Sandra Pulling

Sandra Hughes Pulling
POCATELLO - Sandra Hughes Pulling, 66, beloved mother and grandmother, died of natural causes on March 2, 2009, in her home.
She was born January 11, 1943, in Pocatello, Idaho, to William J. Mabe Jr., and his wife, Mildred Ilene Stadman. Sandra, the oldest of five children, was a lifelong local resident.
Sandra was married to Vernon Holtzen on January 11, 1964, for nine years, and they had two children. She married Barton S. Pulling on July 2, 1997. He preceded her in death. She cherished their brief, yet intensely loving time together.
Sandra was retired and enjoyed being a loving caregiver for her mother, loved plants and gardening, enjoyed sewing and crotchet, was an avid reader, an accomplished cook, (Nana's kitchen was always open) and she especially treasured her time with her grandchildren.
Sandra received a bachelor of arts degree in American studies with an emphasis in sociology, English, and economics from ISU in 1982, and then a master's degree in sociology emphasizing medical sociology and research methodology from ISU in 1985. While Sandra was obtaining her degrees, she worked as a research assistant in the sociology department. She firmly believed in education, and encouraged her family in that lifelong pursuit.
From 1985 until her retirement, Sandra was the sole proprietor of Hughes Resource Associates consulting firm. In addition to owning her own business, Sandra worked as the executive director of the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program (1996 to 1999). From 1973 to 1982, she worked for the Bannock Regional Medical Center as a personnel manager.
An avid writer, Sandra's publications include, "Idaho's Older Population: Drawn from the 1980 Census," "Dial An-ECG Program for Patients in Rural Communities" (American Journal of Geriatric Nursing.) She was also a freelance writer for the Idaho State Journal.
With a strong belief that citizens should become actively involved in the government process at all levels, Sandra was appointed to the Community Development Commission (planning/zoning), and was a health care team coordinator for United We Stand America. She held memberships in the Community/Interagency Task Force on Sexual Abuse, Southeastern Idaho United Way, the Idaho CASA Association, the Pocatello Site Review Committee, the Community Development and Research Department's Director Selection Committee, Idaho's Affirmative Action Association and the Idaho Women's Network. She served on the Mayor's Committee for the Handicapped and the City of Pocatello's Human Relations Advisory Committee.
Sandra was preceded in death by her father. She is survived by her loving children in Idaho, Kurtis Lane (Sheri) Holtzen, and Hayley Dawn (Eric) Holtzen Orcutt. Sandra adored her six grandchildren, Heather, David, Donald, Jonathan Holtzen, Kaden and Konner Orcutt; a sister, R.J. Parks of Eagle, Idaho; three brothers, Bill Mabe, New York, David Mabe, Colorado, E.L. Mabe, Idaho; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Viewing will be from 1 to 2:30 p.m. March 7, 2009, at Colonial Funeral Home, 2005 S. Fourth Ave., Pocatello. Graveside services will be at Mountain View Cemetery at 3 p.m.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.Colonial-FuneralHome.com.