Obituary of Sandra Stoehr

Sandra (Zilliox) Stoehr Sandra Jean (Zilliox) Stoehr, 71, of Olympia, Washington, passed away on Saturday, June 23, 2012 in Olympia, following an extended illness. Affectionately called Sandie by family and friends, she was born on May 16, 1941 in Yakima, Washington to James W. and Mary (Withers) Zilliox. Sandie graduated from Yakima’s West Valley High School in 1960. Following high school, Sandie enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps where she served as a cryptologist throughout Europe. She was briefly married to John Holmes after returning to the states and serving with the army in North Carolina. She and John had a daughter Peggy. Following a divorce from John and honorable discharge from the army, Sandie returned to Washington with her toddler daughter; she resided there for the remainder of her life. Sandie lived in Aberdeen, Elma, Shelton and Olympia, working in various retail and government positions before owning and operating Sandie’s, a women’s plus size clothing store in downtown Olympia from 1977 to 1979. She then went into property management with Arnold Stoehr. Sandie and Arnold married on March 12, 1981 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Olympia. Together they successfully blended their two families into one, loving all equally. Retirement brought travel and new adventures. Sandie and Arnold loved to travel throughout the U.S. in their RV and frequently took trips abroad. In addition to travel, Sandie enjoyed reading, crafts, her family and friends. She was a lifetime member of Beta Sigma Phi, holding all office positions numerous times. Before her health issues became a problem, she purchased property in Florence, Arizona; Sandie spent winters at her place in Florence. She loved the sun and warmth of the Southwest and used her time there to explore the area and the rich history and culture of the area. Sandie had a rare gift: she knew how to love all mankind and she brought joy and laughter wherever she went, even in her last days. Her loving ways will be missed by her family and friends. Sandie was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold Stoehr; her parents, Jim and Mary Zilliox; and two stepsons, Erich and Gerald (Gerry) Stoehr. She is survived by her daughter, Peggy Cobain (Glen) of Shelton, Washington; stepdaughter, Deborah Stoehr (Clyde Rains) of Shelton, Washington; three stepsons, Brent Stoehr of Big Lake, Alaska, Paul Stoehr ofTacoma, Washington, and Harold Stoehr of Cheney, Washington; 12 grandchildren; and one great grandchild. She is also survived by her sister, Judy Scott (Bill) of Queen Creek, Arizona; two nephews, Ron McLaren (Carla) of Queen Creek, Arizona, and Mike McLaren of Roy, Utah; as well as several aunts and uncles and numerous cousins. Memorials may be made in her name to the American Diabetes Association, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. The family is grateful for the love and support of family and friends during her extended illness and to the expert care and compassion she received from her physicians and the staff at Puget Sound Healthcare in Olympia. Special thanks go to her friend Nelda Cissell and cousins, Jackie Blair and Jean Taylor for their constant love and support during her illness. Please leave your memories of Sandie or condolences for the family in the Guestbook below.