Sandra Lee Ream Obituary
Sandra was born in Yakima on May 30, 1950 to Donald and Lorraine Ream. She spent her early years in Terrace Heights, on the family’s 2 acre farm with cows, pigs, and other farm animals. Their grandparents living in homes on each side. She enjoyed playing in the surrounding fields and creeks. She and her older brother were responsible for the milking of the cows both before and after school every day.
Sandy graduated in 1968 from East Valley High School, later attending both her 10 and 20 year reunions. She worked for several years at Mayfair Market, later moving to Monterey, California. She loved going out on the bay, fishing, sailing and just enjoying her time with friends, many that she met while working on the wharf at The Cove as a server for several years.
When she returned to Yakima she began as a server at the Ding Ho restaurant, first for Bob and Ming and later for Tony and Sally, watching both couples’ children grow up over the more than 25 years working there. Sandy made numerous friends of the regular patrons who often came to dine there to see her smiling face, not just to enjoy their meal. Many of these customers would recognize her and chat with her outside the restaurant for years to come. Sandy was a very hard worker and while working as a server she also cleaned people’s homes, making more friends, some very special, especially Kathy.
Sandy had a passion for reading, as a child often hiding in the closet so as not to be disturbed.
Not only did Sandy love her books, as an adult she was very adventurous and loved traveling, one of her favorite trips being to New Orleans with her dear friend Linda. OH, and she absolutely loved music. Barbara Streisand and Country music were amongst her favorites. She went to many concerts and also truly enjoyed the many performers at the local county fair.
Sandy played several games on her computer and quickly made friends with people she “met” and chatted with all over the world. She had numerous friends in the neighborhood where she lived. We are very appreciative to have them near by.
Sandy passed away on February 3rd, 2024 at The Cottage In The Meadow after losing her battle with a form of Lymphoma, her sister Pattie never leaving her side. Her family around her.
Sandy is survived by her siblings in Yakima, Jim Ream (Deborah), Patricia Abhold (Kris), Kenneth Ream (Guyila). Her Nieces and Nephews; Dawn ‘Ream’ Cohen (David Cohen) of Wilmette, IL., Kenneth Abhold of Georgetown, CA., Brie Abhold of Yakima, Lee Ream of Yakima, Courtney ‘Ream’ Cruz (David Gordon) of Yakima and several Great Nieces and Great Nephews.
Leanne Blank-Nine
Sandra is predeceased by parents Donald Ream (2014) and Lorraine Ream (2009)
Arrangements were handled by Valley Hills Funeral Home.
There are NO services as per Sandy’s wishes.
No flowers please. If you wish to make a donation in her honor, please feel free to make one to her favorite charity, the Yakima Humane Society or to your favorite. Thank you.
A Celebration of Sandy’s life will be planned at a future date.
The family would like to give special thanks to Janis and the wonderful people at The Cottage in The Meadow who cared for her with kindness and compassion.
She will be missed by many.
