw Lawrence “Larry” Sandage, twin nieces Harper and Kennedy Carriger, great-grandparents Bill and Hazel Rouse, Leona Schoenherr and Emma Koehler, and her dear friend Jim Baker.

Kendall’s legacy is one of faith, kindness, selfless love, and joy. She made the world feel warmer and better simply by being in it. She will be dearly missed by all who had the blessing of knowing her.

Memorial services will be held in San Diego, CA, and Yorktown, TX, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Kendall’s honor to: St. Paul Lutheran Church, 234 N. Gohmert St. Suite A, Yorktown, TX 78164 (for the Youth Sports Court), or The Thursday Club Juniors, 1224 Santa Barbara Street, San Diego, CA 92017 (for the New Beginnings Scholarship Fund).