Sandy Walls

Sandra Lea Walls

August 20, 1940 – February 5, 2026

Sandra Lea Walls, lovingly known as Sandy, passed peacefully on February 5, 2026, at the age of 85.

Sandy was born on August 20, 1940, in Alexandria, Minnesota, to Theodore (“Ted”) and Luella Hendrickson, who preceded her in death. From an early age, she carried both a gentle compassion and a determined work ethic, qualities that would shape a remarkable life of service.

She earned her Registered Nursing degree from Gustavus Adolphus College and later completed her Master’s Degree in Nursing at Arizona State University. After graduate school, Sandy moved to Michigan, where she began her career as an Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing at the University of Michigan. It was there that she developed a lifelong love for all things Michigan, a passion she proudly passed on to her sons. Go Blue!

Sandy later relocated to West Michigan and joined the Kent County Health Department. She devoted 30 years to the department, serving in many capacities before becoming Director of Nursing. Throughout her career, she was a dedicated public health leader, mentor, and advocate for her community. During this time, she also served on numerous community and church boards and traveled frequently for professional conferences. When traveling for pleasure, her favorite destinations included Norway, France, and Hawaii.

A lifelong member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, Sandy found joy in singing in the choir and participating in weekly services. After retirement, she remained active through PEO International and Mothers Singers, a traveling choir that allowed her to continue sharing her love of music and fellowship.

While Sandy’s professional accomplishments were many, her greatest pride and deepest joy were her family, especially her two sons, Randy and Brian. Anyone who knew Sandy knew their names. Randy and his wife Lisa have four children: Sam, Charlie, Lauren, and Henry. Brian and his wife Amy have two sons: Jack and Nick. Sandy rarely missed a performance, game, or school event, big or small. She cherished every moment of being a grandmother and took immense delight in cheering on her grandchildren and celebrating their lives.

Sandy will be remembered for her warm heart, steady leadership, love of music and travel, devotion to her faith, and unwavering commitment to her family and community. Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched as a nurse, educator, leader, mother, grandmother, and friend.

She will be deeply missed and forever lovingly remembered.

A Celebration of Sandy’s Life will be held Wednesday, February 11, 2026 from 4-6 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. There will be a sharing time held at 6 PM.

In Lieu of Flowers, suggested memorials are Alzheimer’s Association and American Heart Association.