- "Sandra Dale Folkerts, 73, died at home with people who loved her by her side on July 24, 2010, after a brave and dignified fight with pancreatic cancer. Sandy was born in Blair, Neb., to Mary and Elmer Jensen on Jan. 14, 1937. Her first role in life was to be a big sister "Dude" to Larry and Paula, and friend and best cousins with Roma and Lila Jean.
Mom's family meant the world to her, but she was soon busy raising her own family. Sandy spent her life loving and raising her children, through many trials and tribulations. She held several jobs throughout her lifetime but the only one that really mattered to her was being a mom to the seven of us.
In 1984, she finally married her true love, Arthur Folkerts, and found her partner in all her endeavors. Together, they set an example of what the miracle of true love and hard work can accomplish. Each of us kids knew the true meaning of "home" because of their love.
Mom was such a strong woman with a soft heart. She taught us to speak our minds when we needed to, to be true to ourselves and to always put the love of family first. Mom, we want you to know that each of us treasured our time with you. We all loved the way you "adopted" our friends as part of the family. Your heart always had room for one more. Thank you so much for all the memorable holidays and beautiful Saturdays. The memories of the music and laughter and warmth will carry us through.
Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Mary; favorite aunt Ruth and uncle Johnny; beloved son Randy; baby brother Gary; and husband Arthur Folkerts. She is survived by son Rick (Donna) Folkerts; daughters, Leanne Berger, Tara Piersall, Susie Liebelt, Krissy Duenow (Danny Lester) and Tracy Folkerts; grandchildren, Caylon, Merill, Natalie, Jake, Derek, Jessica, Chelsea, Miranda and Sammi; great-grandchildren, Zoe and Lucas; sister, Paula (Tolbert) Carter and brother Larry (Mary Lee) Jensen.
Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Friday, July 30, at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com."
(Published by Billings Gazette on Jul. 27, 2010)
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