Sandra Smail
July 10, 1942 ~ November 17, 2023
Born in:
Bemidji, Minnesota
Resided in:
Bemidji, Minnesota
Sandra Kathryn Smail passed away at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo on November 17, 2023. Sandy was born on July 10, 1942, in Bemidji, MN to Raymond and Nellie Aldrich. Around the age of 2, she lost her dad in WW2, and was raised by her Uncle Buck (Marion) and Aunt Charlotte. In 1956, Sandy married Gerald Reynolds, and they had 8 Children—Carole Ann, Gerald, Carolyn, Linda, Margaret, John, Barbara, and Kara. They later divorced and continued to raise their children, celebrating together as a family. In 1995, Sandy met Milton Smail on a trucking pen pal site, and after a whirlwind courtship they got married in Las Vegas. They drove truck together for many years and were able to see family and friends from coast to coast. She was a proud member of the Bemidji Eagles auxiliary, and active up till the end. Sandy loved baking—she kept her cookie jars full. For years she had a huge garden and shared her bounty. Her jelly was the best—strawberry, rhubarb, and raspberry. For bake sales-it was usually requested that she make Carrot cake—it was normally sold before she even brought it to the club. Family celebrations –all were welcome. On the 4th of July—her fried Chicken and Potato salad were legendary. Sandy loved her family, friends, and her dogs. Her pride and joy were her children, grandchildren, and her great grandchildren. She loved being GG the best!
She is survived by her brothers: Bill Aldrich and Larry Aldrich. Her sisters: Shirly March, Diana Aldrich, and Barbara Jarvis. Her children: Mindy Reynolds, Carolyn (Jack)McNamara, Margaret (Jeff) Collins, John Reynolds, Kelvin Hughs, and Kara (Chris) Carpenter. Grandchildren: Jonathan Wills, Charles (Mary) Wills, Jack McNamara, Gerald Reynolds III, Missy Wills, Joshua (Kristen) Collins, Tony (Stacey) Reynolds, Jake (Jessica) Reynolds, Jarrod Reynolds, Garrett (Adrii) Wedan, Lukas Reynolds, Stephanie Reynolds, Jenna Collins, Cody Holum, Jordan (Brittney) Collins, Derrick (Samantha) Reynolds, Michael(Joni) Wellington, Chelsae Wellington, Skye Carpenter, Joe Carpenter, Lakota Reynolds, Alexia Reynolds, Aiyana Reynolds, Ariela Reynolds, Arturo Reynolds. Many great grandchildren—2 on the way. And her first great-great grandchild is due next year. Her dogs: Dahphy, Coca, Dani and especially Cooper.
She was proceeded in death by her parents: Raymond Aldrich, Nellie Dunkelburger, Buck (Charlotte) Aldrich. Her husband: Milton Smail. Her siblings: Raymond, Lorna, Douglas, Judith, Pat, and Ruby. Her children: Carole Ann, Gerald, Linda, Barbara, and step-son: Chad Smail. Grandchildren: Amanda, William, Cary, and David.
A special thanks to Carolyn, Jonathan, Jake, Skye, Bill and Joe Thomron. In the last few years, they did a lot of extra caring for mom.
Celebration of Life will be held on December 9, 2023, from 3-5pm at the Bemidji Eagles Club.
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So many Reynold’s family memories! I always felt more family than friend. So many celebrations, heartaches, new life and losses. Laughter, chaos, and their was always love. So many connections! Sandy was at the root of them all. Love you all so very much.
R.I.P. Sandy
Sandy,
May you fly high and be at Peace. I will forever cherish all the memories made between us. From Pete’s Place South, to meeting Louise, and all the puppies you raised. Oh what fun to raise your puppies. I will never forget you Ma.
Bubbles
There are so many memories and our coffee crew and lunch crew, we all had so much conversation and fun over the years and blessed to have had that time. You will be missed always my dear friend.
Condolences and love to the family.
Galen and Louise Hockenson