Sandra Roys
Sandra Roys, age 88, of Ames, formerly of Volga and Waukon, passed away December 8, 2022. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Volga.
Sandra Lucille Martin Roys was born October 4, 1934 to Michael and Vera (Hesner) Martin in Volga. Sandra’s childhood was carefree enjoying time on the farm. She graduated from Volga High School and went to Iowa State Teachers College (now known as the University of Northern Iowa) in Cedar Falls. She then was an elementary teacher until she married John Roys. John and Sandra had been high school sweethearts and tied the knot August 11, 1956.
Sandra then threw herself into her next and most favorite role as a mother to Robert (Kathy), Janet (Keith Gillespie), Nancy (Peter Cyr), Peggy (Robin Whiteplume) and Julie (Ugo Okoro). Her grandchildren include Kristen (Kevin) Salkas, Jason (Kirsten) Roys, Chinyere Okoro, Chukwuma Okoro, Beth Cyr, Amy Cyr, Zik Okoro, Jenna Whiteplume and Uche Okoro; and two adorable great-grandchildren, Whitman and Remy Salkas.
Sandra was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John; her sisters, Lavon and Jeanne, and their husbands, Earl Corrigan and Carol Reynolds, respectively; her son, Robert Roys; and her sons-in-law, Eric Emery and Ugo Okoro.
For work, Sandra would at times substitute teach, mostly taking long-term substitute assignments while the family still lived in Monona. After the move to Waukon, Sandra worked several years at Pamida before working at the Allamakee Treasurer’s office until she retired.
Sandra’s love language was making sure everyone was fed and comfortable. She baked each week for her family and the other school and church events. This meant one day was dedicated to baking with many bars and cookies while her children were still at home. Sandra also made desserts to be enjoyed at the end of each meal.
Sandra loved her grandchildren and shared adventures with them in many different ways, such as making delicious cinnamon rolls; driving them around in the little red truck to see the farm animals or burned down school house; and taking them to feed the fish. Delicious food and bountiful snacks were a treasured part of any visit to grandma’s house: cheesy potatoes, Skittles and M&Ms, tiny sodas and cereal boxes, and Ziploc bags of assorted chips and nuts for the drives back home.
Sandra was loved by many. She was a great conversationalist and talked with everyone in the room. She would make friends with almost anyone and her curiosity and spunkiness were non-stop.
Sandra’s children knew she loved them with all her being, as she reminded them when she would end conversations with them. Sandra will be dearly missed by her loved ones.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the family.
