Sandra Bruening

After living a life overflowing with family, creativity, crafting, color, kindness, art, imagination, holiday fun, humor, and spunk, Sandra Bodine Jones Bruening, 86, was released from her afflictions on November 4, 2025, at her South Ogden, Utah, home.

Even as time faded parts of her memory, Sandra's child-like wonder, happy disposition, contagious laugh, self-deprecating humor, and insatiable creative drive never dimmed. A twinkle sparkled in her eyes, a smile almost always brightened her face, and her quick wit lightened everyone's day.

Sandra was born in January 1939 in Ogden, Utah, in the resilient and lean years just before World War II. She was the oldest of four siblings (two girls and two boys) born to Dwight and Norma Jones.

When Sandra was just three years old, her patriotic father departed to serve as a glider pilot in World War II-a job with "no parachutes, no motors, and no second chances." While Dwight was part of the war effort, Sandra's mother moved her two young children into a two-story chicken hatchery on Grandpa Jones's farm near South Salt Lake. The hatchery lacked modern conveniences-baths came in a tin tub in the middle of the floor; the outhouse stood a short walk away. Yet, even amidst these humble beginnings, Sandra's early days rang with adventure: she played in farm ditches and explored outdoors, soaking up the rustic palette of early childhood.

Sandra's intelligence sparkled early-she was a "straight A" student with a passion for reading and a talent for learning, graduating from Granite High School in 1957. She later earned a bachelor's degree with a double major in art and psychology from the University of Utah. She also took classes at Brigham Young University studying elementary education.

Her love for others and service took her on an unforgettable mission to Chile for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she learned to love the people and the South American art. After her mission, her adventurous spirit then took her to Mexico to continue her study of art at a notable institute there.

Back in Utah, Sandra met the brilliant and dashing Darold Bruening who also attended the University of Utah, and as they say, the rest is history. The two were wed in the Salt Lake Temple in December 1965; next month would have been their diamond 60th anniversary together.

Over the years, Sandra and Darold welcomed seven children (six rambunctious boys and one girl!) into their West Valley City, Utah, home. Sandra survived the beautiful chaos of young motherhood with humor, grace, and extraordinary patience, later expanding her love to welcome daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and her cherished pony-sized dogs Zena & Sammy.

Meanwhile, Sandra's blossoming creativity and artistic skills were astonishing and endless. She mastered sewing, knitting, crocheting, and painting-her hands never stopped. She crafted stunning baby blessing outfits, elaborate clothes for her granddaughters' dolls, and amazingly painted figurines. Like a magician with fabric, yarn, paint, and craft supplies, Sandra conjured beautiful, useful, and whimsical creations for loved ones. You could often find her teaching art classes at Michaels or selling her handiwork at Mormon Handicraft. Sandra also sewed all of her own clothing, often sporting delightful holiday-themed fabrics.

Sandra inspired countless young boys while spending decades as a Cub Scout den mother. She was often inviting new boys to participate and seemed to have as much fun completing the activities as the boys did!

One of her guilty pleasures was any kind of dessert, especially chocolate (which she loved!), and she could often be found with a bag of chocolate chips in her purse to munch on. She loved watching shows on PBS, especially Perry Mason or Riverdance –always while her hands moved in a blur to knit or crochet.

Reading was a constant in the Bruening household. Sandra devoured Agatha Christie and other mysteries and ensured her children had library cards and countless texts at their fingertips. She said on multiple occasions that the children's books of today were far better than what she had as a child. Whenever the kids brought home a Scholastic pamphlet, Sandra ordered multiple books, and in later life she had a stash of new children's books to give to her grandchildren.

Sandra loved holidays. She created new Christmas traditions that have been passed to subsequent generations and designed multiple displays for the Festival of Trees. She sewed amazing costumes and hosted elaborate and creative Halloween parties, even at one point decorating her family room with a life-sized vampire coffin replica.

Sandra often took her kids to various fun and educational places, ranging from the planetarium and the zoo to the Great Salt Lake. Picnics in the canyon were a staple of summer. Summer classes enriched her children's lives.

Throughout her life, Sandra's belief in the Gospel of Jesus Christ never wavered. She often spoke of the Second Coming and the events leading up to it. Now she's gone to her Savior without needing to wait for Him.

Sandra's departure is felt deeply by her beloved husband Darold; her seven children and their spouses (Rob & Jeanne, Jan, Wendy, Benjamin & Maša, Dustin & Danielle, Derek & Barb, and Ari & Diana); 19 surviving grandchildren and spouses (Justin, Alena, Erika & Trevor, Taylor, Weston & Janell, Garrett, Zane, Addi, Isabelle, Olivia, Zanna, Andrew, Elizabeth, Max, Nathan, Peter, Kira, Ares, and Niko); six (plus one on the way) great-grandchildren; three siblings (Jock & Bonnie, Karen & Larry, and Jeff & Nila); and all who were lucky enough to witness her artistry and affection. She also leaves behind countless skeins of yarn.

Heavenly reunions are presently happening with Sandra's parents, Dwight and Norma, and her achingly-missed grandson, Stephen.

A fondest farewell, dear Sandra-Beloved Wife, Mom, Grandma, and friend. May your eternal life ever brim with brilliant colors. In lieu of flowers, Sandra asked for donations to be made to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. A Celebration of Life will be held for Sandra's family.