Sandra Lea Skelton Niebur, age 89, died in Mesa, Arizona, on Wednesday, August 28, 2019 of causes incident to age.
Sandra was born October 2, 1929 to Leonard William Skelton and Phillis Hepler, in Pasadena, California, where she grew up. She attended the University of New Mexico where she earned her bachelors degree in biology-before DNA was discovered- and met Robert Gerald Niebur. They married in 1951 and became the parents of five children, Natalie, Jerry, Lorrie, Lila dn Lisa, who were raised primarily in Phoenix, Arizona.
Sandy's life took a dark turn early on when she became ill with schizophrenia not too many years into the marriage. This disease impacted Sandy's life and all those around her for the remainder of their lives. In the later years of the disease she took solace in the faith that she embraced after she left the atheism of her youth. Her faith in Jesus Christ and her membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was comfort to her to the end of her long life.
As an adult Sandy earned a masters degree in Special Education from Arizona State University. She then taught homebound students and also mentally ill adults who were preparing to take their GED exams. Sandy enjoyed doing family history work, serving in her church, following conservative politics, and serving Christmas Eve fondue dinner to her family.
During her last years she lived in Springdale assisted living and nursing care in Mesa, Arizona. She is survived by brother Leonard Skelton, sister Ginger Plasch (Bruce), her five children and spouses, 20 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
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