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Sandra Friedley Obituary

Sandra Starr Friedley, of Bayfield, CO, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2025. She was born in Denver, CO on July 24, 1953, to Harold and Besty Starr. She earned her Bachelor of Arts and Science from UC Boulder in 1975, and later her Masters of Botany from Western Colorado University. This led to a career in environmental consulting and a life of promoting environmental stewardship and education. She was a devoted wife to her husband of 38 years, Jim Friedley, and together they lived a life of adventure and travel. Sandy was a free spirit; descending many rivers, hiking many peaks and teaching others to fully appreciate the beauty in every moment, landscape, and within themselves. Sandra is survived by her husband Jim, daughters Danika (Matt) and Kayla (Russel), and grandchildren Ava, Addison, Tucker, and Elliana. A celebration of life will be held in her honor in September of 2025 in Bayfield, CO. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Native Plant Society or La Plata Open Space Conservancy.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Durango Herald on Jul. 6, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Sandra Friedley

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Tom Molina

August 26, 2025

My deepest condolences to Jim and family. Jim and Sandy were coworkers on a timber marking crew in Gunnison around 1983-84. Fun folks to work with , they had a paint gun fight and got turned completely orange! I ducked out, must´ve been a chore to get cleaned up! Sandy was always such a buoyant person and fun to be around. The best people always seem to leave to soon......she was one of those people.

Roberta Newman

July 26, 2025

Sandy was always so cheerful and always had a smile and ready to share a laugh. I am so sorry, she will be missed.

Marge Barry

July 21, 2025

I met Sandy when I worked with JIM many years ago. I was impressed by Sandy's enthusiasm, her humor and friendliness. I will always remember her fondly and was honored to have known her. Gone too soon. God Gless you Sandy!

Holly

July 19, 2025

Missing you so Sandy as we approach your birthday. You left us too soon.

Jackie Morlan

July 11, 2025

I first met Sandy at the Sun Ute Community Center along with Jim who both took Body Flow. I then realized that they hailed from Bayfield and I would often see her at the Post Office and around town. She was such a delightful person, always a smile and she was so into exercise. May she rest in peace knowing she left behind many people who loved her. She talked about her family all the time, especially Danika. I will miss her.

Loretta Jones

July 11, 2025

I am terribly sorry to hear about Sandra's passing. Such a great person. I skied, pickle balled and rowed with her. My sincerest condolences .

Marty

July 10, 2025

I will miss your laugh and the fun we had on the golf course. Thanks for being a friend.

Sharon Wickstrom

July 10, 2025

Words can't hope to express how much sorrow I feel that you're gone. You were the kindest soul and had a heart of gold. Thank you for the laughter and love.

Alyce DeChant

July 8, 2025

Ski's, boots, poles....one of my favorite one liners Sandy was known for.
We love you all and miss her so much. She left an amazing legacy.

Bob Starr

July 8, 2025

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

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