Sandra Neil Chance

If you are reading this obituary, then I have reached the last of my nine lives. I have faced death many times, but the good lord eventually wins the game of life. An obituary is usually dry and stuffy, but my adventures in life were very much opposite the norm. I Lived life to the fullest and on my own terms.
I was born March 26, 1949, in Houston, Texas. Graduating from Milby High School in 1967, I was a Businesswomen of America. I was also a Charter member of the Office Education Association, which was started in the 1966-67 school year in Texas to help students understand what it was like to work in an office. Students took regular curriculum classes in the morning and then worked in the afternoon. Next, I worked for Edwin K. Williams & Co. In the summer of 1967, I took the Federal Civil Service exam and was employed by Selective Service (draft board) as a clerk in Houston during the Vietnam War. In 1971 I transferred to the United Stated Air Force as a clerk at Ellington Air Force Base for the Civil Engineering group preparing bid documents for the bases. My son was born in 1972. When Ellington closed, I transferred to Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, Texas where I met my soon-to-be husband, Mark, who was stationed there.
I transferred to the General Service Administration in Austin in 1978. Mark and I were married in Austin on January 20, 1978. Mark was discharged in 1978, and we moved to Liberty Township, Ohio. I worked for WXIX-TV and Snap-on Tools before being offered a job at Lakota Local Schools as an accounts payable clerk. I went back to school while at Lakota Schools to get my Treasurer's License. I was promoted to Assistant Treasurer under Lowell Rausch. I worked for Lakota from 1980 to 2000. I was Treasurer for Lockland City Schools, then transferred to North College Hill City Schools where I worked until 2015. I was privileged to work with two wonderful Superintendents, Phil Fox at Lockland and Gary Gellert at North College Hill. Mark and I developed a love of Put-in-Bay in the late 1980s when I would spend vacations camping South Bass Island State Park with friends and family. In 2002, we decided the place we wanted to retire was Put-in-Bay, and it has become our home. I enjoyed my retirement years and the friends I have made on the island. Mark and I have been on numerous adventures, but the pleasant and sometimes whimsical moments were some of the best times of my life. My openness and friendly spirit led me to meet lots of great people, and I have shared compassion, respect and dignity for everything and everyone I have met.
I am survived by my husband, Mark, of 50 years, my son Wayne (Christy) Gremillion of China Spring, TX, grandson Alexander (Nicole Marie Byrne) Gremillion of Lake Stevens, WA, granddaughter Ashlyn (Matt Parks) Gremillion of Colorado Springs, CO, sisters-in-law Karen Zawacki of Michigan City, IN, Diane Chance of Middletown, OH, Vicki (John) Wilson of Liberty Township, OH, nephews Joel (Ellen) Zawacki of Indianapolis, IN, Matt Zawacki of Michigan City, IN, Jake (Keigan) Wilson of Maineville, OH, Kieran Wilson of Miamisburg, OH and her fur babies Simon, Beau, and Brandy.
I was preceded in death by my parents, Casper and Ciolet Douse Neely, father-in-law Jerry Chance, mothers-in-law Nita Chance and Beverly Chance, brother-in-law Tom Zawacki of Michigan City, IN, and nephew Brian Chance.
To those who will miss me the most, I want to say – take a year to grieve, then remember all the good times we have had. Laugh, joke, cry, but most of all smile at the things we did. This includes my husband, Mark, who has been by my side during this trip for nigh unto 50 years.
I wouldn't change a thing in my life, because then I wouldn't be who I am.
A celebration where all will have an opportunity to hoist a toast, shed a tear, hug one another, and talk honestly about me will be held at a later date.
My Island Friend, Marc Burr of the Burr Funeral Home, will be in charge of arrangements. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.burrservice.com.