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Grace Mozelle “Babe” Knox Sands
Grace Mozelle “Babe” Knox SandsGrace Mozelle “Babe” Knox Sands, 93 of Richwood, passed away peacefully Thursday morning September 3, 2026 at her home.

She was born August 4, 1933 in Kenton to the late Alvin K. “Tom” and Ruby E. (Fetter) Thompson. She was also preceded in death by husband James R. Knox, they were married in 1952 and he died in 1978. Mozelle was also preceded in death by her second husband Mark R. Sands, they were married in 1983 and he died in 1994. Finally she was predeceased by companion, Jack Moore, she took great care of Jack during his final days. Mozelle was predeceased by siblings, Tommy A. Thompson, James K. Thompson and Noreen McPherson.

She was a 1951 graduate of Richwood High School. She then spent her professional career of 43 yrs. at the Richwood Bank. She served the bank as a bookkeeper, teller, assistant cashier and loan officer. She was the first female loan officer at the bank!
Mozelle was a kind and gentle spirit that was always looking for ways to be helpful. She was the person in the family that took care of everyone else. She got great enjoyment out of attending her grandkids and great grandkids activities. You could find her many days reading, she loved all sorts of books.

Mozelle was an active and dedicated member of her church, Richwood First Baptist Church, she loved her church family.

Babe (as she was known by her close family) will be remembered as a true, classy Lady!

Surviving are her daughters, Connie (Nick) Nicholson of Richwood and Chris Cocklin of Richwood.
Grandchildren, Lindsay (Brian) Stamm, Beau (Tiffany) Nicholson, Megan Rasey and Keenan Webb.
Great grandchildren, Gibson Stamm, Sully Stamm, Aubrey Nicholson, Atley Nicholson, Thearie Holt, Fred (Dakoda Heath) Holt, Kampten Christner and Kyler Webb
Great great grandchildren, Loulliellie Mata and Brylee Holt
Stepchildren, Mike (Susie) Sands - deceased, Yvonne (Ron) Emerson, Darla Sands - deceased,
Mark Sands – deceased, Tony (Alice) Sands, John Sands, Diane Sauder, Alan (Mindy) Moore, Rick (Lisa) Fugitt and Robert Fugitt
Numerous step grandchildren and great grandchildren

Funeral services celebrating her life will be held Wednesday September 9, 2026 at 11:00 am at the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home in Richwood. Pastors Alan Perkins and Brian Owens will officate. Burial will follow in the Claibourne Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday from 5-7 pm at the funeral home in Richwood.

Memorials gifts may be given to the Richwood First Baptist Church, 101 East Ottawa Street Richwood, Ohio 43344

Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com


Directions to Claibourne Cemetery




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#1 from: Traci Hoffman
West Mansfield
Fri, Sep 4, 2026 at 4:31 PM

Connie, Chris and family, my sincere condolences to you. She was such a beautiful soul, and one of the classier ones for sure, don't forget the earrings...lol As I said before, thank you for sharing her with me. Our time in the chair will forever hold a special place in my heart. No more suffering with those spasms. Heaven gained a true angel. Hugs to you



#2 from: Pam Simpson
 
Fri, Sep 4, 2026 at 6:33 PM

She was a great neighbor and a fun mom when we where at her house praying for her family



#3 from: Tom and Ruby Gwynn
 
Fri, Sep 4, 2026 at 9:15 PM

Connie, Chris and families, we are sorry for your loss. She was a real gem❤️



#4 from: Sue Hanby Griffiths
Marion
Sat, Sep 5, 2026 at 9:23 AM

Tony & family, my thought and prayers are with all of you.  



#5 from: Juli Smith
 
Sat, Sep 5, 2026 at 10:45 AM

Connie and Chris my sincere sympathy at the loss of your mom. Mozelle was one of the great George St moms and I remember her as so kind and so elegant. I am sorry for your loss and pray for God's comfort.



#6 from: Robin Herzog
West Liberty
Sat, Sep 5, 2026 at 1:33 PM

We're so sorry to hear about Aunt Babes passing. I have the fondest memories of her at the Thompson family gatherings. She was always the sweetest, kindest and most caring person, no matter who you were. I'll hold her memories deep in my heart. Prayers to her family. God Bless, Robin and Dave Herzog, Tyler and Natalie Thompson and Dustin and Cassie Thompson and families.



#7 from: Pam Endsley
Bellefontaine
Sat, Sep 5, 2026 at 4:36 PM

Connie:  Thoughts and prayers to you and your family as you navigate this difficult time. Your mom was a lovely lady. May the peace of our Lord be with you and your family.



#8 from: Carol Barr
LaRue
Sat, Sep 5, 2026 at 6:22 PM

Connie and family, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. Prayers for all of your family.



#9 from: Pat and Mike Hamilton
Sebring Florida
Sat, Sep 5, 2026 at 6:24 PM

Connie We were sorry to hear about Mozelles passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.



#10 from: Rebecca (Price) Miller
Galion OH
Sat, Sep 5, 2026 at 10:46 PM

Desr Connie & family, i’m so sorry to read of the loss of your dear mother. She was always one of my favorite people in our hometown. My thoughts are with you. 💔



#11 from: Jamie Hemp
hempstriss@gmail.com
Sun, Sep 6, 2026 at 8:52 AM

I bonded with Mozelle first over our shared love for weiner dogs when I dated her grandson in high school. A very very stylish woman, who I don't believe I ever saw without her hair done. Style and grace were totally natural to her. Always looking her best she made you feel special and important when talking with her. You walked away feeling she truly cared. I will also remember her every time I see a rotating Christmas tree! First time I saw a tree that could do that was at her house and I had to get my own spinning Christmas tree stand too! A truly beautiful woman inside and out who could make the whole room sparkle, not just with her gorgeous jewelry, jeweled glasses and impeccable style but with her warm comforting presence that made you feel like you belong too. The world will have one less sparkle in it now, but one more up in the sky!



#12 from: Mike Knox
Bloomington Indiana
Sun, Sep 6, 2026 at 12:15 PM

Deeply respectful and emotionally supportive of Babe, who I have not even seen for many years. Yet, her impact on my life is inclusive to the entire Knox family history. I will never forget her, as a very important and special person in the family, who was always lovingly involved in every aspect.



#13 from: Becky Jacobs Rynders
Abilene, Texas
Mon, Sep 7, 2026 at 10:38 AM

Connie, Chris and family So Loved Mozelle - she adopted me as a sister.  Always sent me birthday wishes.  A very special lady and amazing friend. Becky Jacobs Rynders



#14 from: Nick Taylor
Colorado Springs, CO
Mon, Sep 7, 2026 at 11:19 AM

I remember Mozelle very well, from my boyhood on.  She was a lovely lady always, and was my grandmother’s go-to at the bank.  A good and faithful servant.  May she rest in peace.



#15 from: Sue Roush Foreman
Petersburg MI
Mon, Sep 7, 2026 at 7:20 PM

I worked with Babe from 1962 to 1971 at Ridgewood banking company. She was kind.  caring and I enjoyed working with her. Ivan and I also graduated with her Brother Jim. So we had a double connection with the family. We send our sincere sympathies to the family children and grandchildren. I know you’ll miss them. Prayers, Ivan and Sue Foreman.



#16 from: Nancy"Terry" Brookbank
Albemarle NC
Tue, Sep 8, 2026 at 7:41 AM

Was sad to here her passing..I as a child lived across alley by Baptist Church from this family..Connie was our babysitter some times..Chris was a good friend of mine..our fathers were friends also..she was a beautiful woman and always kind to us kids..God Bless and love to all



#17 from: Johna Nibert
 
Tue, Sep 8, 2026 at 7:52 AM

So sorry to hear of Mozelles passing. Prayers and my sympathy.  Johna Nibert🙏



#18 from: Ann Habinak
Stillwater OK
Tue, Sep 8, 2026 at 10:39 AM

I have been thinking about Mozelle.  I was planning on taking "the girls" to lunch. Babe and my mother, Sarah (Speyer) Habinak were part of the Secret Seven. Whenever my mother was in Richwood, they would meet for lunch and talk for hours.  I continued the tradition the last time I was in town and enjoyed every minute.  Mozelle and I stayed in touch through Christmas and birthday cards. Such a beautiful lady! My mother always said she was classy. I am just learning of her passing. If I weren't so far away, I would be there to extend my sympathy and love for my sweet friend. I always enjoyed visiting with her when I came to Richwood. I miss her already!



#19 from: Diana Devers Pereira
Hawaii
Wed, Sep 9, 2026 at 12:31 AM

Dearest Connie and Family, I am so sorry to hear about Mozelle!  She was one of the kindest, sweetest people I know! She always had a smile for everyone. I always looked forward to seeing her at church when I visited Richwood. I know she heard, “Well done good and faithful servant!” She was a true example of style and grace. Aloha Pumehana dear Mozelle



#20 from: Doug Sonja (Webb) Horn
Mount Solon, Virginia
Fri, Sep 11, 2026 at 12:05 AM

Chris, Connie & Families, Your Mother was such a lovely person. Last time we talked was at a North Union High School Reunion a few years back. Mozelle was struggling with her cell phone trying to call Chris to pick her up. I helped & we both laughed about crazy technology & the many struggles we both had using it. Classmates Betty McNichol & Mozelle were together looking so beautiful & poised. It was so very nice visiting with them. Love & Hugs to you all. Doug & Sonja (Webb) Horn




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