Sandra Jean (Kelley) Espenshade |
| Posted 2025-11-03 by Pat R |
| Wickenburg Sun (Wickenburg, Arizona) Wednesday, September 17, 2025, p. A-4 Sandie Espenshade, born Sandra Jean Kelley on Jan. 29, 1934, in St. Paul, Ala., was the only child of a navy officer. Due to her father's military career, the family moved frequently, eventually settling in San Francisco after World War II. Sandie attended high school there and later married Joseph Taylor. Together, they had two children, Steven Allen Taylor and Cheri Taylor. The family lived in the Bay Area, where Sandie worked in a lab making computer chips. In 1975, the family moved to South Lake Tahoe where Sandie embraced mountain life. She returned to school to pursue a career in the medical field, starting in the medical lab and eventually taking over the EKG department. She was also instrumental in establishing the Gastro-enterology Department at Barton Memorial Hospital where she worked for 25 years. After the passing of Joseph Taylor, Sandie reconnected with her high school sweetheart, William Espenshade. They married and spent many years traveling in their motor home, working in various locations such as Zion, Bryce, Disney World and Yellowstone. Sandie had a passion for travel, visiting destinations like the Caribbean, Mediterranean, England, Egypt, Mexico and numerous places across the USA. She also enjoyed outdoor activities such as backpacking, swimming, and boating on the lake. Sandie is survived by her husband, William Espenshade; her daughter, Cheri Wakefield; and a large family that includes five grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. A memorial service honoring Sandy's memory will be held Friday, Sept. 26 at 1 p.m. at St. Alban's Episcopal Church followed by a reception in the Parish Hall. |
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