In the early morning hours of Oct. 4, 2024, Sandra Jean Smith-Miller, 67, better known as Sandy or Mrs. Sandy, of Pagosa Springs, Colo., broke free from her earthly bonds of suffering and walked into the arms of her Lord and Savior. The heavens are rejoicing at her homecoming.
Sandy was born in South Carolina on Oct. 27, 1956, to Joseph and Shirley Smith. She spent her childhood in Franktown, Colo., and Montrose, Colo., where she graduated from Montrose High School in 1975 and where she met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Miller, in 1977. They settled down in Pagosa Springs, Colo., in 1978, where they spent 46 years together.
Sandy enjoyed gardening, sewing, thrift shopping, and she could never resist a yard sale. She loved the Lord and believed in the power of prayer. Her faith was unshakeable and she walked by faith, not by sight. She earned a master’s degree from Fort Lewis College in early childhood education. Later on in her battle with multiple sclerosis, which she fought courageously and on her terms, she enjoyed going to lunch and visits from her friends.
One of Sandy’s greatest passions was shaping young lives as a teacher for Head Start for more than 30 years. The love, compassion and understanding she had for Pagosa’s children is a light that will shine on.
Sandy’s greatest accomplishment, the one she was proudest of, was being the most wonderful mother to Robyn DeLisle (Miller) and Adam Miller, as well as a grandmother to her greatest treasures, Kayliegh, Kayden, Katie and Tiffany.
Sandy was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Smith; mother Shirley Smith (Stewart); and brothers Michael Smith and Edward Smith.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Miller; daughter Robyn (Jeremiah) DeLisle; son Adam (Linnea) Miller; grandchildren Kayliegh Barnett, Kayden Sandoval, Katherine (Dylan) Fulton and Tiffany Miller; along with many beloved extended family and friends.
There will be no services per Sandy’s request except for a private memorial with family and friends at a later date.
“Through many dangers, toils and snares
“I have already come:
“‘tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
“and grace will lead me home.”
I fully and wholeheartedly believe I will see you again someday, Momma. Everybody we have ever loved, whose souls are intertwined with ours have always been, from the beginning of time. Death is not the end.
In memory of Sandy, please consider a donation in her name to one of the following: the National MS Society, Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, Multiple Sclerosis Foundation or National Head Start Association.
