Sandra “Sandy” Lee Addington, age 77, a native Californian passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2023, in Thatcher, Arizona with her family by her side. She was finally released from the mortal pains of Alzheimer’s disease and reunited with her eternal companion, Bill.
Born September 20, 1946, in Alhambra, California, she was the daughter of the late Dorthy May (Morgan) and Legrand J. Reeves. Sandy grew up in Arcadia, California with her younger brother Russell Reeves. As a young child, Sandy’s curiosity led her family to rekindle a faith in God when she asked her mother where all the families were going dressed in their Sunday best. Freckle-faced and determined, she excelled in school and developed a life-long love for the beach from living in southern California.
She graduated from Arroyo High school and attended Brigham Young University and Pasadena City College. A highlight of her college experience was touring with the Yovial Dance Troupe throughout Israel and Europe.
Sandy met William “Bill” Calvin Addington at church in 1970. Her boisterous personality was drawn to his quiet, humble countenance and they were married in the Los Angeles Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on May 22, 1971. They raised their four children: William Brian, Cari Lee, Joy Elizabeth and Laura Christine in Suisun City, CA.
Service was a hallmark of her life. Sandy was a natural leader and faithfully served in many volunteer church positions. As a young mother she served as primary president for many years, teaching young children about Jesus Christ. In addition, every summer for a decade she volunteered as Camp Director for the Fairfield Stake LDS Girls Camp attended by more than 200 teenage girls. Each year she donned her chili pepper printed wardrobe and became “Sergeant Pepper” serving and singing with the girls in the mountains of Redding, California.
She was a hard worker, never without a project in her hand or a book to read. A talented florist, she worked to support her family and share her love for others with beautiful floral arrangements. She was also known to regularly send hand-written birthday, holiday, and thank you cards to uplift family and friends. Spending time with her grandchildren was her favorite pastime. She traveled all over the globe to see them. She placed great value on having fun together and always made time for a trip to the pool, a bargain-hunting shopping trip or good food that she did not have to cook! She earned her beloved title of “Grandma Bubbles” one day when she made bath time more fun by blowing bubbles on her oldest grandchild, Kristina.
She had a zest for life and stood up for what was right. Her independent and strong-willed spirit helped her rise to life’s challenges. After Bill’s unexpected death in 2001, she lived as a widow for 22 years. A few years after he died, Sandy relocated from Suisun City to Henderson, Nevada to rebuild her life. Although she always missed the green hills and flowers of California, she loved her home and new friends. During that time, she served two LDS service missions and loved to be in the temple to feel close to Bill. The last year of Sandy’s life was spent in Thatcher, Arizona under the loving care of her daughter, Laura.
Sandy is survived by: her four children and their spouses, Brian & Lori Addington, Cari & Matt Zobrist, Joy & Scott Wilson and Laura & Steve Orme.
Her greatest joys were her 21 grandchildren; Kristina & Victor Martinez, Cody Addington, Troy & Rachael Addington, Morgan, Brooke, and Ty Addington; Emily & Brendan Heale, Adam Zobrist, Josh & Meghan Zobrist, Ben, AJ, Jacob and Sarah Zobrist; Calvin, Oliver, Eliza, Freddy and Maye Wilson; Samantha, Gilbert, and Shaylee Orme.
Sandy was also blessed with five great-grandchildren: Emalynn, Autumn, Amelia and Elena (due any day) Martinez, Brynlee Addington, and Maverick Heale.
She was preceded in death by: her husband, William “Bill” Calvin Addington.
Graveside services will be conducted Friday, November 3, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. at Rockville Cemetery, Fairfield, CA. A celebration of life will be held in Henderson, Nevada in early 2024. More details to follow.
In lieu of flowers, Sandy requested memorial contributions to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple or mission fund.
Online condolences may be offered at www.viningfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
