Sandy Jo Smith

Sandy Jo Smith, 50 passed away on April 8, 2016 while continuing to fight the physical effects of a devastatingly rare Autoimmune Disease. Even though Sandy only experienced brief moments of somewhat symptom free life over the last eight months, she always managed to keep those around her well taken care of. We often stood in awe as we watched this amazing woman give all of herself to those in need.
Sandy was born in Mt. Pleasant, Utah on July 5, 1965 to Gerald Blaine and Eva Joy Reid Anderson. She was raised in Price, Utah and graduated from Carbon High School. Sandy was very proud of the fact that to this day she still holds the Carbon High School high jump record.

Sandy attended the College of Eastern Utah on an athletic scholarship for volleyball and basketball. After graduating from CEU Sandy accepted another full ride Academic and Athletic scholarship to compete in Volleyball and Basketball for Southern Utah University, as well as being sought after by the track coach for the high jump. Sandy had an intense desire to achieve academically as well as make her own way in life. She chose to work during any free time available at Milts Stage Stop. Sandy was very proud of her work ethic and loved the satisfaction of perfect grades, excelling in athletics and working almost full time! Sandy loved the power of the dollar and the finer things it brought. We all blame Milts Stage Stop for Sandy's love of the "Bling"! During this time she also worked for the State of Utah in their Juvenile Justice system working with Adolescent sex offenders. Sandy graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Social Work. Sandy often boasted that working with this population played an integral role in developing some of the clinical expertise that benefitted so many families along her journey.
While living and working in Cedar City, Utah Sandy met and married her first love Todd Tobiasson in 1989. Sandy was accepted into the Masters of Social Work program at UNLV in 1989 and they quickly became natives of Las Vegas. While attending UNLV, Sandy started a clinical internship with the State of Nevada working in the Division of Children and Family Services. Sandy loved the fulfillment of working with families who had very complex and challenging dynamics. Sandy graduated Manga Cum Laude from the Masters program at UNLV and never looked back. Sandy's true calling in life was to give back to those in need. Sandy possessed an innate ability to read people for who they really were and worked tirelessly to help draw out the best parts of all those she called clients, co-workers, friends and those she cherished most: those she called "family". Sandy quickly became a very successful clinician in Las Vegas and was very proud of the home she built with her first husband Todd, her father Gerald, and neighbor Jimmy as well as many other family and friends. Sandy fought hard to establish roots in her home and never let her success distract her from her ultimate desire to be called "Mommy". In time, she and Todd grew apart. She later met and married Leonard B. Smith at sunset on a beautiful beach in Hawaii. Sandy and Lennie lost their first son Liam Smith only to become parents two years later. Aidan Blaine Smith came into this world on June 18, 2002 and quickly became the center of all that was right for Sandy. Aidan is the one pure love in Sandy's heart and everything after that was solely accomplished for the intent and wellbeing of this pure love. Sandy's legacy lives true in all that is good and pure in Aidan. As Sandy and Lennie started to grow in different directions Sandy met and fell deeply in love with her soul mate Ellwood Woody Crowell. As their love grew they quickly became a formidable force in life. Joining together to raise Aidan, Sandy also had the opportunity to open her heart of wisdom and compassion in helping Woody as a parent to his own four wonderful children. Woody's children who are fierce warriors in protecting their father did not stand a chance with Sandy. She quickly and easily became their friend, their ally, and eventually their mom. Cancer crept into their world and they were devastated to lose their son Adam Thomas. Sandy was the foundation of their love for one another together, making it manageable and safe to navigate through the muddy waters of both burying your child and learning to take life one-step at a time. Only through the strength that Sandy so graciously shared did it make life manageable as our family continued to experience the grief and sadness of losing Woody's sister Shelley a year later, then close friends, close relatives, Aidan's Father Lennie and eventually her own courageous battle. Sandy was unwilling to give up. Surviving in extreme pain and physical demise she stared this devastating disease toe to toe, refusing to accept the inevitable outcome of an incurable and merciless disease. We stand together in unison, arm in arm, stronger in every aspect of our lives because of the gifts that Sandy so unselfishly gave up to the moment of her passing. Forever, in awe of her strength and will to fight, sheer determination to not be defeated, conviction to preserver and her passion to experience all of life's joyous events.
Sandy was a cherished daughter, a beloved sister, profound soul mate, a devoted mother and friend to all who knew her. She will be remembered for her enthusiasm for life, dedication to her family and style. Sandy is survived by her soul mate, Woody Crowell Jr.; her parents Gerald and Eva Joy Anderson and Ellwood Sr. and Margaret Crowell; children Aidan B. Smith, Elwood C. Crowell III, Kathryn E. Crowell (Joshua Carter), Martin D. Crowell; granddaughter Cameron R. Crowell; siblings Carol Anderson (Jack Cole), Derald Anderson, Traci (Jedediah) Anderson-Beckstead; and numerous friends and colleagues. Sandy is preceded in death by her sons Liam Smith and Adam T. Crowell.
We are all so blessed and grateful to have had her in our lives and we will hold her close in our hearts forever.
A gathering to connect and celebrate her life will be held on Friday, April 15, 2016 from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Please use the complimentary valet parking provided on the north side of the building.

"Even when you're not in sight, you're in our thoughts day and night, Love is what will keep you there, and make us thankful for all we share. "