Sandra Earlene Jackson

Sandra was born January 15, 1941, in Wallace, Idaho to the late Earl and Madge Mithaug. She was two years older than her brother, Dennis Mithaug, who now lives in Florida with his family.

Sandra met her beloved husband, John L Jackson in 1962 in Spokane, WA and they married in August 1964. After living in Seattle and San Francisco, CA, they moved to Redmond, WA with their daughter Julia in 1969. In 1970 they welcomed their son James into the family. In1975, Sandra opened The Dance Studio & Dance Shop in Redmond, WA. She retired in 1996 after 21 years of success and inspiration to many students.

Sandra, or Sandy as she was called by those who knew and loved her, began her dancing career at the age of 4. She would go on to perform with her brother in numerous performances, talent competitions and TV appearances. She opened her first dance studio in 1955 called Sandy’s Dance Studio in the back of her mother’s department store (Madge’s) in Osborn, ID. The first recital at the Wallace Civic Auditorium titled “Around the Months We Go”, showcased more than 40 students and had 300 people in attendance. The family moved to Spokane Valley when she was 15 and after graduating from Central Valley High School and attending the University of Washington for two years, she decided that her calling was to teach dance. So, she left college to focus on teaching and opened and operated 3 studios in Priest River, ID and the Spokane Valley until she and Jack were married. Then, after Julia and James were older, she came home one day and announced there was a vacancy at the local Redmond Shopping Center and that she should open a new dance studio. And so “5,6,7,8” the Dance Studio & Dance Shop of Redmond, WA was created.

Not only proficient as a dance instructor and performer, Sandy was also an accomplished accordion and piano player. While in high school, she was the Central Valley Football Queen, the secretary-treasurer of the ASB and the head cheerleader her senior year.

Sandra was beloved by many and is especially cherished by her former students, not only for her dancing skills but her life advice. She taught her students to “believe in yourself, no matter what happens, just keep going. Shoulders back, chin up and don’t forget to smile!”. Emphasizing the development of the child’s talent and personality, the Dance Studio welcomed all. There was always a place for everyone.

Sandra is survived and her memory cherished by her husband John, her daughter Julia Ruesseler and son, James Jackson and his wife Julie, as well as her grandchildren Joline and Jon Ruesseler and Emily and Allie Jackson, and many cousins, relative and former students.

There will be no service. In lieu of flowers, donation to the American Diabetes Association

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CedarLawns-Washington.com for the Jackson family.