Sandra Lee Snethen

November 8, 2024, Sandra Lee Snethen ‘took the bus’. She began life’s journey on November 17, 1946, in Angola, IN born to Alfred and Naomi Poe. The family moved to Whitehall, MI when she was very young. Sandy enjoyed riding her bike to the beach and hanging out with the family dog Nana, a giant St Bernard. A new opportunity led the family to Hazlet, NJ in the early ‘50’s. She was always self-assured and adventurous. As a teenager, Sandy would ride her bike to the station in NJ and board a train to New York City. Her father approved of her skipping school for these trips and would buy her tickets to museums and the Broadway shows. Later the family settled in Northville, MI. 

Being the independent lady she was; after graduating high school she departed Michigan on another train headed for Ottawa University. She told her girlfriend she was going to find herself a bow-legged cowboy. Wasn’t long after she met the love of her life, Paul Snethen. He was not a cowboy but definitely bow-legged. They married June 19, 1965. They began their life together and started a family in Ottawa. 

In 1972, they moved to Pomona. As per the times, the boys grew up free range with a pack of local kids. The empty lot next to the family home had more baseball games played on it than the school’s field. There was a revolving door for kids in and out of the house.

Sandy had a long career at HD Lee, Designer Products, and Carousel Trading. Eventually she owned and operated her own business Xanthos Graphics where her creative talents and designs shined. 

Sandy had many hobbies and past times over the years. She enjoyed crafting and making jewelry. Loved to plant flowers, begonias being her favorite. She and Paul enjoyed sipping wine under the gazebo in the backyard. This summer she spent countless hours on the deck watching Paul tend the flower and vegetable gardens. The couple shared a love of cars. Being avid enthusiasts, they are long time members of Over the Road Gang where Sandy held different roles in the organization. Sandy was a longstanding conservative Republican. She volunteered with the local candidates and worked polling booths at election time. They enjoyed traveling with friends to car shows and time spent glamping at the lake in their motor coach. Sandy was a strong supporter of FedEx and UPS with her on-line shopping. She loved to give gifts with Christmas being her favorite time of year. Sandy had a strong faith and was active in their church until her health no longer made it possible to attend in person.

Another passion they shared was the love of strays – cats and dogs. The revolving door once used by the neighborhood kids, now let the animals in and out. Sandy was partial to the Whippet dog breed. They rescued 3 over the years. Countless stray cats were lucky enough to find their way to the back door, too.

When Sandy boarded the bus early Friday morning, she left behind her husband of 59 years – Paul Sr; her two sons and their wives – Paul Jr & Johna, Sean & Shelli; 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; her three younger brothers and their wives – Chuck, Bill & Kim, Al & Chris. Those who proceeded her on the ride home were her parents, beloved sister-in-law Carol (Chuck) and numerous close friends.

Sandy lived her life on her terms. She had unconditional love for her family and friends. She had strong opinions and a tender heart. Instead of flowers, the family would prefer a tribute contribution to Kansans for Life. To honor her memory, donate at: kfl.org. Select the ‘Donate’ drop down menu – Tribute or Memorial Giving option. Select ‘Dedicate this donation’ to leave the family a note: kssnethenfamily@gmail.com

A memorial service will be held at 10am January 25 at Ottawa Community Church.

To share your memories of Sandy or to send a special condolence message to her family, please visit the guestbook below.