Sandra L. Bowers

Born on August 15, 1949, in Lincoln, Nebraska. She was the daughter of Glenn Forrest Bowers, and Shirley Bowers (nee Shirley Belle Parker). Sandy, as she preferred to be called, was followed by the birth of her only sibling, her brother Thomas Glenn Bowers (wife Lorraine Bowers). Sandy and Tom grew up in the town of Lincoln initially, with a brief interim move to Texas, before their permanent move to their childhood home: Renton, Washington. A divorce between Sandy’s father Glenn Bowers and her mother Shirley Bowers occurred prior to relocating to Renton. Together with their father, Sandy and Tom had briefly returned to the Lincoln area where Glenn met and happily remarried Ruth Spahn (nee Ruth J. White). Ruthie (as she was lovingly referred) largely raised Sandy and Tom as her own children, and to whom Sandy and Tom lovingly considered their only mother. Sandy and Tom had three adult stepbrothers, as Ruthie had previously raised three sons in Nebraska prior to the passing of her first husband: Jeff, Norm and Graham Spahn. Ruthie was kind, nurturing and supportive, and both Sandy and Tom benefitted from her care. Ruthie passed in 1995, and Sandy’s father Glenn passed in 2013.

Sandy attended Kennydale Elementary School, McKnight Junior High School, and then Renton High School. She later attended college at the University of Washington and Seattle University. She completed an Associate in Arts Degree from Highland Community College in 1984 and another Associate in Arts Degree in Business in1985, also from Highland Community College. She had an early interest in the Chinese cultural exhibit in the Seattle area.

Sandy worked in varied settings, drawing on her business and accounting skills. She worked at PP&L for a time, and at the Renton Ford car dealer as well. Her latest employment was with Good Chevrolet where she eventually retired. She was well liked by her friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Sandy was blessed with a generous and open spirit. She loved animals and especially cats. She also often helped others challenged with homelessness. Sandy experienced many health problems throughout her adult life, making her every day functioning challenging. She suffered from multiple bouts of cancer, as well as other health problems, but still managed her best to live a full and independent life. Sandy passed on June 13, 2026, after her long and courageous struggles with cancer. She is survived by her brother Tom and her sister-in-law, Lorraine. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and neighbors.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to the American Cancer Society in Sandy's name.