Sandy L. Allender

Sandy Allender, 78, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2026 at Compass Memorial Hospital in Marengo after a short struggle with her recurring cancer.

Sandra Louise Rickert was born January 15, 1948 in Sioux City, Iowa, to Waldo and Genevieve Rickert. She grew up on the family farm near Mapleton, Iowa.

While attending the University of Iowa, she met and married John Allender. Their wedding was on August 17, 1969, in Mapleton.

Sandy was a beloved and respected teacher for many years, mostly in the Durant Community Schools. She always did her best to prepare her students for success in life and to have a little fun along the way.

Sandy was also artistic and crafty all of her life. Her many hobbies included sewing, embroidery, puppet making, and jewelry making.

After retirement, Sandy and John sold their home in Durant and began a new phase of their life, living full-time in their motorhome and travelling extensively.

She is survived by her husband John, daughter Erica Brown of Polloch, Scotland, daughter Karen Smith of Shueyville, Iowa, four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Surviving siblings are brother Doug Rickert of Raliegh, North Carolina, sister Jackie Rickert of Mondamin, Iowa, and brother David of Ames, Iowa.