Sandra Ann Riel

Sandra Ann Riel Sandra (Sandi) Ann Riel (Bockla) passed away April 22, 2018 after a brief illness. Diagnosed with Huntington’s Chorea several years earlier, Sandi remained committed to living her life to the fullest. Sandi was born August 3rd 1947 in Youngstown Ohio, the oldest of five. After graduating high school in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania in 1961, Sandi set out for great adventures crisscrossing the US, setting up camps in Colorado, Wyoming, Oklahoma, California and Montana. Sandi had many friendships that lasted her lifetime and remained close with many adopted and extended families. All of these connections made Sandi a wealthy lady. Sandi moved to Tacoma in 1987 where she remained until her passing. She retired from Western State Hospital where she made several lifelong friends. Sandi was quite the social butterfly who easily made friends everywhere she lived, worked, and went. Sandi will be remembered for her sense of humor with a very recognizable laugh, for always had a joke or funny story to share. Sandi loved music, road trips, camping and fishing, and barbecues. Sandi especially loved the Fourth of July. She is survived by her children, Ken, Chris and daughter in law Anette, and Mark Burkhart. Brother Carl Bockla and Sister Bonnie Smith. Grandchildren Michelle, Robert and fiancé Asmara, Amber, Jennifer, Kaylin and Emily, Daniel and wife Alex. Great grandchildren Noah, Elijah, Mallory, Thea Rose, AmayaLynn and Mathew. Sandi also had several nieces and nephews who she had fond memories of. Sandi’s Montana Family, niece Annette and nephew J.D. and great nephews Joey, Danny, Jake and great niece Adriana and their father Joe Trujillo, Sister and Brother in Laws Jeri and Dale Riel. And several great great nieces and nephews Partner of 30 years, Robert Thomas, and his children Jessica and husband Darren, James and partner Janie, and Larry. Grandchildren Vicky, Amanda, Daniel, James, Justin, Austin, Jessie, Chris, John, Samantha, Brittany, Sarah, Nathan, Rebecca, and several great grandchildren. Sandi is proceeded in death by her Mother Doris Bockla (Edsel), Sisters Dottie Henderson and Viola Coffill, and In Laws Robert and Verna Riel. A Remembrance Service and potluck will be held at Spanaway Lake, Washington, shelter E on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 1:00PM. A Celebration of Life will be held in Big Sky Country on Saturday, August 4th 2018. Email mdburkhart@gmail for information. This was just a small glimpse into a woman who was excited to be alive, and who touched many lives. Sandi was an amazing person and is loved, missed and will always be cherished. Arrangements by Edwards Memorial, Funerals Homes, Chapels and Crematories. 253-566-1008