Sandra Lois “Sandy” Wood passed away in the afternoon of April 1, 2024 with family by her side. She died at Villa River Ridge Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Billings, Montana from Cardio Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. She was 83 years old.
Sandra was the first born of a set of twins in Miles City, Montana to Eugene and Agnes Mae Gold Wood on March 28, 1941. She grew up on ranches in Powder River County, one of four siblings.
From a young age Sandra was athletic. She won many county track events for her age group in her 8 years in the rural elementary school South Stacey. She was strong and competitive in high school, as well, competing in statewide events. She has a box of blue ribbons to show for that hard work.
She had fun as a baton and flag twirler in high school. She marched briskly down Main Street in Miles City in front of the Custer County High School band for 4 years in all kinds of weather. Her sister has her baton, more than 60 years later, as effective protection from intruders.
Sandra was active in 4-H growing up. She showed several calves and fat beef at local Fairs. She had particular success with sewing projects. In later years she could sew a complete outfit from start to finish in a weekend. 4-H and her mother fostered her love for gardening. As a kid she much preferred to work in the garden with Mama instead of doing chores like, churning butter. She has won awards for her garden productions and shared squash, tomatoes, onions, pumpkins and more with everyone.
Sandra went for two years to Montana State University in Bozeman, MT then taught for one year at Beaver Creek School in Powder River County. After her funds were replenished, she returned to Montana State University to earn a BS Degree in Physical Education and Business in 1964. While at MSU she joined Delta Gamma Fraternity.
After graduation and working on the ranch during the summer, Sandra taught physical education and coached volleyball and track in a junior high school in Corcoran, California. After two years there she taught next in Ventura, California for four years. She then returned to Montana State University to get a Master of Science in Physical Education. The next 20 years she taught in Casper, Wyoming, starting at Kelly Walsh High School teaching physical education and business and coaching volleyball and basketball. She finished her teaching career as a traveling elementary teacher and coach. While in Casper Sandra earned a second Master’s Degree in Education with an emphasis in computers and robotics. She then taught a computer class and coached the “Quation” team at Verda James elementary school.
After retiring from teaching, she began ranching with her father and brother at Stacey, Montana. After her father died and for the next 31 years, she managed the ranch herself. During this time, she worked at the Club Buffet in Ashland, Montana and took several trips to Idaho, Oregon and Alaska. She also had a crafts business showing in Miles City before the Christmas holidays. Sandra served on the South Stacey School Board for almost 10 years. For recreation she bowled with a league in Broadus, Montana.
Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Mae Wood; her sister Blanche M. Wood; her brother Stephen L. Wood; and her stepmother Elphie Wood.
Sandra is survived by her sister, Helen Jeanne Jones; her brother-in-law Walter B. Jones; her sister-in-law, Jan Wood; eight nieces and nephews and twelve grand nieces and nephews.
Donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
A memorial service will be held Friday, April 12, at 2:00 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 PM
Friday April 12, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Luncheon
Following the Memorial Service
Friday April 12, 2024
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 PM
Friday April 12, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Luncheon
Following the Memorial Service
Friday April 12, 2024
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Kathleen Roberts says
I remember many wonderful visits to Stacy with my grandparents Merle and Francis Wood. Such great food ,fun cousins, music and family conversations. I’m glad I got to spend some time with Sandra at our last Wood family reunion where we had a tour of her fabulous garden. We’ll all miss her humorous take on life. With loving thoughts from Kathleen
Sandy McFarland Hays says
Would enjoy visiting with Sandra when I would see her in Miles City. Sending prayers and my condolences to her family.
John Roberts says
I remember fondly the Wood family get together when we were young. Sandra was 10 years older than I was and she was always so kind, asking me questions about myself and showing a genuine interest in my life. Both Sandra and Stephen taught school, and knowing that gave me the idea that I could do the same. There are times I sit back and ruminate about all of the Wood family and there great influence upon my life. Sandra was a great part of that Wood influence. We are all here only a little while, and we can only live the best life we are able. I believe Sandra did just that. She was an admirable, moral, hard working, caring human being and we will all miss her.
John Roberts says
I remember fondly the Wood family get togethers when we were young. Sandra was 10 years older than I was and she was always so kind, asking me questions about myself and showing a genuine interest in my life. Both Sandra and Stephen taught school, and knowing that gave me the idea that I could do the same. There are times I sit back and ruminate about all of the Wood family and there great influence upon my life. Sandra was a great part of that Wood influence. We are all here only a little while, and we can only live the best life we are able. I believe Sandra did just that. She was an admirable, moral, hard working, caring human being and we will all miss her.
Stacey (Bundy) Horsfall says
Sandra and Helen Jean have been more like aunts instead of cousins to me and my bother Brock. Sandra and our mother, Marjorie Gold-Moberly, talked and saw each other often. We so appreciated all the things Sandra has done for our family. Our deepest sympathy and love to the Wood family. Sandra, may your spirit soar!
Ray and Twila Loveridge says
Helen Jeanne, Jan and family,
Sandra was a dear soul to our family, including my daughters. Adia especially loved going see her garden and her cats. Sandra and Adia had a special bond. God bless dear Sandra.
Eugene and Connie Bankey says
Helen Jeanne, Jan and family our prayers and condolences always enjoyed the smile and friendless of Sandie in high school – unable to attend the service – another classmate
Vanna Byrd says
I really enjoyed bowling with Sandy after I moved back to Broadus. She was always a class act. She will be greatly missed.
Debbie Kunkel says
Rest Sandra you’ve worked hard and left quite a mark. It was always great playing cards when you came to Wa to see Blanche. It was a great trip when Keith and I came to the ranch a few years ago. I think I was at NCHS in Casper when you were teaching at Kelly Walsh. Time goes on. Tell Blanche I miss her.
Peace be with you all.
Ellen Smith and Mary Smith Roig says
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m visiting with my mom, Ellen Smith at her senior living , I read Sandy’s story to my mom. . We were talking about the Woods family being our relatives. Family are important. I remember all the family even it’s been along time. We send our prayers and love. Mom sends her love. Mary Smith Roig and Ellen Smith
Wayne Wetherelt Jr says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Sandra was a great neighbor when I lived in the area. She was always so friendly and shared the abundance from her garden. Condolences to her family.
John Watson says
My world changed for the better in 1946 when our family moved to Miles City after having lived in five different places in previous years. The best part of our new hometown for this eight-year-old, was being welcomed into the wonderful Wood Family Suddenly, I had grandparents, aunts and uncles and eight cousins. Sandra became a welcoming friend and I have had the pleasure of knowing her for almost 80 years. I always looked forward to Wood Family visits at the ranch (good cheer, good food, and good music). Sandra was kind and generous. I admire her for her many years of teaching. I consider the hundreds of her students to be fortunate to have been in her her classes. She did it her way. I also admire her for managing the ranch by herself for many years (with help from Steven), caring for the place Gene and Macey and the family had built. Sandra was an important person in my life, and she will be missed for as long as I am around.
Faye Ellen says
My sincere condolences to you Helen Jean, Jan, Hannah, and all your families. My good memories with your family go back to 4-H days. Sandra had such a zest for life!! May she rest in Peace.
Cathy Davidson McDowell says
I am so very sorry for your loss. Have lost touch with most of the Gold family. We shared many picnics, celebrating the anniversary of Uncle Jack and Auntie Eva! My sympathies to all Sandra’s family.