Sandra Arlene Kyle

Sandra Arlene Kyle

Sandra Arlene Kyle, a member of the Hoopa Valley Indian Tribe and a longtime resident of Eureka, died at the age of 75, on Sunday, September 29, 2013. Sandra was born August 27, 1938 in Eureka, California, the first of nine children born to Ward Tinker Melendy (deceased) and Norene Marshall Latham (deceased). Sandra attended College Elementary, Arcata Middle School and Graduated from Arcata High School in 1958. Soon after graduation she joined Pacific Bell as switchboard operator and eventually moved to Gold Beach, Oregon, to take a job at Evan's Products Lumber Company. Sandra met and married Delmer Kyle in Gold Beach, they eventually moved back to Eureka where she worked at Redwood Empire Production Credit with Prescott Branstetter for many years.

In addition she and Delmer were co-owner s of King Salmon Marine for many years. Her most treasured work and lifelong job, however, was as a loving and devoted mother to her three sons: Kenneth Kyle of Eureka, Timothy Kyle of Hoopa and Michael Kyle (deceased); as the loyal and caring big sister to her siblings; and as a caring aunt and friend to her large extended family many of whom found a home with her on Humboldt Hill when in need. Sandra participated in the lives of younger generation family members, in person whenever possible. She made a point to try to attend important events such as grade school graduations, baseball games and weddings. Sandra also just enjoyed hanging out and spending time with nieces, nephews and children in her family and she loved to hit the Thrift Stores with her sisters Kate and Rochelle. She was also a sunny voice on the telephone, enjoyed talking to children about what was going on in their lives and shared laughs about silly things.

Sandra was preceded in death by her father Ward Tinker Melendy, mother Norene Marshall Latham; brothers Tim Melendy Sr. and Rob Roy Latham Sr.; son Michael Patrick Kyle; nieces Shelly Carpenter, Chelsea Matilda Carpenter and Traci Melendy O'Rourke; and ,nephews Jeff Melendy and Joel Carpenter. She is survived by one Aunt Mary Dawn Melendy Cunningham; brother Lester "Fidigoss" Latham Jr.(Gloria); sons Timothy Kyle (Karen) and Kenneth Ward Kyle; granddaughters Natasha Kyle and Faith Kyle, Deshonia and Chwa:kin; sisters Kathleen Carpenter, Mary Britton(Roger), Deirdre Young(Geno), Mike Melendy(Darline), Patrick Melendy(Andrea), Jamie Melendy, Rochelle Encinas, Jon Melendy(Ann), Deb Dillion(Will), Faith and Joy Melendy, Laura Latham, Lizabeth Latham, Kevin Latham(Sugar), Brenda Tamerius(Jim) and Wanda Latham; nieces and nephews.: Tim, Angie, Rob Roy Jr., Michele, Aimee, Jim-Bob, T.R., Marshall, Billy, Chris, Cher, Masi, Kamimila, Kevin, Josh, Megan, Chwa'kin, Warren, Rhonda, Mary, Yolanda, Devery, Robin, Chance, Brenda and Timisha, Jimmers, Gary, Bradley and Patrick; and, dozens of grandnieces and grandnephews.

Sandra was also well known for sending cards and letters to family members and friends living elsewhere. She had beautiful handwriting, and her notes were heartfelt expressions as well as perfect lessons on how to write in cursive. She was thoughtful and generous with her words and took the time to reach out to family members, by whatever means necessary to remain connected and a part of their lives. Sandra was most happy surrounded by her family, her siblings called her "Rae" from a very young age, just eliminating the "Sand" off of the front of her name and adding an "e" to the end...it stuck for 70 years. She loved to dress up for special occasions, to dance, to sing, to laugh and remember stories from the past, some of which her siblings wish that she had forgotten. She was interested in history and was a long-time member of the Humboldt County Historical Society. Sandra had a number of health challenges, especially later in her life, but she always seemed to bounce back with a positive attitude; she always returned with the same spirit and strong dedication to her family. She never lost her capacity to love, she was our rock, she was beloved and we will miss her dearly.
Special thanks to the Hoopa Valley Tribe, Hoopa Senior Nutrition, United Indian Health Potawot Health Village and all who have helped during this difficult time.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday 10/3/2013 at 1:00 pm at the Hoopa Cemetery. Prayer will be done by Floyd Montgomery. A potluck gathering will follow for friends and family at the Tsewenaldin Inn Conference Room.

Pall Bearers and honorary pall bearers will be friends and family.