Sandra K. Bullard Schnuckel

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Sandra K. Schnuckel who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Sandra was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Sandra knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

Sandra was born on November 24, 1945 at Bellin Memorial Hospital in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Her parents were Virgil and Norma Bullard. Sandra was raised in California. Even as a youngster, Sandra learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

As a young girl, Sandra was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. Sandra was raised with three siblings. She had two younger brothers, Rick and Dennis, and one younger sister, Sheree. Sandra had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Sandra, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced.

Sandra's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Sandra enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. In her spare time she liked dancing, music, roller coasters, and singing "Allie Oop" with her friends.

In school, Sandra was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of her classes. She would eagerly complete her homework, and often put in extra study time when she felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Sandra was always good at following directions and meeting her schedules, whether they were set by her teachers or were self-imposed. Sandra’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” She went to Excelsior High School in Norwalk, California where she had to drop out of school in 1961 to start a family. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite classes in high school were Math and Dance. The teacher she enjoyed learning from the most was her father, Virgil. She is remembered by her classmates for her dancing skills. She loved to do the "Sock Hop". Her favorites words were "Wow that's spastic".

Sandra was sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. She enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Sandra was a member of a group, her interaction worked to keep the others grounded. She wasn’t afraid to confront her friends and, when necessary, she challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Sandra came to expect her high standards of performance. While growing up, some of her best friends were Lana, Anna Olivas (Vigal), Joan, Melba Williams Day, and her first love was Doug. Later in life, she became friends with Judy Moorehead, and Sharon who she worked with at McDonnell-Douglas.

An objective and conscientious individual, Sandra reveled in the security of her family. She married her second husband, William Edward Schnuckel, on January 2, 1970. Sandra exchanged wedding vows with William at the The famous "Hitchin Post" Wedding Chapel of Las Vegas, Nevada and skipped down Las Vegas Blvd. holding hands after the ceremony. One of Sandra’s most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends.

Sandra was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Sandra would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. Sandra was blessed with four children, three sons, Terry, Harvey, Billy, and one daughter, Julie. They were also blessed with four grandchildren, Kristy, Wesley , Aaron, and Nicolette.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Sandra was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Sandra was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Sandra upheld her standards. Her primary occupation was aircraft assembly technician. She was employed for McDonnell-Douglas Aircraft Corporation. Sandra was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Sandra approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were dancing, ceramics, quilt making, trying to sew, games with the family, camping, cooking, boating, putt putts in the desert, and working in her garden of flowers. Sandra was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone, but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Sandra to do in life and that carried over to her enjoyment of sports. In high school, Sandra loved dance class. Recreational sports included Line Dancing. (Always danced barefoot). She also was somewhat of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite events with friends whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list was watching the "Green Bay Packers" play football.

Being generous with her time and energy, Sandra liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. She was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. Her desire to uphold traditions and her ability to take charge of any type of project made her a tremendous asset. In high school, Sandra was a member of dance groups.

Faith was important to Sandra. She held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay she saw around her. For that reason she held spiritual beliefs that she was willing to share. She was a Christian and believed in Jesus her whole life. She also enjoyed going to Bible studies and prayer as a child.

As someone who placed a high value on showing gratitude, Sandra could graciously accept a “thank you” extended to her by those she helped. However, individual recognition wasn’t a motivating force for Sandra; rather, when she saw that there was a need to get something done, she was more than willing to give her time and energy in order to see it accomplished. Some of her most prestigious awards included growing championship roses in her rose garden.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Sandra used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that she made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Sandra had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Cancun, Mexico and a Mexican cruise with her husband and friends, a family drive from Nevada to North Carolina stopping in every state along the way, many boating/camping trips to Lake Mead and the desert with family and friends, and a trip through Northern California and the Lake Tahoe area.

Sandra was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Sandra’s favorites was Missy, a minature Poodle. They were best friends for 10 years. Her family was rounded out by her dogs, a goose, chickens, an owl, birds, Homing pigeons, rabbits, and a pony.

Sandra’s retirement arrived early, but she was prepared. In retirement, she found new pleasure in babysitting grandchildren, being a homemaker, landscaping, many projects at home, "bowling" with her husband and many friends (haha), games on Facebook, and talking on the phone for hours. In many ways, Sandra loved retirement. It provided her with the opportunity to catch up with her friends, and tackle new interesting activities.

Sandra passed away on September 16, 2010 at her home in Henderson, Nevada with her son Billy and daughter Julie by her side. Sandra fought a brave battle against cancer which was discovered in the late stages shortly after her husband of 40 years had passed. She is survived by parents Virgil and Norma; her children Terry, Harvey, Billy, and Julie; her stepchildren Sherry and Ronald; her grandchildren Kristy, Wesley, Aaron, and Nicolette; her brother Rick and sister Sheree. Services were held at Palm Mortuary in Henderson on September 23, 2010. Sandra was laid to rest in Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City Nevada with her loving husband, William Edward Schnuckel.

All who knew her would agree that Sandra was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Sandra K. Schnuckel did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Henderson-Funeral Home, Henderson, NV.