Sandra (Sandy) Walker Williams
July 29, 1942 – January 10, 2016
On the morning of January 10th, in the loving comfort of her best friend and husband, our first lady Sandra (Sandy) Williams met her heavenly father. Sandy, 73, fought a courageous short battle with cancer and was being cared for at Riverstone Hospice Home in Billings MT.
Sandy is survived by her husband John of 52 years, her son Eric (Allison) their children Tasha and Wyatt, son Garth (Ronna) their children Connor and Shaina, and daughter Suanne (Troy, deceased) and their son Tyler (Heather) and their son Lynden.
Sandy was born on July 29th, 1942 in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania to the late Maxine (Anderson) and Jack Walker. Sandy and John were lifelong best friends through grade school and high school. She was John’s date at the 8th grade prom and John was Sandy’s date at her senior prom. Sandy graduated from Huntingdon High School in 1960 and completed her education and her dream of becoming a nurse at Lewistown Nursing School in Pennsylvania, graduating in the spring of 1963.
Sandy and John were married in September 1963 shortly after John was discharged from the U.S. Army. They began their life together by starting a family in Billings, MT, then moved to Colstrip in 1971. This was when the adventure of their life, and the compassion for service in their community began. Upon arriving in Colstrip, they realized that the community was in need of medical services, so Sandy set up a first aid station in her home, then with the help of Montana Power, she set up the first medical care unit in Colstrip. She was instrumental in developing the Colstrip ambulance service along with her husband John, Nolan Fandrich, and Eve Batey. Shortly after that, she worked for Bechtel Corporation as an industrial nurse during the construction of Units 1, 2, 3, and 4. The workers treated her with tremendous respect and admiration.
Upon the closing of the ice cream fountain in the old high school, Sandy recognized the need in the community for “a kid to go buy an ice cream cone.” She then talked John into opening up the fast food take-out restaurant “The Snack Shack” that served soft ice cream (and more)! At one time or another almost every child in Colstrip, including her own, had an opportunity for a job at the Snack Shack. Sandy scheduled around each of their activities. The summers were rather chaotic at the Williams’ house. This was the time when their partner Vern Klevgards’ kids, Todd, Lorell and Jory came to live with them while they worked at the Snack Shack. Six teenagers. So much fun. Somehow, Sandy made it all work. That was when she earned the reputation for being small, but mighty!
When the last teenager entered college, Sandy made the decision to go back into nursing at Rosebud Health Care, where she eventually became the Director of Nursing Services. During this time, her daughter and son-in-law were involved in a tragic accident, but this provided the blessing of raising their oldest grandson Tyler. This kept “Nan and Pop” young in spirit through their involvement with the youth in the community and with sporting events. Sandy particularly loved high school basketball and volleyball. She was a loyal fan and supporter all the years she lived in Colstrip. She also loved the game of golf, although a bit challenging, she thoroughly enjoyed this time spent with family. She recently attended the U.S. Open in University Place, Washington. She was a past loyal member of the Women of the Moose and had been very active as a board member of the School House History and Art Center.
When the community started to explore the possibility of a community owned clothing store, Sandy jumped right in as she always did and she became determined to help develop the Got Socks Clothing Store which she worked until her retirement age of 70.
Sandy had been looking forward to being a Great Grand Parent and the joys of watching his growing up years. She took tremendous pride in the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. Her kids called her Mom and to her grandkids she was Nanny.
Sandy should be remembered for being a loving, caring wife, mother grandmother, great grandmother but also very importantly, for the love and compassion she had for the people in the Colstrip community.
She took advantage of the opportunity to make a difference in many lives in our community and we will forever be thankful for her life.
Sandy’s family will receive friends at the United Community Church in Colstrip from 6-8 PM on Wednesday, January 13. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, January 14 at 11:00 AM at the Colstrip High School Auditorium.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth has been entrusted with these arrangements. To read the full obituary and leave condolences for Sandy’s family, please refer to www.stevensonandsons.com.
Lisa Medved says
John, Eric, Garth, and Sue!
I’m so, so sad to hear about Sandy! Alot of my childhood memories include your family, sooooo many memories, from Basketball Tournaments, playing restaurant at the Snack Shack, sitting in the living room playing The Young and the Restless theme on the piano, many, many sleepovers, and Garth always cheating on those board games 😉 I will forever treasure the countless memories with your family! Thanks for treating me as one of your own. Thinking of all of you <3!
Lloyd & Norma Gange says
John & Family:
Our sincere sympathy to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Gail Beckham says
My deepest sympathy for your loss. You are in my prayers.
Y. McBeath says
My sincere condolences on your loss. May you find comfort from the words written at Revelation 21:4. Soon death will be no more.
Bobbi Ann Old Crow says
Sorry for your loss John Sandy was one amazing person and awesome boss she was always in a positive mood when we would stop in at the Got Socks store your all in my prayers and thoughts.
Andrita Harris says
Williams Family
My deepest sympathy for your loss. You are in my prayers. Always enjoyed visiting with Sandy during B-Ball games. She will be missed, Sandy was a very lovely lady.
Jeff and Linda Hamilton says
John and Family, We we so sad to hear of your loss. Sandy was a true lady and
she will be missed by all. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Kathy LaDuke says
John and Family,
A memory is a keepsake of time that lives forever in the heart. Sandy will live forever in my heart! She was not only a co worker but she was a wonderful friend. I learned so much from her, while we worked at Got Socks. We even got in trouble together!! Her words of wisdom, her laugh and her smile will never be forgotten. I am so fortunate to have known Sandy. The Colstrip community has lost a very wonderful person. We will keep you close in prayer.
The LaDuke family
Becky & Larry Miller says
Williams Family,
We are so sad to hear this. Sandy was one of those great people who made Colstrip a better place to live. She was a giver, not a taker. Either in the business world or as a volunteer, she was always a cheerleader for this community. We have many fond memories of Sandy. God Bless you all during this sad time.
pat & george riedel says
John and family,
so sorry to hear that Sandy has passed. You now have an angel to watch over you.
Donna and Lawrence McCulloch says
John and family,
We are saddened to hear of Sandy’s passing. She will be known for the Snack Shack, Nursing and Got Socks. May your wonderful memories of Sandy help you through this sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ivan and Janet Whiteaker says
John and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss, we hope the Lord will see you through this time of trial and suffering. God be with you, you are in our prayers.
Kurt & Jolene Verlanic says
John and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all. May you find comfort through the memories of Sandy, with the community that loved her and in God’s love for you.
Ericka Swanson says
Garth and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. I would see her from time to time at the hospital/nursing home while visiting my grandmother and she was always quick with a smile and hello. I wish there were words that would help ease the pain but not sure they exist. Know you and yours are in my thoughts and prayers.
Connie Brown says
John and family,
Sorry to hear of your family’s loss, may you find comfort and peace through God’s love and the love of your family and friends!
Leslie Hull says
John and Family,
My heart is broken. Your family has been apart of my life since high school. Sandy was my first boss at the Snack Shack then a second mother to me as Sue and I were best friends. She was a great chocolate chip cookie maker. I will miss her at all the home games and I will miss her texts to me when she couldn’t travel for out of town for a games. She always wanted to know the scores.
May all your fond memories help you through this difficult time. Prayers continue for you.
Love,
Leslie Hull
Hugh and Evelyn Broadus says
John and Family,
We were very sorry to hear about Sandy. Please let all the great memories you share, help to ease your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Rick and Dee Dee Lyon says
John and Family,
Rick and I were so sorry to hear about Sandy. We had a lot of fun and she was a great neighbor. She will be very missed by everyone who knew her.
The Hellyer Famil says
John & Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Sandy was such a great friend and sweet lady. I will never forget her kindness towards myself and my daughters. She will be greatly missed by all.
Mark and Vicki Stevens says
John, eric, garth, and sue,
You have all been in our prayers for several weeks. Sandy was successful in what ever she did. She took what ever life put in front of her and was a role model for so many in this town.
Take time to grieve and know that God has a place for her that is very special. II Corinthians 4:16- 5:5
Mark and Vicki Stevens
EA Hills says
John and family
Mike and I sent our prays and fond memories of Sandy–
Ann and Mike HIlls
Susan Acton says
John……Ken and I send our sincerest sympathy to you and your family. Sandy was such a integral part of the Colstrip community. She will be missed by many.
Leona Mayo says
Sandy will always be remembered by me as the lady who decorated the bedroom in the house set up for us after our house fire. She took such pride in having a nicely decorated room for us. Our time spent together in church will always be special and , of course, the Snack Shack!
Mike & Geri Cadwell says
John & Family
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
The Gunnare family says
Our thoughts and prayers to all. For all of the support your family and especially Sandy has given to others, may it come back to you now.
Bob and Nancy Reid says
Dear John and family, words cannot express our sympathy. In the 34 years we have been in Colstrip your family has been interspersed in and out of our lives from the Snack Shack to city politics and everywhere in between. And Sandy was always there. She will live forever in your hearts and memories. God bless you.
Ron & Eleanor Swenson says
John & Family, So sorry for your loss Ron & I were sad to hear of Sandy”s passing. The first time I met her she had the first aid station in town to care for people. She was amazing! Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Leedom/Peppers Family says
Much love and prayers to you all. I sure enjoyed visiting Sandy at Got Socks. She was a lovely lady. God Bless you all <3
Larry Reinlasoder says
So sorry to hear of Sandy’s passing. My prayers for you Mayor John, and your family. Sandy will be missed.
Paula Peplow says
John and Family,
We’re never prepared for the loss of a loved one. May you find comfort in all of your memories. Sandy was special and I will miss her.
Ron & Linda Grimsrud says
John & family
So sorry for your loss. You are all in our prayers.
Doug and Debbie Skiles says
John and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Praying for all of you.
Vicki and Mark Stevens says
John and family,
You have been in our thoughts and prayers the past several weeks. We continue to pray for comfort for all of you while rejoicing in Sandy’s release from her pain and suffering into the gentle and loving arms of our Lord.
Bruce and Margaret Knutson says
John and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, may you find comfort in your memories and may God watch over you at this time.
Katy (Gillin) Boos says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Sandy was a wonderful lady, and Colstrip won’t be the same without her. Thinking of you all.
Glenn & Kristy Logan says
John and family,
We are mourning together as a community the passing of Colstrip’s First Lady. She will always remain in our hearts as our town’s First Lady. May The Lord comfort and guide you through. Our sympathies to all the family.
Tom and Jean Olson says
John and Family,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Sandy was such a wonderful person and a big part of the Colstrip community. I remember meeting her the first time we lived in Colstrip when you lived a couple houses down the street and then we met again when we moved back. By then she had new adventures going. She was always gracious and a friend to all.
Her memories will be with you always.
Doreen Steiner Boyer says
Garth and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dave and Mary Jensen says
John and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Sandy was a great boss and a very special lady. Her generosity and caring for all people is going to be missed. Hold all the great memories you have close to your hearts.
Mike and Jill Myers says
John and Family,
Sandy was such a dynamic, friendly, out-going lady. She was always ready to lend a hand and was a positive influence in our community. Blessings and comfort to you.
Kathie Goad says
Dear Williams family….though our place in Colstrip was short….your mother was a hallmark to Colstrip in it’s heyday. Thank you for loaning her so she could create her magic. May you find peace knowing she at peace and without pain
Rennee (Langan) Swanson says
John and Family,
My deepest sympathy, so sad to hear she is gone.
I have such fun memories of all our antics at the Snack Shack. She was a very special lady my prayers for you and the boys and Sue
Wes Sessions says
John, Eric, Garth and Sue,
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Greg & Shannon Liebelt says
We are so sad to hear this news! Our heartfelt sympathies and wishes for peace are sent to you John and family. We enjoyed our time with you both at the Alliance Church and in the community of Colstrip. May God grant you comfort and may you rely on all the special memories you have together! ❤️❤️
Dave and Vickie Gunderson says
John and family,
We are so very sorry to hear of Sandy’s passing. May the good Lord comfort all of you during the difficult days ahead..the many wonderful memories you have made over the years will shine brightly . God bless..
Steve and Sandy Perusich says
John and Family,
May the Lord comfort you and may the joyful memories of Sandy be many in your hearts. Sending prayers and deepest sympathy for your loss.
Butch and Penny Morse says
John and family, Butch and I want to offer our condolences to all of you. We remember Sandy from the Snack Shack days and will never forget her Jojo’s . A beautiful lady inside and out. We are so sorry for your loss and pray God’s peace will sustain you through this difficult time.
Lynnette (Moncur) Strobel says
I’m so sorry to learn of the passing of your dear mother. She was such a good lady and devoted mother. Hugs and prayers for you at this very difficult time.
John and Michelle Jutila says
John and Family-
You are in our hearts and prayers. Sandy was a part of what made Colstrip special. May God bless you and yours in the days to come.
John and Lisa Matz says
John and family , so sorry to hear of Sandys passing , she was a wonderful person . Our prayers are with you all .
Lynn Cotner says
I’m so very sorry for your loss. What a wonderful woman she was and an inspiration to so many. My prayers are with you all.
Lynn Cotner
Annette DeLattre says
John and family,
I was so sad to hear of Sandy’s passing. I have many fond memories of her from the time we moved to Colstrip until I left. I am thinking of you during this difficult time.
Debby, Wendy, Heidi & Mark Beals says
John, it is with a heavy heart that we write to you. Sandy was so very vivacious and loving! We know you will miss her so much. You also know that she touched so many lives and this is a time for us to remember her. She felt a kindred connection and identified with our Grandparents, Obert & Signe Rye since, they, too, had to raise their grandchildren due to a tragic accident. They discussed this situation at great length and each agreed it was their love for their grandchildren that allowed them to handle this unexpected role. Sandy and my Grandmother would not have had it any other way! Our Grandparents loved to order from the Snack Shack! In fact, it was their last meal together before our Grandfather passed away as they had just returned from visiting their newest Great Grandson in Great Falls and upon returning home, Grandpa asked our Grandma to place the order so he could drive over and pick it up! We hope you and your dear family are sharing all your wonderful memories with each other. Be sure to hug each other with the thought that Sandy is watching over all of you.
Debby, Wendy, Heidi & Mark Beals
Mike and Joy Enterline says
John and family we were so saddened to hear about Sandy. When we hear of old friends passing it always brings back so many memories. We go way back with you and your family and we remember so many of the good times. Take care of one another and cherish your memories of a wonderful lady.
vi schiffer says
John and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Sandy was such a classy lady and was so much the First Lady of Colstrip. Please try to remember only the good times. My prayers are for all of you. Vi Schiffer
Jean Snider Laber says
John & family,
Sandy was such a kind person and I am so sad to hear of her passing. Although I have not been in Colstrip for years, I know that she was an outstanding member of the community and will be missed in many ways, I hope you know that she left a great legacy in her family that she raised with the utmost care. Sandy will be missed.
Bo & Gary Lyon says
John, you and your whole family are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss and Sandy will always be remembered as a very special lady of Colstrip. Memories of her behind the counter at the Snack Shack, at Got Socks and always a smile and kind word. Love, hugs and God’s Blessing.
Eldon and Karen Woods says
Dear John and family,
Our deepest sympathy and prayers are sent to you and the family. We have such good memories of Sandy and your family when we lived in Colstrip. We had such fun sharing basketball games! Sandy was such a good Mom and so involved in all their activities. We also have wonderful memories of eating at the Snack Shack. We pray you will lean on the Lord in this difficult time. We pray all those great memories will help you also. Just loved the video tribute. How wonderful. God bless.
Eldon and Karen Woods and family, Hilltop Lakes, Texas
Sheri Record (Allred) says
Williams Family:
Sandy was a very special lady. I was fortunate to work for her when I was a teenager. She required all her employees at the Snack Shack to learn to count back change and that is a skill I wish people learned today!! She left this world a better place because she cared enough to make a difference.
Sylvia Wuest says
John and Family:
Anthony and I are so sorry for your loss. Sandy was a wonderful lady and such a dedicated wife and mom. I am so thankful you will have your memories of your love and time together, however, we will be praying for you to have strength, comfort, peace and grace to continue the way Sandy would be proud of. God Bless each one of you.
Bill & Margaret Dickson says
So sorry for your loss. Sandy touched so many lives. Her memory will live on for a long time.
Kristy and Brian Torgerson and family. says
John and family,
We are deeply sorry for your loss of dear Sandy. What a wonderful, classy lady she was!
She will be truly missed! So many wonderful memories of her!
Chris, Jeannett, Anthony, and Jasmine Oswald says
John, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. I have such wonderful memories of Sandy while we worked together opening the doors for Got Socks. We had such wonderful discussions over lunch and working in the store. The twins loved to come into Got Socks to say Hi and get their hugs from Sandy. She always spoiled them. She will truly be missed.
Jimmy Young says
I will always remember Sandy and her generous smile as she greeted you. I used to love going into the Snack Shack and talking with her. May She rest in peace. My condolences to the Williams family.
Tracy Burr says
John, sending my thoughts and prayers today for you and your family. So many memories of Colstrip come up and you and Sandy are a permanent fixture of those times. My grown children always bring up the Snack Shack and ICE CREAM treats. Sandy is a wonderful part of all those memories.
Doran and Sandy Hewitt says
John and family.
Our sincerest condolences to you and your family for your loss of Sandy. May the Lord give you strength and comfort during this time.
Carrie Mullin says
John and Family,
Sending you my sympathies for Sandy’s passing. She was an incredible woman and will be missed by many. She touched the lives of so many in a good way.
Marilyn Goodsell says
Glad I got to know you and Sandy. I enjoyed you both.
Shirley and Tom Skinner says
John and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Sandy was a huge part of the Colstrip community for many years and her loss will be felt by many people. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. God Bless each and every one of you.
Lloyd R Brown says
John and family:
So sorry about Sandy’s passing. May God help you through this time of grieving and may your memories lift your spirits. God bless.
Jamie Weatherwax-Horton says
Sandy was the best boss both at this Snack Shack and as my Nursing Director at RHCC. I was very fortunate to also call her a great friend and role model even though I lost touch with her when I moved to Arizona. She will be greatly missed.
Love you Sandy.
Dennis and Diane Hubbard says
John and Family,
Dennis and I were so sorry to hear about Sandy. May your precious memories keep her close to you, always. God bless you during this sad time and in the days to come.
Rand Young says
John and Family;
I am saddened by the loss of Sandy. She was a great lady and contributed much to the Colstrip community. God bless you during this sad time.
Paula & Mike Childers says
John & family, sending heartfelt condolences. Sandy will be missed, she was involved in so many things. I (Paula) miss bumping in to her at Got Socks and the post office. She & I always had nice chats. Blessings to you all.
Pete and Pam Simonich says
Dear John, Tyler and family,
Our heartfelt condolences go out to all of you during this difficult time. We are saddened to learn of Sandy’s passing. She was such a pillar to the community and an inspiration of
determination to its young people. We especially remember the good times we had traveling together to the basketball tournaments with Tyler and Tim. Her commitment to making a difference shines throughout Colstrip. We pray that God will pave a path of peace and comfort.
ralph rust former rec dir. says
so sad to read about the passing of Sandy. the Snack Shack was always very helpful when
i put on the Colstrio Spoil a thon. When I would stop in for the many meals and Sandy was there I could count on food being great and nice conversation. She is now in a better place
and Colstrip is a little less the fantastic town it usually is.
Cathy Byron says
John and Family –
My heart and prayers are with each of you in this time of loss. It is never easy to say that last goodbye, even when we have known that their passing brings them into a world of peaceful rest and joy. What a legacy she leaves — so many good seeds planted along her way. God bless all of you.
Mitch Svihovec says
Eric, Garth, John, and Sue,
So sorry to hear about Sandy. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys.
Norman Olson says
John my condolences to you and the family. As one of the pioneers of the modern day Colstrip she will be greatly missed. My thoughts will be of you and family. God Bless.
Lynn Ferkovich says
So very sorry to hear about Sandy passing. My thoughts and prayers.
Ellen Hanpa says
I am so sorry to hear about Sandy. She was a beautiful lady. My prayers are with you Mr. Chair, and with your family.
Shari McKinney says
Was saddened to hear this news today. Sandy was such a friendly, happy lady. Many hugs to all of you!!
Lynnette Brownell says
John,Eric, Garth and Sue
I am so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Sandy. Small but mighty. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Lynnette (Schye) Brownell
Shirley Haidle says
John & family,
I am so sad to hear of your loss; Sandy was an awesome lady and loved and respected by all who knew her. You are in my prayers and may your memories comfort you during this difficult time. God’s blessings to you and your family.
Mike and Lynn Blakesley says
John,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your wife. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time.
Bryan and Schelle Swan says
John,
Our sincere condolences for your loss. We are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Sandy was truly a lovely lady and she will be missed.
Malcolm Ambrose says
Will be missed by her classmates from Huntingdon High School, our thoughts are with John and family.
Robert (Frank) Shunk says
As one of Sandy’s classmates from Huntingdon High, I will always remember her bright smile and her great presence in many of my classes and homeroom. It’s not surprising that she accomplished so much in her life and helped so many. Very sad news.My thoughts and prayers are with her Family.
Jackson Craig says
John and the William Family,
Shared wonderful moments and memories of Sandy over the years. Condolences during this time of your loss. “God knows your sorrow and He will be with you. A loving God is with you now so place your trust in Him. For faith will be your guiding light that time can never dim, And through His mercy you will find that He will lead the way, To His own special promise of a new and brighter day.’
Garth Williams says
On behalf of the entire Williams family, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all that commented regarding the passing of our First Lady. Holy cow, do we ever miss her?. I can already envision her up in heaven cheering on her own team just like she did at all the home basketball games. She was the biggest fan one could have. Love you and miss you Mom!