Sandra “Sandy” Joy Rowles went to be with the Lord on December 8, 2022.  She lived a challenging but full life.  Sandy was born March 25, 1949, the second of five children to Reuben and Ona Smith.  

Early beginnings:  She graduated from Altus High School in Oklahoma.  Sandy went on to pursue a number of professional positions.  During these years two daughters were born:  Holly Michelle, and Samantha Kristine (Kristy).  As a working mom, Sandy held an administrative position at the Baylor School of Dentistry in Dallas.  In later years she moved to southern California and was a human resources manager for BIOLA University retiring in 2014.

Sandy & Mike – Our Story
by Mike Rowles

New person in her life:  In 2001 Sandy was introduced to Mike Rowles by mutual friends.  She remembers that he was two hours late for their first meeting because “he had to work?”  They were both single parents (Mike has three sons) and very cautious about this whole dating thing.  They did grow in their relationship and under the guiding hand of the Lord marriage plans were put into place.  They were married in their home church Water of Life Community Church, Fontana, CA July 20, 2002.  One of their first orders of business was to have a home built for them.  Sandy loved this home and made it very attractive and comfortable.

Work and fun:  Both continued in their full time work positions but found plenty of places to go sight-seeing and enjoy get-away weekends at the local resort Lake Arrowhead, close by beach towns, a variety of national parks, and other memorable locations. Their most favorite place was Coronado Island (San Diego).  They quickly discovered a variety of restaurants that became a must do for recurring visits.  Adventures included a weekend on the Queen Mary and a visit to see the redwoods.  Jeopardy was Sandy’s favorite TV show.  One of Mike’s Christmas presents was a surprise trip to the Hollywood studios where they enjoyed a live taping of the program hosted by Alex Trebek.  Other adventures included a wide variety of activities.

Cookie Mission for March AFB:  Mike and Sandy had a special project every year at Christmas time.  As a retired Air Force officer, one of Mike’s traditions was to take cookies on Christmas Eve to the eight units on duty at March AFB where he was previously assigned.  It was to show appreciation for their commitment to serving the Air Force mission when everyone else was dreaming of sugar plum fairies. Prior to getting married, Mike and his son Brandon filled small cookie tins with store bought cookies and then they delivered them going unit by unit at the base. Before they were married it’s not clear Sandy knew that she would be called to put her wonderful cooking skills to work for this effort.  But she cheerfully stepped up to the task and significantly upgraded the cookie tins.  They went from small to large and were filled with two or three different types of delicious cookies.  The men and women greatly appreciated receiving them.  Starting at 11:00pm Sandy would help Mike load the special gifts in his car and off he would go to complete their Cookie Mission.  They enjoyed a sense of togetherness and accomplishment.  It brought special meaning to their Christmas.

Family visits:  Visits to/from sons and daughters were always so special.  It was a delight to see their grandchildren, share special occasions, and watch them grow.  There was always lots of fun and laughter.  They were blessed with 9 grandchildren:  Cody and Piper (Dan, Holly Campbell); Ivy and Posie (Kenny, Kristy Carter); Alexis and Bailey (Eric, Judith Rowles); and Ryanna, Makayla, and Emelia (Ryan, Kristin Rowles).  Visits from Mike’s youngest son Brandon and his wife Yurim were also always a treat.

Church activities:  Sandy and Mike were very active in Water of Life Community Church.  They attended weekly worship services led by Pastor Danny Carroll.  They enjoyed participating in Bible studies and going on retreats.  Sandy facilitated discussions for her women’s Bible study, and Mike was involved in supporting activities for the men’s group.  It was a blessing to be a part of the church community.  Sandy was an encourager for people in their faith walk.  She was loved by all in her Bible study group.

Cancer occurs:  In 2015 Sandy encountered cancer for the first time.  It was breast cancer leading to extensive surgery.  She was blessed with full recovery.  However her fight was just beginning.  Over the next few years, there were subsequent attacks from cancer in the breast area and other areas.  With early diagnoses, there were surgeries, and complete recovery after each one.  Sandy moved on to enjoy periods of good health and living life to the fullest. She was blessed with wonderful medical care at City of Hope hospital in Pasadena, CA.  This story does continue with St Luke’s Medical Center in Meridian, ID.  In every instance Sandy gave thanks and praise to the Lord Jesus for his loving and caring hand.

Move to Idaho:  Through the years in California, Sandy and Mike had spoken of and dreamed of moving to Idaho, Mike’s home state.  With her continuing good health, they made all of the plans for the move.  They had a home built for them in Meridian (Boise, ID), sold their California home, packed up, and moved into their new home on November 7, 2016.  It was time to start a new life.

Getting Settled:  Sandy pointed out that the backyard of their home needed some basic landscaping.  She said she preferred to not look at dirt all winter.  With the wonder of a sod- installed lawn and a few shrubs what was brown became green.  Happy wife, happy life.  We also began looking for a new home church.  After visiting several churches we felt led to become a part of the Rock Harbor Church. We were blessed to attend services in its temporary location at Rocky Mountain High School.  Then be a part of the building of a new church and attending the first services there in December 2021.  Pastors Keith Harrington and Scott Harrup do a wonderful job of bringing the Word to all in attendance.

Life in Idaho:  Sandy loved living here and sharing with me the beauty of this area.  The sunsets and sunrises are a site to be seen with the many shades of pink and gold splashed against the background of an Idaho blue sky.  We enjoyed looking at the ice carvings during the Winter Carnival held in McCall, a town in the mountains to the north.  Another fun thing was to take a sleigh ride amongst the elk herd that resides in the local area during the winter.  The bull was keeping a close eye on us as we got up close and personal with him.  One of our many fun expeditions was driving through the Sun Valley and Stanley Basin areas in the fall tracking the shimmering leaves of gold on the quaking aspen trees.  The fall foliage of the Meridian area is breathtaking.  A summer outing we took was to ride the Mountain Coaster roller coaster at the nearby Bogus Basin ski area. It skims along the mountain side while going through the trees. Sandy screamed all the way down and we laughed so very hard at the end.  There are many old mining towns in Idaho.  Our trek to see Silver City was over a bone-jarring dirt road but it was well worth the ride.  Most of the town structures are vacant.  However, the hotel is still active.  It was like we stepped back in time to the mid-1800s to sit at an original wood table, and see men standing at the bar, pistols on their sides.  On a visit to the Idaho State Penitentiary Museum, I enjoyed putting Sandy behind bars.  She quickly broke out of jail.  Activities of the local area would not be complete without a visit to the Idaho State Capitol.  When we went there the legislature was not in session.  I took a picture of Sandy sitting in the chair of the Speaker of the House.  The memory list goes on.  We enjoyed our adventures together.  

Travel to see family:  We made visits to our children and grandchildren.  Each was a very special time.  This included a trip to the London area to visit Kenny, Kristy, Ivy and Posie.  Kenny is in the Air Force and they were assigned to Mildenhall Air Base.  We enjoyed seeing many of the sites and having dinners in the local pubs.  It was a very memorable trip.

Travel to see Sandy’s siblings:  Sandy has three sisters and a brother.  She and her family were very close.  They held their family gatherings in Russellville, AR.  These recurring gatherings were such fun.  We enjoyed time together with Beanie & Gene Martin, Loretta & Mike Long, Kitty & Mike Glass, and Mac & Cathy Smith.  Early visits included seeing their dad, Reuben Smith.  The three sisters had an especially good time swapping stories of their growing up years. And Mac chipped in with his stories.  These were very precious times for Sandy.  We looked forward to each get-together.

Gatherings with Mike’s siblings:  I have a sister and three brothers.  We have annual reunions at various locations.  Sandy fit right in with my sister and sisters-in-law.  We enjoyed playing games, fun conversations, and seeing different sights. During the reunion each couple would prepare one of the evening meals.  Sandy’s chicken divan was always a hit.  Some of the gatherings have been held in the little town of Challis where my brother lives and we have family roots.  Sandy so enjoyed our visits there.  Our family reunions included Terrie & Bill Bridgeman, Carter Rowles, Don & Bonnie Rowles, and Charlie & Katie Rowles.  In earlier years our dad, Gridley Rowles was there.

Favorite charities:  Sandy was a very generous and giving person.  She made monthly and or frequent donations to St Jude’s Foundation, Metro World Child, Angel Tree, City of Hope Hospital and others.  We enjoyed participating in the annual Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure held in Boise.  Sandy looked really sporty in her pink hat, pink t-shirt and the medallion hanging around her neck.  It was such fun.

2022:  In January Sandy was once again diagnosed with cancer.  The return of a tumor had occurred.  Surgery was not an option because of its location.  Thus began another battle.  The doctors indicated there may be a possibility that the cancer could be contained.  Her oncologist prescribed immune therapy for her.  This was intended as a long-term solution for containing the tumor.  As it turned out the therapy produced no results.  As the fall time arrived, her health started to decline.  Throughout this whole journey her faith remained strong and we prayed for recovery.  She was such a fighter.

On November 30th I took her to St Luke’s emergency room.  I remember vividly the doctor asking her how she was.  Sandy sat straight up in bed and said “I want to be with Jesus!  I want to be with Jesus!” She was faith-filled and knew exactly where she was going.  She was transferred to the hospital and placed under hospice care.  She received such warm and attentive care from the hospice team.  My heartfelt thanks go to: Amanda Nielsen SW, Megan Pollock RN, Katie Boyd RN and Kathleen Rose Chaplain.  The morning of Thursday, December 8th she was welcomed home by her Lord Jesus.

Special Memories:  Living with this cancer brought us to a closeness we had not known before.  There was a softening of our spirits and a steady stream of saying “I love you.”  There are two parts of our daily routines that I especially cherish.  In the mornings we would listen to a “Verse of the Day” from an app on Sandy’s phone.  Sometimes we had to come back to this later because of morning appointments.  We never missed a day.  These were inspirational messages and a source of heartfelt conversation.  They gave us a feeling of oneness.  We also frequently nestled together in a hug standing in front of a cozy fire in our fireplace.  Words were not needed.  I was thankful for the opportunity to be her full-time caregiver.

Gratitude:  On our behalf I would like to express sincere gratitude to Dr. Bucur, PA Ryan Parten, oncology, Dr. Cooper GYN, and Amy Cruze Palliative Care for their amazing connections with Sandy and their heartfelt care for her.   

Celebration of Life:  Plans are underway for a celebration of Sandy’s life.  It will be held on February 18, 2023 at 2:00 pm.  The location is the Cloverdale Funeral Home, 1200 N Cloverdale Rd, Boise, ID 83713.  Kristy and I have hired Willowise service to set up a website that has service information, a biographical sketch of Sandy’s life as well as there is a gallery of family photos in memory of Sandy.  They cover our married years as well some of Sandy’s earlier times.  The service will be recorded and available for viewing after the ceremony.  The website address is:  HonoringSandraRowles.com

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Sandy’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital would be appreciated.

A new chapter:  I recognize I am beginning a new chapter in my life.  I’m glad to say I know who the Author is.  My sincere appreciation goes out to you dear family, friends, and my classmates from McCall-Donnelly H.S. for your support and listening ears. I share a special note of thankfulness to James and Caroline Majestic for their caring visits and follow-on encouragement.

Finally, I so appreciate the friendship with Pastor Scott Harrup that Sandy and I enjoyed.  He was a big presence in her last week.  I value his guiding hand in my steps toward the future.  Blessings and Big Thank You to all!

• I have set the Lord always before me.  Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.  Psalm 16:8