Sandy McDonald

1964 - 2021

Sandy McDonald October 15, 1964 - October 3, 2021 Rebecca Sue "Sandy" McDonald was born October 15, 1964, in Pennsylvania. She grew up in Pennsylvania where she graduated from high school and college. For several years, Sandy was a dedicated secretary and technology turn-to at the Manning United Methodist Church. She also served on the Crawford County Fair Board. On October 3, 2021, Sandy passed away at Unity Point-Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. She was 56 years, 11 months and 18 days of age. When Sandy moved from Pittsburg to Manning, Iowa, she needed a place to live. Someone referred us to her for a rental house and that is how we met Sandy McDonald! About 4 years later she moved into the finished basement at our house and had been living there since. She could be busy with computer work, but if someone needed her help, she would be there ready to help them regardless. She loved our grandchildren and considered herself "Aunt Sandy". Christmas was always a fun time for her as she bought presents for each of them as well as us adults. She loved that time of year! For those of us who knew Sandy well, she was at times a dare devil. She was always ready to help with a neighborhood prank and there have been many of them over the years. Sandy will be missed by all those who knew and loved her. She was one of a kind with a heart of gold.-Ken and Bev Ahrenholtz When I think of Sandy, I think of the little plaque on mom's microwave which says, "Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting, "What A Ride!". She had a love and a passion for all things fun, adventurous, thrilling, exciting, living life to the fullest and a little on the edge! She was also someone who you wanted in your corner and to have your back. She would give her life to protect those she loved. We were blessed to be one of those she loved! She and I adopted a saying when things were overwhelming or going sideways, "It'll be great!" She loved the night that we did fireworks and the table fell over; everyone had to scatter like cats! She was the best Aunt to Paulette's girls and my boys. The boys loved doing puzzles and Legos with her.-John and Becky Gordon Loving, loyal and kind are all words to describe Sandy! Loving- She loved family more than life. The boys and our girls thought of her as "Aunt Sandy". Hands down she was the best "cheerleader" the kids could ever ask for! Kind- Sandy never turned anyone down when they needed help with computers or anything "techie". She seemed to always make the time to help you out. Loyal- She was fiercely loyal to her Iowa family (you all know who you are!) She loved each one of those family members and would do anything for any of them. She was also an avid and loyal Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Penguin's fan. It wasn't unusual to hear her "hollering" and "yelling" when the Penguins made a goal or the Steelers scored a touchdown. Loyal, right to the end.-Leonard and Paulette Lingle Sandy cherished her Iowa family: Ken and Bev Ahrenholtz of Manilla; Paulette and Leonard Lingle of Manilla; Becky and John Gordon of Manning; Ashlynn, Jacqueline and Abagale Lingle; Logan and Austin Gordon; Dan and Patti Muhlbauer; Beth and Dave Swearingen Family; Dave and Linda Muhlbauer Family; and Meghan and Robert Riesselman Family. www.ohdefuneralhome.com Visitation and funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at United Methodist Church, Manning, Iowa.