Leisa,

It was nice to meet you at Sandy's Memorial Service. Thank you for putting your letter about Sandy in here, I have saved it to my files.

Becky

I just learned of Sandy's death, and am very saddened by the news. I knew Sandy throughout junior and senior high school. I remember Sandy as being genuinely friendly, easily mingling with all. I had the privilege of getting to know Sandy again when she moved to Portland, Oregon where I have lived since 1975. It was great fun catching up. My heart aches for those who were closest to Sandy. May the good memories carry you through this time of tremendous loss.

Our Sandy…

She was a “mommy’s girl” long before she became a “daddy’s girl.” And somewhere in between she became “Rick’s girl.” I nicknamed her “Girlie-girl,” aka GG, & she seemed to revel in that. She used to tell me that Rick would always tell her how “girlie” she was…& she was. She was all girl ~ manicures were a must, hair appointments paramount...her bangs cut “just right,” & makeup done to a “t” before she would even consider leaving the house.

How she loved her babies ~ her cats ~ with a passion that few really understood. She was a sucker for a stray or a homeless feline with a sad tale to tell. And when one passed on, she would pen a tribute to each with a passion unlike any other. My favorite was her description of Betsy, who just recently passed away ~ grey coloring up the legs like a “ballerina wearing warm-up leggings,” she would write. She held on to them with nearly as much fervor as her love for Rick & her family.

And she loved movies. I can picture her right now, with THE biggest bag of popcorn you could buy, walking into the many movies the “3 musketeers” shared together on a Sunday matinee “girls afternoon out,” while Rick worked. The bag of popcorn was nearly bigger than her, but ooooh, how she loved that theater popcorn! Movies were a passion of hers ~ & she was the only grown-up, other than myself, who could see Twilight as many times as I at the dollar theater in Ames…just to soak in the teen-aged love story angst over & over again. She was a true romantic.

Whenever we’d pick a comedy, it was worth the moment just to sit next to her & listen to that giggle. Sometimes she’d get laughing so hard, her whole body would shake with laughter…& yet, all you would hear was that girlie-girl tee-hee-hee.

One of her last emails stated that she was ready to dive head-long into her writing again. She was busy writing her life story, Somewhere in My Purse, but always with permission to include her friends & those who had impacted her early years at Central Jr. High & our alma mater Ames High.

One evening some years ago, Sandy & I decided it was time to put our old Barbie dolls & outfits on eBay. As we sat on the floor of Rick’s & her home, Great Plains pizza by our side, we boasted that we had each had “the best of all possible worlds” growing up in this town with the best of families & friends. She added that even in all her travels elsewhere to live, she was much happier in her little Ames cottage with a man who truly loved her than anywhere else in the world. And she believed this, heart & soul.

Sandy was amazing in her quest for holding on to “yesteryear,” as we called it. She could still, after 40-some years, put together each of Barbie’s ensems (ensembles) & tuck each piece into its designated zip-lock bag ~ shoes, hats, skirts, petticoats, sweaters, jackets, & handbags ~ all perfectly coordinated without a visual reference as to how they went together in the late l950s & early 60s. She went by sheer memory, & she was 100% correct! After 4 hours, she looked up at me & said, “You know…I’m just not ready to part with these quite yet.” There was something about those outfits that struck a chord with Sandy ~ something that was so tangible re: her youth in Ames, that she couldn’t give them up. “Maybe later…” she would add, “or maybe not…”

Sandy’s little cottage was warm with the love she had for Rick, her cats, their antiques, her memoirs of which she was writing, & her prized horse print that her daddy, as she always called him, had given her on a recent Christmas past. It is difficult to think of all that there without her…

We had lamented some years ago, after we both had lost our mothers, that the only good thing that comes out of this kind of loss was the ability to help the next person through their grief. She taught me that it was “okay” to say “I love you” to friends as well as family ~ especially in those difficult & trying times. She was so persistent in this endeavor, that even after years & years of signing off each of our phone conversations with “I love you, Cowgirl,” she patiently waited a good 4 years before I would feel comfortable in saying it back.

There’s a life lesson in that. Tell treasured ones how much you love them when you can. Live with passion, laugh with heart, & always hold your family & friends close…no, closer.

And so, as she would often end her emails to me, “Bless the beasts and the children,” I pass on the same blessing to you. Please bless our Girlie-girl. She was taken away from us far too soon, and we will most certainly miss her.

We love you, Sandy.

It was a lovely service today Rick. I loved hearing the letter that Sandy's friend Lisa had written about Sandy. Sandy was a wonderful and fun woman and great friend. I wish we had had more of the good times together as we had in Chicago all those many years ago. And I really wish I had the opportunity to go to movies with her..I love them too...and it would have been a blast to share them with her! And she liked 'Twilight' too....boy that would have beeen fun.

Our love and prayers go out to you and Sandy Rick. And to her dad and sister and eveyone else who has suffered such a great loss by Sandy's passing.

Sandy was my newest friend and I hers. We got to know each other through the Ames High School 40th reunion committee. She wasn’t able to attend many meetings due to health concerns; but she so wanted to contribute. We sat in the kitchen and talked about high school years up to the present, discovering who we were then and who we are now. That exchange will always be one of my favorite memories of her. She made a large contribution to the reunion and her classmates. She painstakingly researched addresses and phone numbers so we could find our classmates. Sandy was behind the scenes and one of the reasons we were able to connect so many people together.

I have sadness that the activities we planned to do together can no longer be. Sandy was open, honest and humble. I recently discovered that it was Sandy who arranged for me to receive a dozen orange roses at the reunion. She never told me. I feel grateful to her for including me in list of friends that she shared joys and sorrows with. It was wonderful finding a classy woman to share concerns, secrets and joys with. I miss you already, Sandy.

The last email she sent to me was about her beloved cat, Betsy. Through her tribute to her cat one could see how much Sandy loved in life, and how her beautiful, creative writing was still very much a part of her spirit. One of her statements in the email about her cat is such a wonderful way to think of Sandy and I want to share it. “I guess while our minds tell us we can't risk breaking our hearts one more time, our hearts are always full of hope.” With love, Sandy.
And Much Love to you Sandy, Karen

Rick, Donna and I are so very sorry about the tragic loss of your wife Sandy, and just within months of your Mother and Dad's passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this time of sorrow and may God's Peace and Love give you comfort. I am glad we got to meet Sandy and get a little visiting in when your Mother passed away. I know we have been miles apart for many years, but there are many fond memories of your family Rick and our childhood days. Your Dad always took the time to stop and see me at the shop, we would go have coffee and he would keep me up to date with the family. The year I worked for him at American Trucking while I went to school at St. Thomas was a great experience too. Your folks even picked me up from the airport in Sioux Falls when I came home from overseas the winter of '69 and then my parents and my brother Leon and his wife Shirley met us at your parents house. There was so much snow then. Our parents were always so close. It wasn't that long ago when Pam brought your Dad to Wilmot to see Mom and everyone had such a good time and visit. Again Rick, you are in our prayers and may family and friends and God's Love give you peace and comfort.

Girlie-girl ~ We miss you & love you. I treasure all our movies, family picnics, & 3-Musketeer lunches...& miss our weekly chats & emails. God-speed, my dear friend!

I knew Sandy from grade school and remember sleep overs at her house. I moved away and Sandy was one person I always wondered about. Sounds like she had a very rewarding life and touched a lot of people - even though it was too short.

DEAR BOB: OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AS YOU
GO THROUGH THIS MOST DIFFICULT TIME OF LOSING A CHILD

Dear Rick and family:

We were so sorry to learn of Sandy's sudden passing. We feel so blessed to have met Sandy and gotten to know her over the years. She was such a warm and loving person...she made it so easy to consider her a friend. May all the love and support of family and friends surround you during this trying time and may memories of all the wonderful times you have shared together help you through the weeks and months ahead. We are sending you our love, sympathy, thoughts, and prayers.



Donna & Vern Brewers

Hi Rick,
Our prayers are with you and your family.

Steve & Bev Rees

Old friends, but never forgotten

When I look up in the night sky I will look for the brightest star and remember your smile.
Love, Suzanne

I will always remember Sandy for her smile,her stories, and the love she had for her cats. I am lucky to have known such a wonderful woman. My deepest sympathy to her family.

Rick
I am so sorry to hear of your sudden loss of Sandy. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely
Debra Deiss

Sandy will be missed as a fun bridge partner. She was a special person whom I will never forget even though we had only been friends for the last couple of years. She always had a story to tell, almost always about her cats. I will think of her every time I play bridge in the future and will miss her humor at the table. I extend my sincere sympathy to her entire family.

Sandy and I shared many happy times and adventures at Central and Ames High School. I will always cherish the memories of the times we spent together and will miss her. I extend my sympathy to all of her family. May your fond memories sustain you through this most difficult times.

I will treasure your friendship and your smile. Miss you always girlfriend. Lots of love.

Sandy always had a smile on her face and a kind word for everyone who came in contact with her. We were friends throughout Junior High and High school in Ames and spent lots of time hanging out together both in and out of school. I feel blessed being able to have spent time with her at our class reunion this past July. She will always remain in our hearts.

Sandy loved her coffee at Cafe Diem! I will miss visiting with her there when I come out to Ames. It always seemed like she knew everyone in the place! "Life is short, but sweet for certain" Carpe Diem. We love you and will miss you, Sandy.

Her death saddens me so much. I remember most her being my leading lady, Katrina, where I was Ichabod Crane in Jon Neuman's (a classmate) play "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" in 7th grade. Sandy, I've thought of you often, and will continue to do so.

Sandy and I grew up together on Clark Street. I remember playing "Barbies" together and swinging in her backyard. We stayed friends through out high school but hadn't had much contact until our 40th reunion last July. Sandy came, even with a cast on her foot. So sad to hear of her untimely death and my condolences to her family. Pam Breckenridge Scandrett

We love and miss you so much already. You will be in our hearts forever and we will help Rick get through this. Your love will be with him always.

Sandy's smile and laughter are only two of her many gifts that she shared with all of us. We are grateful for the Thanksgivings, Christmas Eves and Christmas Days that Charlie, my late mother Bea Rullestad and I spent with the Underhill/Mills/Kruger clan.

I had my first Cosmopolitan at Sandy and Rick's home on Christmas Eve several years ago — the rim of the glass was decorated with red-colored sugar and added to the festive evening.

All of our other times together also are remembered with love -- such as the 50th birthday party Sandy organized for Sue. We ladies showed up in hats and gloves for a game of croquet (I was so far behind I don't think I even finished all the hoops) and a lovely tea. Sandy had found dainty decorated sugar cubes on the Web that added to the beauty of the occasion.

How lucky we are to have known Sandy and to share our love and memories with Rick, Bob, Sue, Ken, Joss and Emily and Willa, Travis and Monica and Caity.

Love,
Suzanne

After Sandy lost her mother, she reached out to mine, Maridee, who was also still dealing with loss from Alzheimers. She took Dee to lunch at local restuarants starting with A, then B, and so on. I joined them once and got to meet Sandy then. They were recently working on Q. We will both miss her humor, joy, compassion and charm. It was always enjoyable being with Sandy. Our prayers for Bob and Rick for healing.

Sandy was a friend and a patient and despite a chronic and miserable pain problem she was always a pleasure to see in the office. Stylish and charming are the words that come to me. She will be missed. The community will miss her presence and volunteer efforts on behalf of all of us. Peace with the family.

Sandy was a great friend and she was my Matron of Honor in 1983 in Chicago. I am so sorry for this great and unexpected loss; we all loved Sandy. She had so much life in her and energy and was such fun. I picture Sandy always laughing. She was a great cook too. I'm sorry we had not seen each other in many years but we kept in touch with letters and emails. Sandy wrote beautifully and I kept her 'stories' that she would write at Christmas. The last story I (and many others) received from her, just 2 weeks ago, was an email about Rick's and her cat 'Betsy' who had just passed away. It was so beautifully written and adorable that I sent it on to friends of mine to read.

Lots of great memeories of the 80's and Sandy!

Love and prayers for Sandy and Rick.

Love you always, little sister!

So sorry to hear of Sandy's untimely passing. She had a light and an energy that will be missed by all who knew her. Meeting each other in the back yards, singing on picnic tables in the park. The years have flown by, the memories of Sandy and her smile will last a lifetime. Love to Rick, Bob, and Sue. Prayers and thoughts...Pat Castner Grant