Leona Mae Sandridge

During the Great Depression the family moved to California to find work when Leona was 6 years old. They settled in Cucamonga where she grew up and graduated from Chaffey High School in 1946, just as WWII ended. Shortly before graduating she met a handsome returning sailor named (Guy) Sandy Sandridge.

After a brief courtship (3 months) they were married in Las Vegas on August 9th, 1946, and were married for 65 years until Sandy's passing in 2012. Both of them stated that their lives began when they were married.

They had a full life that included 4 children. Leona was an accomplished seamstress; made herself a suit for graduation which became her wedding dress. She sewed for her children, made many things including wedding dresses for her 3 daughters, for her sister Charlene, and bridesmaid dresses for Charlene's wedding.

Later on her oldest daughter Jeanne became disabled with MS. They cared for her as well as caring for their elderly parents all the while working 7 days a week running Sandy's Market in Upland CA.

When their son Danny was able to take over the business they became semi-retired and began building a beautiful home on a lake in Libby, MT. Full retirement allowed them to live a wonderful life full of friends, traveling, volunteering at the fire station, and for many years Leona assisted on the election board, as well as other volunteer work.

Leona became proficient in knitting and crocheting blankets, sweaters, and doilies. She crocheted baby blankets for dozens of people and made blankets for all of her grandchildren. She also painted with oils, and left many paintings for family.

As happens, after Sandy's passing, Leona wasn't able remain at the lake house and moved full time to Great Falls to be closer to family. As time went on, she wasn't able to live alone and divided her time between her daughters (and their husbands), in Apple Valley, CA and in Great Falls.

When her needs required it, she moved into a memory care facility in Great Falls for the remaining 3 years of her life. Although her memory was poor and she walked slowly, she continued to enjoy family visiting and her tomatoes, chocolate, or tacos they gave her at every visit.

She was preceeded in death by her husband Sandy, her daughter Jeanne, and her son Danny. Also her brothers Duane and Derrell, her sister Eloise and baby sister MarcyLou.

She is survived by her sister Charlene (Doyle) Dillon, daughters Susan Sandridge and Vickie (Ray) Leonhardt. She also leaves behind many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Rest in Peace Mom and hug Daddy for us.

In lieu of flowers, and because of the devastation of the disease in our family, the family requests donations to nationalmssociety.org

A visitation for Leona will be held Friday, January 26, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Stone Funeral Home, 355 East 9th Street, Upland, CA 91786. Following the visitation will be a graveside service from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Bellevue Memorial Park, 1240 West G Street, Ontario, CA 91762.