After a long life filled with family, faith and happiness, Leona Ruth Ness Sande, passed away on July 1, 2015 at the age of 96. Leona was born on July 28, 1918 into a loving Norwegian family. Her parents, Sigurd and Jennie Ness raised Leona and her siblings Nora, Esther, Signe and Owen on a chicken farm north of Stanwood. There, she learned the value of a hard day's work, which remained with her throughout her life. After graduating from Stanwood High School in 1937, Leona and her sisters Signe and Esther, ventured off to Seattle where Leona attended beauty school. Upon graduation, she worked at a beauty shop in the White Center area while living with the owners, the Hummel Family. Not long after, Leona returned to Stanwood to spend the remainder of her life, marrying her beloved husband Ernest Sande in a double wedding with her brother Owen and his wife Wilma on October 4, 1941.

Upon marrying Ernest, Leona became a dedicated dairy farmer's wife. Her specialty was cooking delicious meals and deserts for family, hay crews, and anyone who might need a hearty meal. Out of her home, she continued to cut and style hair for friends and family.

Leona was always a devoted and warmhearted mother to son Larry and daughter Joyleen (Tot). Leona and Ernest also took in niece Betsy at the age of 8 to raise and love. Leona cherished and doted on all her grandchildren and great grandchildren, leaving an indelible legacy of love on all their lives.

Leona was a lifelong member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School and was a member of the Martha Circle. She resided at Josephine Sunset Home for many years where the staff provided her with kind and loving care. The family would like to thank them for this.

With her passing, Leona joins her husband Ernest (2000) and beloved daughter Joyleen Sande Fein (2001) with the Lord. Also going before her, were her sisters, Nora Pedersen (Pete), Esther Sande (Bjarne), Signe Moen (Roy) and brother Owen (Wilma) Ness. Also the large Sande Family, Herman, Gerhardt, Ludwig, Harold, Leonard, Bjarne, Norman, Sigvald, Raymond, Sophie Breum, Helen Johnston and Dorothy Bloom.
Leona leaves us with fond memories of her love, kindness and generosity. Remaining in our hearts forever she leaves her son Larry and wife Jessica Sande, their children Jim (Marybeth) Sande, Steven (Jessy) Sande, Krista (Steve) Stogner. Son-in-law Terry (Michelle) Fein. The daughter of Joyleen and Terry Fein, Ann Marie (Ryan) Pryor. Niece Betsy and husband Bob Gottwald and their daughters Jenny Gottwald and Megan (Arthur) Latham. Niece June Hammer and son Travis Hammer. Beloved great grandchildren Jack and Jacob Sande, Jordan Sande, Jonah Johnson, Mali and Andrew Stogner, Isla and William Pryor. She was "Aunt Leona" to numerous nieces and nephews who loved her special treats with a cup of coffee. Leona's sweet and loving ways made her a treasure to all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 11, 2015, at 11:00 am at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Stanwood, WA. Graveside service at Milltown's Fir Conway Lutheran Cemetery at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Josephine Sunset Home or Stanwood/Camano Food Bank.