Sandra “Sandy” Lorraine Spears

Sandra “Sandy” Lorraine Spears

Sandra “Sandy” Lorraine Spears, 68, died Oct. 22, 2009, in Seattle, Wash., following a courageous six-month battle with leukemia.

She was born Oct. 9, 1941,  in Klamath Falls, to Neal and Pauline Burney.

She attended Altamont Elementary and junior high schools and graduated from Klamath Union High School in 1959.

Sandy married James L. Spears March 15, 1959. Following graduation, she lived in Anchorage, Alaska, for a year. The couple returned to Klamath Falls in 1960, where they raised their family and owned and operated Sportsman RV on South Sixth Street for 30 years.

Sandy was a master artist, seamstress, designer and gourmet cook. She opened a craft store, Heartstrings, in 1986, and specialized in wedding planning and floral arranging. She was well known for her “perfect touch” on every little detail.

James and Sandy retired in 1993 and moved to Brookings, where they loved to watch the sunsets and walk on the beach. After James’ death, Sandy moved to Kent, Wash., in 2003, to be near her children and grandchildren.

She was able to travel, and was excited to see the world with her partner Ralph Calkins. She enjoyed taking cruises and seeing other countries and meeting new friends.

She was a member of the Red Hat Society, and loved all her Red Hat sisters.

Sandy had a deep love for the Lord and lived a Christian life. Her beautiful smile and positive attitude, even during battles with her health, were always uplifting to all who were around her.

She is survived by her children and their spouses Charli and Ken Johnson of Lake Tapps, Wash., Michelle and Charley Austin of Kent,  Cyndi Spears and Jonathan Smith of Playa del Rey, Calif., Jeremy Spears and Tan Juriana of Pasadena, Calif.; sister Sherry Edwards-Banuelos and brother-in-law Ruben Banuelos of Medford; mother-in-law Elsie Spears of Klamath Falls; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Juaniece and Jim Ward of Las Vegas. She was “Nana” to her beloved grandchildren Brandon and Brittany Austin of Kent. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Waiting to party with her in heaven are her parents; her father-in-law Forest Spears; her husband James Spears, who died in 1999; her brother-in-law Jim Edwards, who died in 1992; and Ralph Calkins.

A celebration of Sandy’s life will be at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 11, at First Presbyterian Church of Kent, 9425 S. 248th St. in Kent.

Remembrances may be made to Ranier Christian High School, c/o M. Austin, 28304 183rd Ave. S.E., Kent WA 98042.

For further information please contact Michelle Austin, 253-261-7654, or Charli Johnson, 253-332-9128.

Submitted by the family.