It is with deep sadness that the family of Sandra Lynn Krest announces her passing on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at her home and in the company of loved ones, in St. George, Kansas.
Sandra was born in Hartford, Connecticut, on April 11, 1946, to Marcus and Edith (Prentice) Krest. She attended and graduated Coventry High School in Coventry, Connecticut, in 1964. Sandra received her associate's degree from Manchester Community College and her License Practical Nursing certification, which laid the groundwork for an impactful career in nursing.
In addition to nursing in a hospital setting, at Windham Memorial Hospital in Willimantic, Connecticut, Sandra spent a full career working as a nurse for and retiring from the State of Connecticut. She cared for institutionalized individuals with developmental special needs in her capacity as a nurse at the Mansfield Training School and later transferred to the Connecticut Department of Corrections Women’s Prison in Niantic. She spent many years as a union representative for Local 1199. Sandra (semi)-retired in St. Petersburg, Florida, in 1994, where she continued to work as a nurse for more than 20 years through home healthcare agencies.
Sandra raised her three children in Coventry, Connecticut where she was very active within the community. Among other things, she served on the Town Council and as Den Leader for Boy Scouts Troop 65 for a number of years. She and her family were members of the Nathan Hale Fife & Drum Corps, traveling and performing in parades and musters throughout the eastern states.
Sandra expressed her colorful personality through creativity, art and vivid story-telling. She enjoyed genealogy, seafood, and Neil Diamond. She loved to be near the water, especially spending time at the beach; often spending all day with her children and friends grilling lunch and dinner. Some of her favorite travels included Amsterdam, London, Paris, and the Florida Keys; making cherished friends along the way.
Sandra is survived by her children, Amy Marrotte, Leslie Marrotte Musinski (Louis), and Michael Marrotte (Suzanne Luhrs); grandchildren Anthony (Melissa), Zane, Samuel (Lauren), Alexis (Marcus), Joseph (Madison), Benjamin, Dylan, Valerie, and Juliette; great-grandchildren Phillip, Merritt, Rutherford, Marley, and Marcus; brother Craig Krest and sister Wendy Hansen (Floyd “Bud”); cousin (like a sister) Peggy Ward; and deeply cherished nieces, nephews and close friends. She developed a close bond with her hospice team, specifically Heather, Rosalyn “Rosie,” and Rebecca, whom she was grateful for and considered family.
Sandra was predeceased by her parents; treasured stepmother, Orissa (Lee) Krest; sister, Linda (Krest) Harper and brother-in-law, Lester Harper; sister-in-law Esther (Yoksa) Krest; first husband, Anthony Marrotte; second husband, Lawrence Ranney; and son-in-law, David Dubiel; all of whom she held a special place in her heart.
Sandra is in the care of Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego, Kansas. No public service is planned.
Any memorial donations may be made to the St. Croix Hospice Foundation, care of Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P.O. Box 48, Wamego, KS, 66457. Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com.