Sandra Wood

Sandra Lois "Sandy" Wood passed away in the afternoon of April 1, 2024 with family by her side. She died at Villa River Ridge Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Billings, Montana from Cardio Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. She was 83 years old.

Sandra was the first born of a set of twins in Miles City, Montana to Eugene and Agnes Mae Gold Wood on March 28, 1941. She grew up on ranches in Powder River County, one of four siblings.

From a young age Sandra was athletic. She won many county track events for her age group in her 8 years in the rural elementary school South Stacey. She was strong and competitive in high school, as well, competing in statewide events. She has a box of blue ribbons to show for that hard work.

She had fun as a baton and flag twirler in high school. She marched briskly down Main Street in Miles City in front of the Custer County High School band for 4 years in all kinds of weather. Her sister has her baton, more than 60 years later, as effective protection from intruders.

Sandra was active in 4-H growing up. She showed several calves and fat beef at local Fairs. She had particular success with sewing projects. In later years she could sew a complete outfit from start to finish in a weekend. 4-H and her mother fostered her love for gardening. As a kid she much preferred to work in the garden with Mama to, for instance, churning butter. She has won awards for her garden productions and shared squash, tomatoes, onions, pumpkins and more with everyone.

Sandra went for two years to Montana State University in Bozeman, MT then taught for one year at Beaver Creek School in Powder River County. After her funds were replenished, she returned to Montana State University to earn a BS Degree in Physical Education and Business in 1964. While at MSU she joined Delta Gamma Fraternity.

After graduation and working on the ranch during the summer, Sandra taught physical education and coached volleyball and track in a junior high school in Corcoran, California. After two years there she taught next Ventura, California for four years. She then returned to Montana State University to get a Master of Science in Physical Education. The next 20 years she taught in Casper, Wyoming, starting at Kelly Walsh High School teaching physical education and business and coaching volleyball and basketball. She finished her teaching career as a traveling elementary teacher and coach. While in Casper Sandra earned a second Master's Degree in Education with an emphasis in computers and robotics. She then taught a computer class and coached the "Quation" team at Verda James elementary school.

After retiring from teaching, she began ranching with her father and brother at Stacey, Montana. After her father died and for the next 31 years, she managed the ranch herself. During this time, she worked at the Club Buffet in Ashland, Montana and took several trips to Idaho, Oregon and Alaska. She also had a crafts business showing in Miles City before the Christmas holidays. For recreation she bowled with a league in Broadus, Montana.

Sandra preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Mae Wood; her sister Blanche M. Wood; her brother Stephen L. Wood; and her stepmother Elphie Wood.

Sandra is survived by her sister, Helen Jeanne Jones; her brother-in-law Walter B. Jones; her sister-in-law, Jan Wood; eight nieces and nephews and twelve grand nieces and nephews.

Donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held Friday, April 12, at 2:00 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting http://www.stevensonandsons.com.