SANDRA STURGIS

SANDRA STURGIS Sandra Lee Gentry Sturgis, 78, passed away in her home on Sunday, November 9, 2025. Sandi was born on August 13, 1947, in Richfield, Utah, to Richard Mack Gentry and Rhea Evelyn Jensen Gentry. She was the oldest of nine children, a role that shaped her into a natural leader, teacher, and caretaker. From her earliest years, she learned to work hard, to love and care for others, and to value learning principles she carried throughout her life and passed down to her own children and grandchildren. Sandi studied at the Southern Utah State College (now Southern Utah University) in Cedar City, Utah. She later finished her undergraduate degree at Utah State University in Logan, Utah with a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Education (and a minor in History). During her time at Utah State University, Sandi was the Captain of the Debate Team. Following her undergraduate work, Sandi pursued additional studies in Education and Psychology, earning a Masters of Educational Psychology from Brigham Young University, and later became a Mental Health Counselor specializing in Marriage and Family Counseling. Her work touched many lives; she offered compassion, clarity, and hope to those who needed it most. On November 16, 1974, Sandi married the love of her life, Thomas Arnold Sturgis, in Richfield, Utah. Their marriage was solemnized in the Manti Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 8, 1989. Tom often said that the best gift he could give their children was a smart mother Sandi was that and so much more. They shared a deep partnership until his passing, and she has now joyfully reunited with her eternal companion. Sandi is preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Michael Gentry and R. John Gentry; and her beloved husband, Tom. She is survived by her children: Matthew Sturgis of Everett, Washington; Melissa (Ryan) Peterson of Lynnwood, Washington; and Melinda (Edward) Viscalla of Forney, Texas. She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Samantha, Thomas, Riley, Isabel, Mack, Conner, Ashleigh, Ivy, and Parker each of whom brought her immeasurable joy. Sandi leaves behind six loving siblings: Sue Gentry of Kaysville, Utah; Maxine (Robert) Long of Morgan, Utah; Richard Gentry of Richfield, Utah; Mary Adams of Monroe, Utah; Margaret (Dal) Hawks of Saratoga Springs, Utah; and Jim Gentry of Richfield, Utah. Sandi loved her family fiercely. In a world full of competing priorities, she always chose her family first. She was an educator, a mentor, a friend, a fighter, a companion but above all, she was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a proud grandmother. Sandi never shied away from an opportunity to help others, if she was able. Her legacy is one of kindness, generosity, resilience, and faith. Sandi remained devoted to the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout her life. Though physical limitations made church attendance difficult, she continued to learn, study, and strengthen her testimony from home. Her faith anchored her, and it now comforts her family. We are heartbroken by this loss, but we know that in Christ, all are made alive. We take solace in knowing that we are an eternal family. Even in our mourning, we find peace knowing that she has not only been reunited with her eternal companion, but that we will see her again. Funeral services will be held Friday, November 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. PST at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 8522 131st Ave SE, Snohomish, Washington (a viewing will be held just prior to the services at 10:00 a.m. PST). Interment will follow at G.A.R. Cemetery, 8601 Riverview Rd, Snohomish, Washington, where Sandi will be laid to rest beside her beloved, Tom.