Sandra Rivett

Sandra Jean Rivett, 78, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 6, 2022, at Angelhaus Assisted Living Center in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, November 11, 2022, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church with Pastor Matt Spoden officiating. Refreshments and fellowship will be after the service.

Burial will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens at a later date.

Sandra Jean Schock was born January 20, 1944, in North Dakota to Reuben and Alfrieda (Konrad) Schock.  The family moved to Aberdeen where she attended school, and graduated from Aberdeen Central High School.  Following high school, she married Ron Rivett.  Together they welcomed three daughters into this world: Rhonda, Leslie, and Carrie.  Being a mom to them brought out her best qualities. She also enjoyed working as a legal secretary for Siegel, Barnett, and Schutz, and as a court stenographer for several years.

When their family business, Super 8 Motels, became successful, Sandra enjoyed sharing her gift of interior design and put her stylish touch on the many business and family projects over the years.  In 1986 Sandra and Ron parted ways and she moved to British Columbia, Canada where she opened a furniture and design business with a friend.  After welcoming several grandchildren, Sandra moved to Arizona to be closer to all her loved ones.  She would greet the grandchildren with a twinkle in her eye and “did you come to see me?” and therefore was lovingly referred to by the grandchildren as “Grandma See-Me” She took such joy in being grandma!   

Eventually, life brought Sandra back to Aberdeen, South Dakota to be closer to family.  She loved being outdoors in all four seasons, no matter what the weather.  She spent her days happily helping family members by managing and trimming trees on many acres of land.  She found her peace outdoors in nature in what she lovingly referred to as “her trees”.  She was connected to the beauty of nature in a very special way.

Sandra was a very creative person and loved to write poems and draw characters. She also loved to sit down with a good puzzle in the evenings after spending the entire day outdoors. She found beauty and comfort in solitude, routine and her loving family.  Sandra lived at the My Place hotel in Aberdeen, SD for the past 6 years and considered the staff her dear friends.  The family would like to thank and acknowledge the care that they provided for her.  She spent the last 3 weeks of her life at Angelhaus Assisted Living Facility in Aberdeen, SD where she was lovingly cared for. 

Sandra’s greatest source of love and joy came from her daughters and grandchildren.  She was so proud to be a mother and grandmother.  Life was not always easy or even what she may have planned, but Sandra was a strong, compassionate, creative soul with a constant faith in God and His plan for her.

She now rests completely restored in mind, body and spirit and able to lovingly watch over her family.

Grateful for having shared Sandra’s life are Daughters; Rhonda Tanner of Palm Desert CA, Carrie Rivett of Scottsdale AZ, Leslie Prescott of Jacksonville, FL, grandchildren; Andrew Welk of Scottsdale, AZ, Lucas Welk of Salt Lake City, UT, Natalie (Jamil) Moore of Denver, CO, Cameron Prescott (Alyssa Middleton) of Aberdeen, SD, Ryan Rivett of Aberdeen, SD and her many great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, and two sisters, Dorrene Bodin, and Myra Cantu.

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