Sandra Lee Mayhue

Born and raised in Altoona, PA., she lived with her parents,

Helen and Leroy Stell, two sisters, Rosie and Patty, and her step-

brother Billy.

Still a teenager, she became a wife and mother. She brought four

children into the world before that marriage ended. - Helen, Danny,

Cindy and Randy Phillips.

Sandy eventually moved to Florida where she met someone and along

came Michele and Glenn; who were later adopted by husband #2,

T. Biggs. When that marriage ended she lost custody which broke

her heart.

Then in the latter part of 1980, our paths crossed and eventually I

became husband number three.

Sandy told me she had worked at different jobs, but when we met she

was a waitress at LUM's restaurant. She never told me until after we

were married that - the first time she saw me she didn't like me at all.

BUMMER !

But apparently I won her over. We were married in December 1980.

Although I was still on active duty in the Navy, we managed to gain

custody of Michele and Glenn and raised them the best we could.

Of course, Sandy did most of the work because I was usually away on

a deployment somewhere. I will admit, those two were a handful,

but they both turned out well and made us proud.

We celebrated 31 years of marriage 20 December 2011.

I won't say it was always laughs and giggles. There were many trials

and tribulations to deal with, but my stubborn "Redhead" always seemed

to get in the last word. What I wouldn't give for one more spat.

Sandy loved animals, so it only seemed logical she would start a pet

business. Starting in the late 90's, she specialized in exotic birds.

At first it was only the flea markets and bird shows, then came the

big step of setting up shop. She chose Ocala, FL., why I never did

find out, but it may have been because her son Glenn lives there. She

branched out to exotic pets such as sugar gliders, and provided food,

supplies and cages for exotic and domestic pets, fish and reptiles.

She held her own for several years until her health started to

deteriorate and interfere with every day operations. She finally had

to give it all up in 2001. Since then she has suffered numerous

hospital visits for illnesses, injuries from falling and surgeries.

Chronic pain has been her worst enemy, depleting her strength,

memory, stamina and ability to fight the diseases she has faced.

Through it all, she has been a trooper. GOD love her ! I DO ! !

She tragicaly lost three children:

Helen at birth in 1963,

Danny under mysterious circumstances in April 2010, age 53,

and Michele to cancer in September 2010, age 39.

No matter what, she remained strong and supportive of those left behind.

Sandy was there by my side being the strong one when my son David passed

away in 2008. Sandy has always treated my sons as her own family, with

love and compassion only a mother knows.

She did have her faults (but usually wouldn't admit to them.

I'll never forget one time. We were signing some legal papers and she

unconsciously signed the wrong last name. I never let her live that

one down, but she has returned the favor several times.

There is no pain now, Honey. Just endless bliss in heaven.

Sandra is survived by her husband, Bruce, his son Allen, her two sisters

and step-brother, one daughter, two sons, fifteen grandchildren, at least

three great grandchildren, and more neices and nephews than I can count.

We all love and miss you sweetheart ! Keep the bench warm and I'll be

there before you know it. It may take awhile, but the journey will be

worth it to be with you again.