Sandra "Sandy" Louise Wales' Obituary
Lakeview- On Monday February 1, 2021 Sandra "Sandy" Louise Wales loving mother, sister, aunt, and grandmother passed away to be with our Lord at the age of 81. Sandy was born on February 4, 1939 in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Robert and Alice Louise (McKinney) Groenleer. Sandy was raised in the Lansing area where she attended Lansing Eastern Schools, graduating with the class of 1957. She continued her studies at Eastern Michigan University earning her degree in elementary education and attended graduate school at Northern Michigan University, which began her nearly 40-year career in teaching. She was employed by Lansing Public Schools (Wainwright Elementary), White Pine Public Schools, Clare Public Schools, Tamarack Nursery School for 15 years. She ended her teaching career at Lakeview Community Schools where she began the Developmental Kindergarten program and also taught Kindergarten for almost 15 years before her retirement in 1999.
While teaching at White Pine in the Upper Peninsula, Sandy met William "Bill" Frederick Wales, Jr. and they were married in Lansing on November 27, 1965. Sandy was a source of love and encouragement for all who needed it most. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, baking, decorating, reading, sewing, painting, doing crafts, and working with and loving children. She was the adopted mother and grandmother to many of her children's friends and neighborhood children. Sandy had been a member of many community organizations including the The Book Babes book club, the Lions club, the Lakeview Retired Teachers club, the Kelsey Hospital Guild and the United Church of Christ. She will be greatly missed by her family and all whose lives she touched throughout her life and long career.
Sandy is survived by her daughter, Amy Louise Wales of Grand Rapids; sister, Joy (Sam) Fent of Ann Arbor; sister-in-law, Wilma Groenleer of Holt; brother-in-law, Richard (Debbie) Wales of Quinnesec; niece, Kathleen (Rob) Malda of Ann Arbor; nephews, Marc (Deborah) Groenleer of Grand Rapids, Eames (Jody) Groenleer of Mason; grandchildren, Ashley (Matt) Ecker of Lakeview, Jon (Lindsey) Newland of Lakeview, Jessica Netterlund of Stanton, Katie (Michael) O'Conner of Charlotte; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews, great-grandchildren, and "adopted" grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill in 1999; her son, William "Billy" Frederick Wales, III in 1986; her parents, Robert and Louise (Alice); and brother, Robert Bruce Groenleer, Jr.
A private family graveside service at Lakeview Cemetery will take place with Pastor Steve Charnley officiating. A celebration of Sandy's life will take place from 2:00-5:00 PM on Saturday, October 2, 2021, at The Tamarack Place, 306 N. Lincoln Ave., Lakeview.
Those wishing to make a donation in Sandy's memory are asked to consider the Sandy Wales Early Education Scholarship Fund at the Lakeview Area Community Fund (LACF), c/o Greenville Area Community Foundation, 101 N. Lafayette, Greenville, MI 48838. Or you can give online at www.gacfmi.org/donation.
Condolences may be made by utilizing the guestbook at www.brighamfuneralchapel.com
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