Sandra Reed Hurst

With great sadness, we announce that Sandra (Sandy) Reed-Hurst of Bend passed away peacefully in her home on August 5th, following a lengthy illness. Affectionately known as “Sam” by her beloved husband Bill, “Mom” and “Sam” by her four daughters, Sharie (Reed) Hurst-Peasley and husband Bruce, Kristen (Reed) Hurst-Birch, Kym Hurst and Becky (Hurst) Sedlacek and partner John Farr. She was “Grammi” or “Grammi-Sam” to her six grandchildren: Meghan and Molly Birch; Anna, Will and Sarah Peasley; and Franky Sedlacek. Sandy was born Sandra Mae VanMeter in Klamath Falls Oregon on October 9th, 1947. She is survived by her sisters, Skip (Aleta) Caudill, and Mary Chance, and her brother, Rick VanMeter as well as her longest and very dearest friend, Sue Vernon. She was preceded in death by both her parents, Carl and Beaulah VanMeter and little brother Roger. “Fifteen-two, fifteen-four”—Sandy’s favorite pastime was the card game Cribbage, and she was a true queen of the game, winning several local tournaments. No matter the time or place, she always had a board handy and was ready to cut the cards. Sandy often said that she must have played a hundred thousand games in her lifetime. While keeping score with her granddaughters, she would tease that with all her winnings, she could “retire to a condo” in Hawaii—a lot of winnings at a nickel a point and a dollar a game. Sandy and Bill played nearly every day, keeping score throughout the year. The loser would “pay up” on December 31st, and a new score sheet would begin on January 1st. After working in the dental field for over 25 years, including the last decade with Bill in his practice, together they retired in early 1998. This gave Sandy the time to do what she loved most—being a grandma. She lived to take care of her family, always putting the needs of others first. Having been wheelchair bound for over twenty years, Sandy continued to cook every meal at home, making sandwiches daily for Bill’s lunch and planning monthly menus for suppers. The cookie jar was always full, brownie mix in the cupboard or ingredients for rice crispy treats were on hand. She was an avid coupon clipper and used the money she saved on groceries to fund several hunting trips for Bill and Will. When Sandy’s health allowed, her savings were also used to treat herself to a cruise with Kristen or Skip as she loved the ocean. Sandy loved going on road trips. Whether it was visiting family, driving through the mountains to see the fall leaves, or heading out to the high desert to look for deer, she always found joy in the journey. Whenever she could, and always with Bill’s dedicated help, she spent countless miles in the saddle on her trusty mule, Sybil. Sandy loved exploring the high country of eastern Oregon, including Hells Canyon and the Eagle Cap Wilderness while on pack trips, trail riding through the Cascades, and hunting for shed antlers here in central Oregon. Despite the health challenges she endured, Sandy never complained and always had a smile. She is remembered by many as “one of the toughest ladies around”. A life well lived and loved—please honor Sandy by playing a game of Cribbage or remembering your favorite stories shared, as she loved a good story. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please make donations in her name to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital – OHSU @ give.ohsufoundation.org A celebration of life will be held at the Hurst residence Saturday, September 21st, from 12:00pm – 3:00pm

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Sandra Reed Hurst

October 9, 1947 - August 5, 2024