Sandra Jane Dayhoff

1940 - 2026

Sandra Jane "Sandy" Dayhoff, 85, of Walkersville, Maryland, passed away on February 22, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at the home of her daughter and son-in-law. Born on October 5, 1940, she was the devoted daughter of Harvey and Virginia Fogle.

Sandy was the beloved wife of Ray Elwood Dayhoff, who preceded her in death on February 15, 2026, just one week before her passing. Married on October 21, 1961, they shared 64 wonderful years together built on love, laughter, faith, and an unwavering commitment to family.

A proud graduate of Frederick High School, Class of 1958, Sandy dedicated her life to being a homemaker and raising her four children. She poured her heart into her family, creating a home filled with warmth, encouragement, and countless cherished memories. She was her children's and grandchildren's greatest supporter, faithfully attending sporting events, recitals, tournaments, and school activities near and far. She especially enjoyed cheering on the Baltimore Orioles and following Maryland basketball.

Sandy had a deep love of travel and adventure, visiting 27 states throughout her lifetime. She treasured trips to Ocean City, memorable journeys out West with her daughters, and special travels to New Orleans, Niagara Falls, and many other destinations. Known for her friendly spirit, she could strike up a conversation with anyone and often left a place with a new friend.

She was also known for her resilience - often described by her family as "a cat with nine lives." Over the past 30 years, her family faced several moments when they feared losing her, yet she continually bounced back, gifting them many more precious years together - years they will forever consider a blessing.

In addition to her husband and parents, Sandy was preceded in death by her siblings: Harvey "Binks" Fogle, Jr., Patsy Dutrow, Doris Horman, Betty Brashears, and Thomas "Tink" Fogle.

She is survived by her loving siblings: Ella Faye Mumaw, Diane Brown, and Charles "Butch" Fogle.

Sandy is also survived by her four children: Ray E. Dayhoff Jr. (Brenda); Tina von Gunten (Gene); Dawn M. Dayhoff (Kerry Trout); and Jamie S. Smith (Blaine). She was a proud and loving grandmother to Greg Dayhoff (Hailey); Nicole Dayhoff; Christopher von Gunten; Alex von Gunten (Blair); Zachary Routzahn (Jessica); Rayann Routzahn; Kameron Trout (Sydney); Joshua Smith (Sydney); and Alyson Smith. She is also survived by her cherished great-grandchildren, Callum Dayhoff, Karson Trout, and Kayden Trout.

Family meant everything to Sandy. She was a constant presence in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren - cheering them on, traveling to see them wherever they were, and celebrating every milestone. She will be remembered for her laughter, her welcoming heart, and her unwavering devotion to those she loved.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Hartzler's Funeral Home, 11802 Liberty Road, Frederick, MD 21701, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Sandy's name to the Walkersville Volunteer Rescue Company, 73 West Frederick Street, P.O. Box 202, Walkersville, MD 21793 (www.wvrc24.com), or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org).

Sandy's legacy of love, strength, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Sandra Jane Dayhoff