Karen Louise "Sandy" Sands

1956 - 2025

On July 31, 2025, the love of my life for the past 11 years, Karen Louise Sands, "Sandy," crossed over.

She was born on Sept. 18, 1956, in Alameda, California, to Melvin James Sands and Eva Marie Guthrie Sands.

Those who knew her know she could be difficult at times, but she was kind to most people and loved my children and grandchildren as if they were her own.

She loved all animals, rescuing more than I could count, ensuring somehow their safe return to those who'd lost them.

She loved boating, canoeing, visiting places with waterfalls, swimming, drawing, crafts, raising plants and flowers, repurposing everything, collecting colored glassware and other neat stuff. She played games on her phone with family and friends.

She loved our dogs, Khalesie Marie and Fancy Alice, taking them for walks, rides and swimming in the lake. One of her favorite flowers was zinnias, and she loved springtime when all her seedlings would start growing.

There's so much more that could be said, however, it's time I should deliver her message to all who knew her. Quote: "I love you all and I hope at some point in my life I inspired you in some way to be yourself and be happy. "

She was my lady, and she's sorely missed already.

Our message to all. Don't ever think you have more time. Act now, make memories, spend time with friends and family, settle differences, help others when possible, make sure those you love know you do, and lastly, like Sandy would say: "Live life like someone left the gate open."

Sandy is survived by her son, Nathan Shaffer; her sister, Debbie Sands of California; her significant other, Bill Langston of Arkansas; several nieces and nephews in California and Arizona and best friend, Tina Brock of Florida.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters.