Sandra Starr Friedley

Sandra Elizabeth Starr Friedley, of Bayfield, Colorado, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2025 at the age of 71. She was born in Denver, Colorado on July 24, 1953. She was daughter of Harold(Bill) and Elizabeth(Betsy) Starr and step daughter of Phylis Starr, and was one of nine siblings. She earned her Bachelor of Arts and Science from UC Boulder in 1975, and later her Masters of Botany from Western Colorado University. This led to a career in environmental consulting and a life of promoting environmental stewardship and education. She was a devoted wife to her husband of 38 years, Jim Friedley, and together they lived a life of adventure and travel. Sandy was a free spirit; descending many rivers, hiking many peaks and teaching others to fully appreciate the beauty in every moment, landscape, and within themselves. Sandy is survived by her husband Jim, daughters Danika (Matt) and Kayla (Russel), and grandchildren Ava, Addison, Tucker, and Elliana. She is also survived by her sisters Sharron and Suzy (Kurt), brothers Bill and Bob, stepsister Jan (Paul), and step brother Jeff (Mindy). She is preceded in death by her parents Bill and Besty, stepmother Phylis, sister Shelley (John) and brother Scott. A celebration of life will be held in her honor in September of 2025 in Bayfield, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Colorado Native Plant Society and La Plata Open Space Conservancy.