Sandra Estella Vandevander, 76, of Franklin passed away Sept. 22, 2025, at Pendleton Manor in Franklin.
She was born on May 18, 1949, the daughter of the late Ralph and Jenny Almira (Dahmer) Vandevander.
While a student at Franklin Elementary, she received the West Virginia Golden Horseshoe award in 1963. She was a 1967 graduate of Franklin High School where she was salutatorian of her senior class. She was a 1971 graduate of Shepherd University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude as she obtained her elementary education degree.
Ms. Vandevander was a compassionate teacher and retired from Pendleton County Schools after teaching fourth grade at Franklin Elementary School from 1971-2007.
She was an active and dedicated member of Smith Creek Church of the Brethren, where she taught Bible School and enjoyed being a Sunday School teacher. She had served as a former superintendent and trustee. She took pride in serving as a camp counselor at the Brethren Woods Church Camp near Keezletown, Virginia. She loved her church family and was honored to volunteer for church functions.
Although she did not have children of her own, she was constantly involved through Sunday School, Bible School, Christmas pageants, and her students at the elementary school. She also supported many foundations to help children across the world. She gave extra care and attention to her two nieces, and later gave that same love to her great-nephew and great-niece.
She also loved traveling and learning, and the two were quite evident with all the adventures she had throughout her life, sometimes with a friend, sometimes with her family, and sometimes just on her own.
Her roots were on the family farm, and she was active in all phases from working with the farm animals to driving the tractors while making hay. She was a dedicated caretaker for the many pet lambs and orphan calves. She always had her pet cats and dogs around, and she was especially fond of her last cat, “Big Boy,” and her last dog, Brandy. These two were her faithful companions during many walks on the farm.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory a brother, Lynn Vandevander (Carol) of Franklin; nieces, Amy Taylor (Devon) of Berkeley Springs and Holly Pickens (Andy) of Fairmont; a great-nephew, Ethan Taylor; and a great-niece, Sophia Taylor.
Funeral services were held Friday at Smith Creek Church of the Brethren with Pastor Dan Ludwick and Pastor David Morris officiating. Interment was at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Franklin.
Memorials may be made to Smith Creek Church of the Brethren, c/o Nancy Scott, 182 Goshen View Lane, Franklin, WV 26807 or to Pendleton Manor, PO Box 700, Franklin, WV 26807.
Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com.
