Sandra D. Ottley

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Our beautiful, zany and eccentric mother, Sandra D. Ottley, joined her beloved husband Bob, our father, on June 30, exactly seven years to the day of his passing. Her body gave out before her spirit following a brave battle with cancer. 

Sandra was born at home on Oct. 21, 1938, in Arco, Idaho, to Sam and Maxine Martin. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Evanston, where they settled into their new home and new roots. 

Sandra was a 1956 graduate of Evanston High School and was always proud to be a “Red Devil.” She loved Evanston High School and remained very close to her high school “girlfriends.” On May 4, 1957, she married Robert H. Ottley in Evanston. Together they raised their four children: Parke, Christy, Todd and Aimee.

Sandra, Bob and their children owned and operated the Husky Car Truck Stop and Flying J Travel Plaza in Evanston. She was an integral part of the business until their retirement in 2001. After she and Bob retired, they moved to Chandler, Arizona, for warm winters and lower elevation; however, her heart remained in Evanston.

Sandra was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She cherished her family and friends. Anyone who knew her knew she was blessed with the gift of gab, and because of her outgoing nature she never met a stranger. She loved rodeos, and the Grand Entry would always bring tears to her eyes. She was patriotic and had a passion for country western music. The University of Wyoming sports was a huge part of our parents’ lives. Our mother adored the “Pokes” and especially loved singing “Cowboy Joe.”

She is survived by her four children, Parke (Kelly) Ottley of Evanston, Christy (Mike) Eastman of Evanston, Todd (Lottie) Ottley of Gilbert, Arizona, and Aimee Ottley of Chandler, Arizona; 10 grandchildren; a gaggle of great-grandchildren; her four sisters, Dawna Fowkes, Patricia (Kaye) Wilson, Colleen (Kay) Fackrell and Lori (Ralph) Frederickson; brothers-in-law Dennis (Sandy) Ottley, Dean (Pam) Lott; sisters-in-law Delores Ottley and Jeannie Lovell; as well as numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert H. Ottley; grandson Casey J. Ottley; her parents, Sam and Maxine Martin; her brothers-in-law K. Fowkes, Mack Lott and Kent Ottley; sister-in-law Terry Hutchings; and nephews Ryan Fackrell and Rob Lott. 

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. tomorrow, July 8. Interment will be in the Evanston City Cemetery. 

Condolences may be made at www.crandallfhevanston.com.