Sandra Jean (Blankenship) Dunn Sandy was 82 at the time of her death and resided in Nampa, Idaho. Sandy went to her eternal home in glory on the morning of Wednesday, September 11, 2024. Sandy died from end-stage ovarian cancer in her son’s home while under the care of her family and hospice. Sandy was born to Rose and Fred Blankenship in Inglewood, California, on September 14, 1941. Sandy was proceeded in death by her son, E. Frederick Dunn, her parents, and her sister Doris. Surviving are her children Laura Parmer (63), Jennifer (James) Coop (62), Sheila Denise (Michael) Tate (59), and Philip (Kimberly) Dunn (56), fourteen grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren. Also surviving are her brother, Christopher (Vicky) Blankenship (74), and sister, Christine Maguire (74), and numerous nieces and nephews. Sandy grew up in Southern California and always talked fondly about her childhood memories. Sandy was a huge help to her mother when her twin siblings were born when she was 8 years old and often said both her mom and her were always holding a baby. One of Sandy’s favorite pastimes in her youth and young adult years was dancing; she took dance lessons for years. Sandy and her friend, Carol, loved to attend all the USO dances on Catalina Island. Sandy had the great privilege of dating, marrying, and loving her high school sweetheart, James Bilbrey. Sandy spent her entire adult life loving the Lord and seeking to serve Him. She taught us all a lot about how to live like Jesus. Sandy was extremely dedicated to loving her family well. She found a way to be present for everyone and all their special moments; even if no one else showed up, you could always count on her to be there. All of her kids and most of her grandkids have stayed in her ever-ready spare bedroom when life presented transitions and changes. And we’ll never know how she found the time in her days to have lengthy, experience-filled conversations with so many of us. Two things that could be found in Sandy’s possession at any given moment were her sunglasses and her purse. It’s hard to find a picture of Sandy without her shades on. And if you ever needed a travel buddy, Sandy was your gal! She was always up for an adventure, especially if it meant traveling to a new location. She eagerly vacationed with many of her kids and grandkids over the years. Sandy’s favorite was Christmas, and every year, on Christmas Eve, you could find her by the Christmas tree surrounded by her grandkids and great-grandkids as she handed out gifts. We will hold cherished memories and carry on her legacy of loving each other well, forgiving quickly, and laughing as much as possible. We love you, mom, and we have great joy that you are experiencing your eternal glory, but we will miss you every day.
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