SANDRA LYNN ODENS

Funeral services for Sandra Lynn Odens will be Wednesday, May 12 at 1:30 p.m., at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield. The services will be streamed on the Springfield, Emmanuel Reformed Church Youtube site. Burial is in the Emmanuel Reformed Cemetery, rural Springfield. Visitation is Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield. Peters Funeral Chapel in Springfield is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials should be directed to the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield and the Avon/Dante Pink Ladies Dart League.

Sandra Lynn Odens was born March 22, 1943, in Grand Rapids, MI, the daughter of Authur and Helen (De Geest) Schaafsma. She died Thursday, May 6, 2021 at her home in rural Avon, in hospice care surrounded by members of her family after a three year courageous battle with cancer.

Sandra graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School in 1961 and from Davenport Institute in Grand Rapids in 1963 with an associates degree in executive secretarial assistance. She graduated with honors. She later moved to Denver, CO where she met and married Gary Bald-win Odens. They were married in Our Savior’s Reformed Church on April 25, 1969. Four children were born to their union.

Shortly after being married, Sandy moved to Springfield with her husband and became a farm wife. Farming was a new way of life for her, but she embraced it. She spent many years working alongside Gary on the farm and in the dairy barn. She also worked at the University of South Dakota Springfield in the Office of Dean of Students and Women for several years before staying home to raise her children. Sandra later worked for 26 years at CR Industries in Springfield. She loved helping her co-workers and welcoming everyone who stepped in the doors.

Sandy loved to garden, knit, sew, and go on long walks. Sandy enjoyed traveling with her family and friends. She enjoyed her cruises to Alaska and Panama. She also loved her trips with her siblings to the Black Hills and Colorado. Sandy enjoyed working outside in her vegetable garden and growing beautiful flowers. Sandy was active in the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Springfield. She was a member of God’s Garden Circle. Sandy was very proud of her children and grandchildren. She greatly cherished spending time with her family.

Thankful for having shared her life are her husband Gary of Avon; four children: Shelly (Pete) Sorenson of Neola, IA, Shane (Missy) Odens of Armour, Scott (June) Odens of Sioux Falls, and Greg (Rachel) Odens of Avon; eight grandchildren: Samuel, Benjamin and Emile Sorenson, Mady Oweet and Marie Odens, Lance, Abegael and Lilyanna Odens; her brother Arthur (Carol) Schaafsma of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and sister Linda (Steve) Coleman, also of Grand Rapids, Michigan; and many nieces and nephews.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents.