Sandi Cole

Sandra Kay "Sandi" Cole, age 62, of Holts Summit, Mo., passed away Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family.
She was born on April 29, 1960, in Jefferson City, Mo., the daughter of H. Jerome "Jerry" and Gloria Lee (Miller) Sanning. She was married on May 27, 2012, in Jefferson City, Mo. to James "Jim" A. Claus who survives at the home.
Sandi was one of five children and grew up in Jefferson City, graduating from Jefferson City High School in 1978.
Sandi never hesitated to take on new opportunities and did everything with honesty and integrity which helped pave her path in her professional career. She worked for the state of Missouri for 33 years, 29 of which were dedicated to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Sandi was welcomed into the MSHP family on May 1, 1983 and diligently served as a Traffic Safety Analyst with the Fatal Accident Reporting System (FARS) Unit until her retirement on August 1, 2010. Her career with the highway patrol produced many lifelong friendships and left a lasting impact on everyone she worked with. Her incredible work there also earned her numerous awards and appreciations, including JCHCU's Ambassador of the Year Award in 2001, Excellence in Service Award in 2002, Outstanding Analyst Award in 2003, and the Civilian of the Year Award in 2007. Following her retirement from the patrol, the National Institute for Safety Research (NISR), hired Sandi as a quality control analyst and she took great pride in her work with them.
Sandi was passionate about making a better life from the start and dedicated her life to making sure that others lived a naturally healthy life. Sandi became a representative for Melaleuca. Melaleuca is a health and wellness company that manufactures over 400 wellness products including home cleaning and laundry products, personal care, essential oils, and even foods.
Sandi has always had a personal connection and respect for The United States Marine Corps as many close members of her family were Marines. She became involved with the Marine Corp League Auxiliary where she had served as treasurer and won the Member of the Year Award. Sandi was at a Marine Corps League convention where she noticed a man and decided to introduce herself. She and Jim stayed up all night lost in conversation and later got married and shared many wonderful years together.
Sandi also had a heart for serving through volunteerism. She enjoyed the times she spent with the Missouri Special Olympics, even running alongside the athletes in the Torch run in 1999, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, and volunteered at the polar plunge at the Lake of the Ozarks. These were the charitable actions which kept Sandi grounded her belief that it is important to serve others.
Being a woman of immeasurable faith, Sandi was extensively involved with Woodcrest Chapel. A number of years ago, Sandi went on a retreat in Kansas City with Woodcrest Chapel and experienced a personal encounter with God. This trip strengthened her faith and motivated her through her diagnosis and battle with cancer. When Woodcrest needed help with painting, Sandi was there brush in hand. Sandi was a giving, caring and selfless soul. She shared her passion with her friends and family and deeply and genuinely cared about the wellbeing of her loved ones. She represented the good that we all crave to see in the world and was one of the select few who rose to meet challenges with a bright, beautiful smile.
Sandi felt it was important to move her body with exercise and she did so playing pickleball weekly at the Linc in Jefferson City. She also had a passion for music, especially 90's country music. Sandi and Jim spent many evenings listening to live music, and she could often be found on the dance floor.
Amidst all the other activities and busy lifestyle, Sandi always found time to travel and explore new places. She and her husband Jim, stayed active hiking, kayaking, and made it a point to discover new towns, good food and interesting people. She loved experiencing the world. Through the years she spent a lot of time in Branson, Table Rock Lake, the Lake of the Ozarks, and the Osage River relaxing with family. Her annual work trips were an event she cherished. She and her fellow team members traveled to various cities throughout the United States, and she always came home with new friends. Her most memorable trip was to Hawaii where she had the privilege of going snorkeling in the ocean and spending time on the beach.
Above everything Sandi loved and cherished her family and friends. They were the light of her life and her relationship with them was unlike any other. She was a perfect hostess and relished any opportunity to gather everyone together and entertain. She is most famous for the annual "Crock Fest" she and Jim hosted at their home. Attendees would arrive with a crock pot of their favorite treat and spend the evening laughing and enjoying each other's company around a bonfire. Sandi had very strong values and was well liked by everyone, mostly due to her positive energy. Sandi knew how to slow down and cherish life. She found peace in the warmth of the sun, the rejuvenating effect of time spent on the lake, and the benefits of the medicine of nature. She was understanding, forgiving and kind to a fault but she was strong in her convictions and stood up for what's right. She will be loved and missed by all who knew and loved her.
Sandi is survived by: her loving husband of 10 years, Jim; children Jeremy Deardeuff of Jefferson City, Mo., and Jared Cole (Kayla) of Holts Summit, Mo.; one step-son, Zachary Claus (Jessica) of St. Louis, Mo.; father, H. Jerome "Jerry" Sanning of Jefferson City, Mo.; siblings, Alan Sanning (Dotty) of Jefferson City, Mo., Linda Gwinner (Joe) of Jefferson City, Mo., Lisa Sanning (Mike Gogel) Jefferson City, Mo., and Cara Huhman (Patrick) of St. Peter's Mo.; grandchildren, Riley Cole, Romy Deardeuff, Bailey Cole, Talon Deardeuff, Landon Claus, and Rayelyn Cole; brother-in-law, Brett Claus (Paula); sisters-in-law, Susan Johnson (Vergil), Teresa McIntosh (David), and Brenda Gasca (Jesus); nieces and nephews, Jennifer Polo, Stacy Sanning, Rachel Sanning, Scott Sanning, Aubrey Gogel, Emily Sanning and Kinley Huhman among many others; numerous close friends whom she lovingly referred to as, her "tribe"; and her beloved cardinal birds, Johnny and June.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Gloria Sanning.
Visitation for Sandi will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Monday, January 30, 2023, at Freeman Mortuary.
A Memorial service to celebrate Sandi's life will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 31, 2023, in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Don Fankhauser officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Rape and Abuse Crisis Service (RACS) or Special Olympics. Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 95, Jefferson City, Mo. 65102.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.