Shepler (Gross), Sandra Charlene "Sandy"
Sandra "Sandy" Shepler passed away peacefully on December 14, 2024, at The Pillars Hospice Home in Oakdale, MN, surrounded by family and friends. Sandy was a resilient warrior who battled cancer multiple times, teaching us to live with grace, strength, and determination in the face of adversity. Her strong faith in God was central to her life as were her lifelong friends and family.
Born in Anna, Ohio, on July 10, 1943, Sandy graduated from Anna High School and earned a B.S. in Education from The Ohio State University and an M.Ed. from The University of Dayton. She dedicated her career to teaching at Miami Valley Career Technology Center in Ohio, impacting many students' lives. Sandy really enjoyed working with high school-aged students.
Sandy is survived by her children, Marna Ricker (Erick) of White Bear Lake, MN, and Jamie Shepler (Ashton) of Dayton, OH; three grandchildren, Cooper & Colton Ricker and Dalton Shepler; brother Wayne Gross (Marilyn) of Indian Lake, OH; one nephew, Duane (Kristie) Gross; and three nieces, Marla Bayliss (Terry), Melinda Bornhorst (Don), and Cindy Raybern (Terri).
After retiring, Sandy lived on Mackinac Island, MI, and in the mountains of Colorado, working in hospitality and volunteering at church. In 2009, she moved to Minnesota to be near her daughter and family, always continuing to work as a substitute teacher and church volunteer.
Sandy cherished her family, especially her grandchildren, and enjoyed attending their athletic events. She was often found skiing, playing tennis or golf, riding her bike or taking long walks. She was an avid Ohio State fan til the end. Sandy loved reading, traveling, and exploring new destinations; she was never afraid to set out on her own.
No matter where she lived, Sandy always found a "Lake" to gather with her friends and family, including Indian Lake, OH; White Bear Lake, MN; and Lake Cumberland, KY. She will be fondly remembered with a cup of coffee in hand gazing out over a lake on a beautiful summer morning saying how blessed she has been. Until we meet again, you will live in our hearts and minds; and we know you will be in the stars, the shadows and the hummingbird keeping watch over us.
In remembrance of Sandy, donations may be sent to: 1) Pillars Hospice House (www.beyondhospicemn.org), select Pillars Hospice Home or Pillars for Life Capital
Campaign; or 2) St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN 55115 (www.saintandrews.org).