Ida "Sandy" (Sanderson) Williams

With family close by, our wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away on June 18, 2021, Ida Sanderson (Sandy) Williams, 92, in Great Falls, MT. 

Sandy was born to George and Bess Sanderson on Dec 13, 1928, in Kemmerer, WY.  At a young age, Sandy and her family moved to Elko, Nevada. Sandy and her brother, Bill, lived a simple existence in Nevada. She attended Elko schools and graduated from the University of Nevada. Sandy met and fell in love with William (Bill) Williams, a young WWII veteran from Minden, Nevada. Upon graduation from college, they were married in Elko on June 18,1950. Shortly after their wedding, they moved to Butte, Montana to start their new life together.

Family was always at the center of her life. She devoted herself to creating a home that was loving and nurturing. Sandy enjoyed traveling, spending time at the cabin on Canyon Ferry Reservoir, reading, sewing, solving jigsaw puzzles, spending time with family and friends and loving her dogs. She was especially fond of schnauzers. Whether participating in her children’s Cub Scout and Girl Scout activities, spending time outdoors or planning special events for holidays,Sandy worked hard to make lasting memories for her children and grandchildren.  

As her family matured, Sandy went back to college to earn a teaching certificate and began a twenty year teaching career. Until Bill’s work required a move to Denver, Colorado, she loved and nurtured her second grade students. In Denver, she worked in several offices as accountant/bookkeeper until their return to Montana in 2008.

She is survived by her children Bill (Anita) Williams, Prescott, AZ; Mike (Karyn) Williams, Mesa, AZ; and Lisa (Peter) Keville, Great Falls, MT; 7 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.

This last year and a half of isolation has been exceedingly difficult for her and for her family.  Special thanks to the staff at Grandview Timbers for many years of care and comfort. Also, thanks to the caregivers at Grandview Ario Cottages and Peace Hospice.

A memorial to celebrate her life will be held at a later date.

We will greatly miss her!

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