Sheila Marie Sandula (Lehr) passed away unexpectedly while on vacation with her family in Mammoth Lakes, California in the Sierra Mountains.
Sheila was born October 25, 1942 in Detroit to Norman and Sylvia (Dugelar) Lehr. She devoted her life to her family and was a surrogate mother to many. She loved to travel and loved animals, especially horses, and enjoyed nature. Her move to Northern Michigan in 1984 was a dream come true. Her father nicknamed her "Tuff" and this was a good description of her personality. She survived many tough situations in her life and made many lifelong friends along the way. Through her dialysis and radiation, she always had a smile and made people laugh. Even though she had health concerns, she was a spitfire who had a strong determination for life.
She was greeted in heaven by her parents, aunt Ruby Madar, niece Charlotte Lehr, and great grandson Cayden Nelson.
Sheila's surviving family include her brother Norman (Joanne) Lehr, sister-in-law Nancy Lehr, daughters Tammy McKnight (Larry Brown) and Dawn Downs, son John (Aimee) Sandula, grandchildren Dawnyale Bacon, Haley Sandula, Jose Flores, Storm Sandula, Winter Sandula, Snow Sandula, Mary Kate (Matt) Steele, Dustin (Katie) Bacon, great-grandchildren Gabriel Bacon, Gage Bacon, Jayla Vanderveen, Dru Bacon, Zella Brock, Zander Brock, Cara McKnight, Emily McKnight, Brody McKnight, Aria McKnight, Molly McKnight, Bryalyn Steele, and Weston Steele, surrogate children Grant McKay, Lisa Philo, Margo Ammons, Anne O'Donnell, dear friend Ray Castro, numerous nieces and nephews, and furbabies Peggy Sue and Skeeter. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the caring people at Munson Dialysis and Bo Tangles Salon who became part of her extended family.
A celebration of life will be held Wednesday, July 5th at 11:00 am at Saint Michael's Lutheran Church at 912 S. Garfield Ave, Traverse City 49686 with a luncheon to follow. Pastor Jim Nihiser will officiate. Casual and bright attire is preferred. Memorials in lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to donate to the PEACE Ranch at 2570 Hoosier Valley Rd, Traverse City, MI 49685.
Please feel free to share your thoughts and feelings with Sheila's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com . The family is being cared for by Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.