Sandra “Sandie” Bybee Petersen, passed away on April 10, 2024, at home in Meridian, Idaho, after a short battle with cancer. She was born October 10, 1943, in Boise, Idaho, the first born of 4 children to Burnell Bybee and Gwen Jensen Bybee. Sandie spent her early years in Boise and Bountiful, Utah, living with her mother in her maternal grandparent’s home while her father served in the Navy during World War II. As a result, she was very close to her maternal grandmother. She learned from her mother a love of dance and many other creative skills that she developed throughout her life. She grew to enjoy oil painting, sewing, crafting, quilting, cooking, camping, the outdoors and traveling. During her youth she was often babysitting or helping her family with their gardening and other chores. She also worked for her family in their variety store in Boise. Later in life she worked as an office manager for Dr. B. Kerry Lowder in Boise for several years until having to retire due to health concerns. She was a 19-year heart transplant survivor. Sandie attended Bountiful High School and graduated from Borah High School where she was involved in many activities including student government and clubs. She especially enjoyed her time on the Borah High drill team. She also studied at Idaho State and Boise State before getting married and dedicating her life to her family. On August 14, 1963, she married Milo James Petersen, Jr. in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They had known each other from their early youth which turned into a bond that helped them through many life situations. They made their first home in Provo, Utah, while Jim was attending BYU, during which time their first two children were born. They lived for a brief time in Twin Falls, Idaho and then later moved to Boise where they lived, worked and grew their family. Later in life they downsized their home to move to Meridian where they lived to the present time. Their home was filled with love, laughter and they enjoyed activities with their children, including camping and traveling, scouting, church service and activities, and enjoying the outdoors all to raise their children to be the people they are today. Sandie loved doing all the things that her boys loved to do. She helped catch frogs, lizards, snakes and enjoyed fishing as well. She was also a key contributor in several of her sons reaching the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. Her creativity was put to good use throughout the years making all kinds of clothing, costumes, décor, crafts and food for the family to enjoy and learn from. Their love of camping resulted in a unique experience at a favorite location often frequented by bears. They were woken up one night on an anniversary getaway where a bear’s nail caught the side wall as it smacked the tent, tearing the heavy canvas. Jim had hit the tent first trying to scare away what he thought was a squirrel. They ended up packing up and heading home in the middle of night, cutting their trip short, but laughing about it still. Sandie was passionate about her love of her husband and her family. She instilled in each of her children a sense of responsibility compassion and doing what is right. She taught them all to “Remember Who You Are” as a child of God and a member of our family. She had a great sense of humor, but also a strong sense of discipline and guidance. Visiting the ocean and spending time together with family was something she enjoyed immensely, especially as grandkids and great grandchildren came along. She traveled extensively with her parents as a child and later visited Mexico and Canada with her family and a special trip to Hawaii with her husband. Their 50th Wedding Anniversary was celebrated as a Hawaiian themed party as they were unable to return as hoped due to health issues. Sandie was a lifelong active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Throughout the years she served in several capacities and organizations within the church teaching, leading or serving adults, youth and children. She supported her husband and family also as they served in many roles including serving with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' missions to various parts of the world. Sandie is survived by her husband of 60 years, Milo James Petersen, Jr., her sons: Bret (Sue), Jason (Monica), Aaron (Lisa), Nathan (Anjeanette), Daniel (Emily) and Donell (Katelyn) and “daughter” Jenny (Chance), 22 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother. A funeral service will be held 11:00am, Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the Bridge Tower Ward Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2515 Ustick Road, Meridian, Idaho. A viewing will be held from 10-10:45am at the church prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Cloverdale Memorial Park, 1200 N. Cloverdale Road, Boise, Idaho. Arrangements are under the direction of Zeyer Funeral Chapel, Nampa.
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