Sandra DeNune

Gosh Sandy, I text you and didn't hear back, but your last text said that you weren't sure about this one. I am so sorry to see that you are gone, I cannot thank you enough for your leadership and friendship. You were an exceptional manager that extended beyond work and I cherish our moments together, definitely a great woman and mentor who modeled the way. You are truly missed..

My favorite memory was a Christmas morning at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. Kimberly was little and got a set of play makeup. That really gooey colorful stuff. I remember Kimberly “doing Sandy’s makeup.” I wish I had a picture of it!!

Camping at Ike Kinswa

Thank you for sharing all these wonderful memories you got to experience with Sweet Sandy. I truly enjoyed getting to know her better when she was in Prescott for business and Loyd and I were able to meet her for dinner. We had a wonderful visit and it was a great opportunity to learn more about her life, work, and interests. At that dinner we discovered we both had a passion for German and we began a relationship of penpal texting in German back and forth for the next couple of years. She shared stories of her childhood and ambitions to visit Germany with your mom. I secretly hoped I would be able to tag along.
I"m so thankful we were able to visit you guys and see your beautiful home and all the projects and improvements you made to your property. It was another opportunity to see what a talented, sweet, kind human she was and the special relationship you two shared. I am so incredibly sorry you lost your soulmate far too soon. She will be terribly missed.

I could pen many stories from adventures and memorable times Sandy, and I had together over the years, but one that stands out to me is how we got married to begin with. My college advisor, Sheryl, set us up on a date, thinking we had the outdoors in common, and in spite of a rough first date (Sandy was 45 minutes late), we decided to give it a few more chances. Before we were engaged, we went on a fishing trip in the worst weather for a weekend in Puget Sound, with me having a bad cold and having split my rain pants in half, trying to load a lopsided boat on a trailer, it was a disaster, yet didn't scare her off. It was after that trip; I knew I met the right one. We went fishing on Lake Sammamish weeks later and I asked Sandy if she could hand me the wedding ring spinner (yes, it's a real fishing lure) in the top of the tackle box. When she opened the tackle box and picked the lure up, the real engagement ring was underneath it, and the rest is history. I remember thinking to myself, -it's a long swim to shore for me if she says no... I'd be that embarrassed. When I say she was my rock, that can't be understated. She is the reason for my master's degree, career, she taught me the ability to forgive and love in a meaningful way, among other things. She never liked her picture taken, or to be talked about, that was her humble nature, so I had to sneak photo's when I could, I honestly wish I had a lot more photos of our adventures, but I do have the memories forever. -Darrel

I had the fortune of sharing some very good times with Sandy (and Darrel). Tops on the list is salmon fishing trips to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world at Nootka Sound where I'm sure the photo opportunities were many. Also, Kimber and I had a great time visiting with her while she was on a business trip to Phoenix. One on one time with Sandy was rare but she was as sweet, kind and funny as she was quiet. She will be missed tremendously.

Sandy was my daughter in-law but more than that, my friend. She loved to swim, ski, bike, kayak, hike...
She stalked birds with me, shopped for old stuff, and shared her artistic talents. Always quiet, but one on one someone I really enjoyed being with. Sandy made my little family complete. I will always miss you sis.🦋