Sandra Kay (Hughes) Kiefer

Sandra Hughes Kiefer passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2019, after suffering a stroke in Las Vegas, NV, her home of fifteen years. Fortunately, her children had the opportunity to visit and express their genuine love for her before she passed away. As a mother of four children and an eternal companion to her best friend and husband, Lee Kiefer, Sandra was well loved and perhaps most adored by her eleven grandchildren: Enzo, Chloe & Milan Couillens; Lila & Calvin Kiefer; Ronan Kiefer; and Ty, Aiyana, Aaron, Logan & Eliana Kiefer.

Sandra was born the second of six children to Dean and Alice Hughes on March 4, 1950 in Colorado Springs, CO. She grew up in Green River, UT and Sacramento, CA with her siblings William, James, Cindy, David, and Sheri. She attended Green River and Bellavista High Schools. Her adventurous childhood was enriched through her love of horses and exploring the outdoors.

Sandra met her husband, Lee, in Sacramento during her late teens. Almost immediately, Sandra knew she wanted to share her life with him. They were married on May 9, 1970 in Oil City, PA. They were sealed in the Oakland California Temple on August 2, 1975 for time and all eternity. They made their home in Sonora, CA, where they worked side-by-side in their construction business and raised their four children: Nicole (Renaud) Couillens of Hopewell Township, NJ; Jacob (Caroline) Kiefer of Lehi, UT; Ryan (Megan) Kiefer of Mount Laurel, NJ; and Daniel (Erica) Kiefer of Las Vegas, NV. Sandra and Lee spent nearly four decades together until Lee’s death in 2008. The couple was nearly inseparable as they found profound strength in one another.

Using her incredibly strong work ethic, Sandra blessed the lives of many. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She served in various capacities, but especially cherished her time in the Primary and Young Women Organizations. She had a special gift for working with children and teenagers and was beloved and trusted by them. Sandra loved animals, often adopting abandoned pets. These pets were welcomed into an almost jungle-like atmosphere within Sandra’s home where she cultivated a variety of beautiful plants and flowers. In addition to her passion for animals and plants, Sandra had a general love of nature. For Sandra, any day spent in the picturesque foothills of northern California or the high deserts of Utah was a day well spent. More than anything, Sandra was a dedicated and passionate mother. No school project was ever too big for Sandra; nor did she ever meet an obstacle she would not surmount for her children. She will be deeply missed by those whose lives she touched. Her family is grateful that through the atonement of Jesus Christ they will be united with her again.

Sandra is preceded in death by her husband, Lee Kiefer; father, Dean Hughes, two brothers, William and David Hughes; and grandson, Ty Kiefer.