Sandra Lee Clemons

peacefully passed away in the presence of family on February 27, 2022 in Merced, Ca. As the daughter of a rancher, Sandy grew up and lived her whole life in the Central Valley. She attended Plainsburg Elementary, Le Grand High (Class of 1968), and Fresno State where she graduated in 1972 with a degree in Physical Education and a minor in History. Fresh out of college, she immediately began her three decades plus long career in education in the Merced City School District and the impact she would make was astounding. Her daughters always joked with her that going to the grocery store was never a quick trip because everyone knew her and she would stop to chat with each person. Sandy’s teaching tenure began at Hoover Middle School as a PE teacher. It was here that lifelong friendships were made with her colleagues that became like family. She spent a brief time teaching GATE at Sheehy Elementary but the blacktop called her back and she returned to her PE roots at Hoover. Eventually, Sandy earned her master’s degree and administrative credential then made the leap to the “dark side” of administration for the next 18 years at various schools including Rivera Middle, Chenoweth Elementary, Sheehy Elementary, and Cruickshank Middle. As an administrator, Sandy was the epitome of a school leader. Her passion for children, learning, and building relationships led to a lasting legacy. Even both of her daughters followed suit, becoming educators themselves. Her retirement in 2006 was not the end of her career, however. She stayed busy as an administrator substitute for the next 10 years and loved every minute. As much as Sandy loved her career, her top priority was her family. With Vince, her husband of the last 22 years, they made the most of their retirement time traveling internationally and cruising with friends. Family vacations to Palm Springs, Tahoe, and Hawaii were some of her favorite times. But

nothing brought more light to Sandy than her six grandchildren. Her favorite role in life was Grandma! She

loved fiercely and spoiled them with her time whether she was baking them blueberry muffins or cheering them on during a sporting event, she was there for them. Sandy was always there for her family, in any way they needed. Her sparkling blue eyes, radiant smile, contagious laugh, and nurturing spirit will be greatly missed. Sandy is survived by her husband, Vince Clemons; daughter, Heather (Michael) Arnold; daughter, Brooke (Ronald) Luker; stepdaughter, Kari (Rocky) VonWagner; stepdaughter, Kristi (John)Kane; grandchildren, Madison, Jackson, Riley, Haley, Leah, and Hunter; brother, Alan (Debby) Watts, her two aunts and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and AnnaBelle Watts. A celebration of Sandy’slife will take place on Friday, March 11th at 11:00am at Gateway Community Church, 353 E Donna Drive in Merced. A reception will immediately follow the service at Ravello’s Restaurant, 560 W 18th Street in Merced