Sandra “Sandy” (Swanson) Johnson was born on May 27, 1948, in Whitefish, Montana to James and Jordis (Erie) Swanson. She left this world on March 1, 2024, in Lubbock Texas after a sudden decline in her health due to a rare autoimmune kidney disease.
Sandy was raised in Eureka, Montana surrounded by siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and great friends. She loved to share stories about riding horses, picking raspberries, and spending time at their home on Glen Lake. Many memories were made in the family’s horse pasture, fondly named Horse Turd Hill. Montana always remained home for Sandy, and it is here in this special place that she requested her ashes be scattered.
Bob and Sandy began dating during her senior year of high school. They were both raised in the same small town. Neither of them can remember the first time that they met, only that at some point Bob asked her on a date and the rest is history. After graduation, Sandy attended a business program in Spokane, Washington. After she earned her certificate in keypunch operation, she returned to Eureka and married Bob on February 25, 1967. They celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary one week before her passing. A common theme in their marriage was travel. In the early years, they spent time attending and competing in rodeos around Montana, Washington and Canada. In their middle years, they crisscrossed the United States with Bob’s job, and in their later years they stayed busy attending school and sporting events for their four grandsons and their chosen granddaughter.
In 1981, the family moved to Artesia, New Mexico which quickly became their second home. During their time spent at church, work, community gatherings, and their children’s activities, they made many friends that became family.
After many years dedicated to being a wife and a mom, Sandy began working outside of the home. She joined the Best Western Pecos Inn as a night auditor and quickly worked her way up to the position of General Manager. Sandy was great at making people feel welcome. Her office door was always open to guests, employees, or anyone else who wanted to have a chat and sample the variety of candy she kept in supply. She retired in 2020, after 35 years of service.
One of Sandy’s greatest joys was spending time with her grandchildren: Grandsons Brian McCaleb, Kyle Myers, James Murray, and Robert Murray and chosen granddaughter Rebecca Jean Woody. Like her beloved Grandma Erie, Sandy had a gift for making each grandchild feel special and cherished. We would like to acknowledge the many people that were part of Sandy’s chosen family. To the many that called her “Grandma Sandy”, she loved you all.
Her daughters, Jody and Kristin, credit their mom with teaching them love, kindness, and how to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.
Sandy is survived by her husband of 57 years, Bob Johnson, daughter Jody Myers and husband Brock, daughter Kristin Murray and husband William, Grandsons Brian McCaleb, Kyle Myers, James Murray, and Robert Murray, chosen granddaughter Rebecca Jean Woody, her sisters, Brenda Swanson, Paula Wise and husband Fred, brother Jim Swanson and wife Jeanne, brother-in-law George Johnson and wife Lauraine, brother-in-law Bill Johnson and wife Marilyn, brother-in-law Don Johnson and wife Ruth, sister-in-law Sally Johnson, and sister-in-law Mary Ann Morin and husband Glen, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Sandy’s favorite bible verse is Matthew 7:7-8
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; know and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one that knock, the door will be opened.” (NIV)
A memorial reception will be held in Artesia from 10:00 am -12:00 pm on Saturday, April 13, at Harvest Fellowship in the Garden Room.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorial contributions be made to Voice of Hope at voiceofhopetexas.org.
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