Sandra Jo Long

Sandra Jo Long, 88, passed away January 25, 2026. Sandra was born in 1937 in St. Louis, MO to Hubert and Ruth Stone. She was an avid music lover, self employed woodworker, loving mother and wife. She is survived by her husband Gordon of 64 years, son Daniel (Chris) and son Michael (Lynda), 3 grandchildren and 6 nephews and nieces.

Sandra grew up in the Connecticut area with her father, a retired US Army Colonel, and Mother, a MS teaching graduate. Sandra graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Architectural Design where she met Gordon.

Sandra and Gordon moved to Kansas after they were married. She continued her passion for woodworking over the years making artistic wood carvings of swan, seagulls, and many other animals, refinished and repaired antique furniture, all while passing on her love of woodworking to her sons. She started her humble workshop in their basement, later expanding it by enclosing space under the deck she designed and had built. After moving to their Arizona retirement house, she had a 30x40 workshop constructed with nearly every possible hand and power tools, the envy of many woodworkers. She downsized her workshop when moving to Oro Valley, occupying a third car garage bay in a fully air conditioned and heated garage. Classical music was always playing in every one of her workshops. Throughout her woodworking career, she made wooden trucks, trains, doll houses, doll beds, Advent candle holders and Christmas ornaments for her nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Much of her woodwork is still around, including the antique oak dining table she resurrected from Lynda's family and gave to Mike and Lynda for their wedding. She also was an accomplished seamstress, fashioning beloved stuffed animals for Dan and Mike along with Tigger, Eyore, "dolly" for her grandchildren.

During her Kansas years, she also managed to keep their house in order, drive their sons to the never ending band concerts and other school activities, while working near by part time jobs. She was an avid guitar player, joining in with the family jam sessions and church performances. Sandra was an active Episcopalian, participating in the church choir, leading craft classes, and volunteering at the church store. Upon moving to Arizona, she joined another Episcopal church and continued her love of choir and donated her woodworking talent making library tables.

Sandra continues to give after death with the willed body program to further medical education. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. If you wish, please make a donation to your favorite animal rescue group in her memory.

The family had the opportunity of spending one last visit the week before she passed, listening to Mom's fantastical stories, enjoying an outing for a family picture, and seeing Mom's great big smile. She will be missed for her enthusiastic creativity, never ending patience, and great love for her family.