Sandi Walling

Sandi was born on May 11, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan to Loren and Beverly Frantz. In 1963, she graduated from Kimball High School in Royal Oak. Soon after graduating, Sandi began working for Chrysler Corporation as a secretary, and three years later, she met the love of her life, Neil, in the design department. They were married on February 18, 1967. She continued to work for Chrysler until 1969 and then left her position to begin another career – motherhood. Neil and Sandi raised two daughters, Christie and Kimberly.

In 2000, after her husband Neil retired, they moved to Bonita Springs, FL. For the past 22 years they have spent their summers in northwestern Michigan, enjoying the beautiful bay off Lake Michigan. They celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in February 2022 and have honored their wedding vows to love and cherish in sickness and in health, particularly during the last few years.

Sandi was born into a musical family and played the trumpet, piano and accordion and was also an accomplished soprano vocalist. Sandi not only faithfully attended church, but she used her musical talents for God’s glory. She gave voice and piano lessons, directed children’s church choirs for nearly 40 years, sang in the choir or for special solos, and accompanied the church congregation and other vocalists. She dearly loved her grand piano, a gift from her husband.

Sandi was very domestic and enjoyed sewing, knitting and other various crafts. She could often be found working her daily crossword puzzle or playing a few rounds of Solitaire or Boggle on her iPad. She loved a good bargain and refused to pay full price for anything. Her outfits were always perfectly coordinated with her jewelry, many special pieces of which were acquired on the cruises and trips she and Neil took to places like Alaska, the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Italy.

Sandi was a wonderful host and loved time spent with friends and family playing games or enjoying a good meal together. She created a beautiful network of neighbors and church friends over the years. In her short battle against pancreatic cancer, this network uplifted and supported her and her family tremendously.

Sandi is survived by her faithful, loving husband of 55 years, Neil, daughters Christie Riek (Norm) of Crossville, TN, and Kimberly Taylor (Todd) of Raleigh, NC, and three grandchildren whom she loved dearly; Colby, Savannah, and Brooklyn Taylor all of Raleigh, NC; two sisters, Susan (Larry) Foltz of Gladwin, MI, and Sharon (Mike) Rogers of Lake Orion, MI and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Loren & Beverly Frantz and one sister, Sherry L. Johnson. The family would like to thank Tanya of Hospice of Michigan for her kind and compassionate care of Sandi during her illness.

A funeral service will be held at Pixley Funeral Home 322 W. University Dr. Rochester, MI 48307, on Tuesday, September 27 at 12pm, with the Rev. Thomas Townsend officiating. Friends may greet the family from 10am-12pm. Burial will follow at Van Hoosen Jones Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, monetary donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse.