Sandy Myers departed her loving family on January 15, 2023. She passed peacefully, surrounded by family.
Sandy was born in Montgomery Alabama on February 16, 1948 to Eldon Jay and Avis Marie (Markus) Arnold.
Sandy was wife and companion to Paul, and mother to Debra, Troy, and Trent. Sandy and Paul raised their children with love and care in Lincoln Nebraska.
She grew up as an “Air Force brat” and moved around the country and to Newfoundland. When her dad retired from the Air Force the family settled in Lincoln. Sandy attended Lincoln Northeast High School, where she fell in love with Paul. She and Paul Eugene Myers were married on November 2, 1964 in Tallahassee Florida. They graduated from Lincoln Adult Education High School in 1966.
Sandy earned a Bachelor of Arts in May 1988 from the University of Nebraska after being a part-time student for 17 years. She was a psychology major, with minors in English and sociology.
While the kids were in preschool, Sandy began volunteering at Easterday Recreation Center as a pre-school teacher so she could be with the kids while they were in the program. She impressed the Center staff with her energy, creativity, and organizational skills and soon was hired part-time, then eventually accepted a full-time position.
Sandy’s job at Parks and Recreation grew into a career when she earned a promotion to Director of Easterday Recreation Center. She continued to move up the ranks until she was Assistant Director. She retired in 2014 after forty-four years with Parks and Recreation.
During her tenure at Parks and Recreation, Sandy was responsible for programming and operation of all city recreation centers, swimming pools, ball fields, and Chet Ager nature center. She organized programming for special needs individuals, and all ages from elementary age to senior citizens. She helped design and supervise construction of the ‘F’ street recreation center and Star City Shores swimming pool. In 2009 she dreamed up “Uncle Sam Jam”, the city’s July 4th pre-fireworks activities.
Sandy was ecstatic when she finally had grandkids to play with and spoil. She was a regular part of her grandchildren’s lives from the time they were babies. She loved having grandkids overnight so they could have root beer floats for dinner and howling contests with the coyotes. Her kids and grandkids loved to hear stories of her great adventures.
She loved camping, biking, swimming, canoeing, traveling, and working outdoors. In the late 1990s Sandy and Paul purchased 60 acres near Raymond. She finally had miles of trails to walk, plenty of land to tend, and a lake of her own. The entire family loved to gather at “the farm” for holidays, birthdays, and just to fish or canoe. Sandy kept a log of all the species of birds and water fowl that she spied on the property.
Sandy loved dogs and was grief stricken when Heidi, Lady, and Lucky passed away. She and Paul traveled to Oregon to adopt their current dog Tucker. She was also a designated sitter for her grand fur babies, and would sometimes have a house full of dogs. Over the years she also cared for geckos, bearded dragons, turtles, gerbils, fish and rabbits. No creature was ever turned away.
After her retirement from Parks and Recreation Sandy and Paul made cross country trips in their camper and joined a camping group. They took a three-week tour of Alaska by plane, train, boat and auto. They spent several weeks touring in Europe. Paris, Venice and Rome were Sandy’s favorites.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father. She is survived by her husband Paul, siblings Ralph Arnold of Independence, Missouri, Mark Arnold of Rockford, Illinois, Shirley Patrick (Doug) of Sioux City, Iowa, Jean Arnold of Wellington, New Zealand, and children Debra Cosgrove (Jeffrey), Troy Myers (Sandra), and Trent Myers (Holly) all of Lincoln. Sandy and Paul have eight grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.
Sandy’s funeral will be Thursday January 26th at Wyuka Funeral Home at 3600 O Street in Lincoln. The service begins at 2:00pm, although Sandy may be late. The service will be Live Streamed, you can watch by clicking HERE. Following the formal service there will be a graveside service at Wyuka Cemetery. The family will host a celebration of life reception at Auld Pavilion at 1650 Memorial Drive beginning at 3:30. Visitation is Wednesday January 25th from 10:00 A.M. until 8:00 P.M. with family greeting friends from 6:00-7:00 P.M. at Wyuka Funeral Home.
Please direct memorials to the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Foundation.
Life is short. Make fun of it.
Sincere condolences to my cousin Paul and children Deb, Troy and Trent. We have so many wonderful memories of times with Sandy and Paul in Raymond. I loved her story telling and hearing about all of her escapades. We have some great memories from their visit to Wisconsin a few years ago. Fly high Sandy ❤️🕊️🕊️
Thanks Loretta. It’s too bad you weren’t able to attend, but I hope you are healing and feeling better.
I am so very sorry for your loss! She was the nicest person & I admired her. I enjoyed babysitting for Debbie, Troy & Trent. You all were a special family to me. Paul & Sandy made the cutest couple. I am so glad you all had adventures with her. Sending much love to you Paul, Debbie, Troy & Trent.
Thanks Renee. It was so wonderful to see you, John and Teena at the funeral. We need to catch up at happier occasions.
Paul, Deb and Family,
Sandy was one of the first people I met when I started working with the City. She was a ball of fire – passionate about her work and very kind. I got to know her better when she started coming in to the Aging Partners Fitness Center. She was an intelligent and lovely person. I feel honored that I was able to know all of you including Lucky and Tucker. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad time. I do think she is up there playing with Lucky and the other dogs and family members and friends who preceded her. I would say rest in peace Sandy but I don’t see her doing that :) .
Resting? Definitely not. Thanks for coming to the funeral and reception Peggy. Dad and I always joked that the her jaw got the most exercise at the gym.
Paul Deb Troy and Trent
Been thinking about you all. I’m so sorry for your loss. Sandy was such a big part of my life growing up. She will be missed.
Love you all
Becky
Becky, I can’t believe dad didn’t recognize you at first. I don’t think you’ve changed much at all. Let’s find a great spot to meet half-way and have lunch or dinner or whatever we can fit in. I love you sister!
Your mom was so special Deb Troy and Trent
I enjoyed her telling me about a new family member she had found and how your mom and dad would visit my mom when they could and taught her and me how to play spinners and have root beer floats
She will be missed
Mom and dad loved the trips they made with Doris to small towns and cemetaries. And of course the games of Spinner whenever they could. I miss being able to visit Doris and having a reason for the East coast family to come to Lincoln.
Sandy was the best! I first met her through Parks and Rec. She was scheduling locations for classes and events when Aging Partners began teaching fitness classes at Parks and Rec. locations. . We became fast friends due to her positive attitude, her kindness and sweet disposition. We later met at the Aging Partners fitness center where she, Paul, Deb and Lucky were ‘regulars’. Their visits were truly fun and friendly events for our staff. Lucky always remembered that we had treats waiting for him!
My heartfelt sympathy to Paul, Deb and the rest of the family. I know your hearts are heavy.
Thank goodness she is no longer burdened with illness.
Tracie you might bump into me one of these days at the gym. I need to get back. Without mom, dad and I are lacking in motivation and execution. I loved how much we laughed and joked with everyone at the gym, even when we were sweating and working hard.
Many fond memories of growing up with Paul and Sandy. She loved adventure and would not back down from a challenge. She will be missed. I know she is on happier trails. I think of you when walking the trails here with Harley. Loved her kids and fur babies. ❤️
Helen it’s too bad you weren’t able to come back for the funeral. We’ll see you in March though.