Sandra Miner

Sandra Miner

Northwood

Sandra Sharon Miner, 86, of Northwood, passed away peacefully in her home on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, surrounded by the comfort of her loving family.

Visitation will be held Sunday afternoon, March 16, at Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 1st Ave. S., Northwood from 2 pm until 4 pm. A memorial service will be held 11:00 am on Monday, March 17, 2025, at Elk Creek Lutheran Church in Kensett, 4108 Killdeer Ave., with Pastor Linda Johnson Prestholt officiating. Following the memorial service will be a graveside at the Elk Creek Cemetery in Kensett.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Elk Creek Lutheran Church, Mana of Worth County or MercyOne Hospice.

Sandra was born on February 19, 1939, in Mason City, Iowa, to Raymond and Vivian (Dahl) Thoen. In 1960, she married Allen Miner, and together they built a beautiful life, raising four children with love, laughter, and a home full of warmth. Sandra’s devotion to her family was unwavering, and she poured her heart into ensuring they knew just how deeply they were loved.

A graduate of Kensett High School, Sandra continued her education at the University of Iowa, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies with a minor in English, followed by a Master’s degree in English. She began her teaching career in Stanwood, teaching English, and later moved to Independence, where she balanced teaching at Fayette High School with farming. Wanting to be closer to family, she returned to Kensett, where she and Allen purchased a farm, raising both livestock and grain. She had a passion for gardening and canning, skills she lovingly passed down through generations.

Sandra later taught at Northwood-Kensett High School before making a career change, earning her RN degree from North Iowa Area Community College. She dedicated over 19 years to nursing at Mercy Hospital in Mason City and Worth County Public Health, retiring in 2007.

After retirement, she found joy in quilting, spending countless hours in her sewing room creating beautiful pieces. She was an active member of women's quilting groups, where she shared her love for the craft with friends. A lifelong lover of mysteries, she could often be found with a book in hand.

Music was also a cornerstone of her life—she was always known as a singer, lending her voice to the Elk Creek Choir singing harmony and sharing her gift in church and community events. She served in numerous leadership roles at her church, including president, and was an active member of the Rachel Circle, cherishing the friendships she formed there. Sandra also taught Sunday School for many years, helping guide and inspire younger generations in their faith.

Sandra carried a deep appreciation for her Norwegian heritage, making a special trip to Norway to connect with her family’s roots—a journey she treasured. She also served her community as a member of the Northwood-Kensett School Board, always striving to make a positive impact.

Above all, she held her family close to her heart. Her grandchildren lovingly called her "Cookie Grandma," a title she cherished as she always made sure to have fresh-baked treats ready for them. Her home was a place of warmth, love, and laughter, where family gathered and made lasting memories.

Sandra’s family, faith, and friends were everything to her. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her gentle nature, warm smile, and unshakable love.

She is survived by her children, Tracy (Brad) Jacks, Wendy (Neal) Skellenger, and Marcia Toft (Mike Walsh); her cherished grandchildren, Mitch(Jess) Hanson, Colby (Jena) Carlson, Callie (Wade) Flattum, Amanda (Brian) Cook, Janelle (Trevor)Jaehn, Megan Jacks, and Jordan Miner; and her great-grandchildren, Haddie, Hallie, Gage, Journee, River, Axle, Chloe, Ellie, Emmett, Nixon, Iris; sister-in-law Arlene Weiland; sisters Sherry Blake, Shelly Thoen and Patti Edenfield. Along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Sandra was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Allen Miner; their son, Eric Miner; her parents, Raymond and Vivian Thoen; her sister, Roxie; and her dear parents-in-law, Don and Fern Miner; sister, Bonnie Stanton; brothers Dennis, Rodney and Dallas Thoen

Conner Colonial Chapel 1008 1st Ave. S, Northwood, IA 50459 641-324-1543 WWW.ColonialChapels.com