Ethel Sandford

SANDFORD, Ethel Mae - Age 87, of Gaines, died Tuesday July 28, 2020. A private family service will be held at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek. Pastor Barb Benjamin officiating. Burial will follow in Crestwood Memorial Cemetery, Grand Blanc. Visitation will be held 4PM- 8PM Sunday at the funeral home. Those desiring may make contributions to Gaines United Methodist Church. Ethel was born September 30, 1932 in Gaines, Michigan, the daughter of Edward and Gatha (Gilbert) Wykes. She married Charles Lee Sandford on April 26, 1952 in Swartz Creek and he preceded her in death on January 7, 2011. Ethel graduated from Swartz Creek High School in 1951. Mrs. Sandford retired from Swartz Creek School system with 21 years of service. She was a devoted Christian and a member of Gaines United Methodist Church. She belonged to the Pedro Card Club was a great cook, enjoyed traveling, planting flowers, her animals and especially spending time with her family and many dear friends. Surviving are: sons, Ned (Patricia) Sandford of Gaines, Dan Sandford of Gaines, David Sandford of TX; grandchildren, Jay (Lynsay) Sandford of Swartz Creek, Julie (Brian Dougherty) Sandford of Flushing, Austin Sandford of WA; great grandchildren, Evan Avery Sandford and Rider Dougherty. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Patricia Wykes; four nephews, Terry Kirvan, Mark, Scott and Guy Wykes; many great nieces and nephews and cousins. Ethel was preceded in death by her parents and brother Gilbert Wykes. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.