Sandra Kay McKee

Sandra (Heth) McKee, age 76 of Toledo, “took the reins with Jesus” on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at the Iowa River Hospice House in Marshalltown.

Born Sandra Kay Heth on July 9, 1949 in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of Harold and Virginia (Rainville) Heth. She graduated from Washington High School and later from the University of Northern Iowa.

Sandee had a passion for life and two significant parts of that life were friends and horses. She will be remembered for a life marked by adventure, as she made friends everywhere with her work at the Iowa Juvenile Home and her time in the saddle. Sandee worked at the Iowa Juvenile Home in Toledo for 34 years, as the physical education, health and wellness teacher, as well as planning activities for the youth. Working with these young people in crisis was Sandee’s vocation but horses were her lifelong passion. It was a source of joy, freedom, and connection. On horseback, Sandee felt most at peace, exploring new places, meeting new people, and living each moment of life, determined to not miss opportunities for adventure.

Her passion for horses started as a child when she made great effort to visit anyone who had a horse, since she didn’t. She started off with riding her cousin’s ponies, but that was just the seed that developed into a huge love that she cultured by owning, riding and driving horses of various breeds and backgrounds. She would tell stories of driving carriages in Des Moines and racing Stagecoaches, and even making cross country drives! She was a charter member of Mid Iowa Driving Association and served in several positions in the organization.

Her priority passion was traveling and riding with her many equestrian friends. She loved riding in Utah, especially experiencing riding mules for the first time. However, Sandee rarely turned down an opportunity to ride anywhere with almost anyone! She treated her horses to some very exciting rides and sights. She loved riding them to the EDGE of a lookout to see what was on the horizon. Her mounts were well cared for and each one grew and matured with her love.

Jesus was and is a personal friend to Sandee. Through adversity and, as cancer tightened its grip on Sandee’s life, she grabbed more onto the hand of her Savior. She knew her time on this earth was being shortened and just like every other adventure she planned, Sandee was prepared and excited for her next adventure. Sandee’s greatest desire was that we all seek a relationship with Jesus and find that same peace. Sandee had no regrets in life and she knew how to live life to the fullest!

Sandee was quite innovative! She created Iowa Valley Carriage, where she became a legend in the harness world. She made a huge impression with her knowledge of equipment and the insight to find just what a driver needed. Many of her customers became lifetime friends. Later, she began Horse Trails Less Travelled, which became to riders what IVC was to drivers.

Generosity was another way Sandee shared her passions with people. As her health deteriorated, she began gifting her belongings to others, bringing joy to many people who treasure the title “Sandee’s friend”.

Per Sandee’s wishes, there will be no viewing. For those attending her service, food and fellowship will begin at 12:30 P.M. on Monday, December 29th at New Hope Christian Church in Marshalltown. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 P.M. Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Toledo, where Sandee can rest looking over her acreage. Memorial donations may be directed to Sandee’s estate for later designation.

Sandee was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Virginia; and many beloved animals. Left to celebrate her life are her dog, Huckleberry; her horses, Denny and Bo; hundreds of dear friends that she has met in all avenues of her life; and her brother, Kenneth Heth of Hiawatha.

Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted to care for Sandee and her family. To leave online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.

~ Lovingly written by Sandee’s friends, which became her family.