Sandra Kay Held
June 14, 2017
Sandy K. Held, 55, of Des Moines, passed away on Wednesday, June 14, 2017, at her home after a 12-year battle with cancer.
Sandy was born on April 21, 1962. She was a member of the Union Park Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She was a woman of great faith, and took much comfort in her study of the Bible. Sandy worked for Goodwill Industries for the last 15 years. She enjoyed her job and took pride in being part of an organization to help others. She was known at work for her cheerfulness and willingness to help.
Sandy loved to cook, and her friends and family were always willing to take treats off her hands! She was kind, generous, and had a fantastic sense of humor. Her medical providers would always comment on her positive attitude. She was loved by all who knew her and she will be greatly missed.
Sandy is survived by her daughter, Crystal (Steve) Gilroy of Altoona; her granddaughters, Lillian Gilroy of Altoona and Leighton Gilroy of Lima, OH; her grandson, Darian Gilroy of Lima, OH; her sisters, Cheri (Joe) Starlin of Des Moines, Pat Carico of Des Moines, and Mary House of Winterset; her brother, Tony Stewart of Des Moines; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Eloise Stewart of Des Moines; her brother-in-law, Jerry Carico of Des Moines; her nephew, Kayden Stewart of Des Moines, and her niece, Jessica Van Sickle.
Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2017 at the Union Park Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, located at 1418 E. Washington Avenue, Des Moines. Visitation will be from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. with a memorial service starting at 4:00 p.m.
The family would also like to express their deepest appreciation for Sandy’s medical providers during her illness, most notably Dr. Stacey Neu, Dr. Steven Elg, and Dr. Dennis Porto. Sandy deeply respected each of these doctors and was always thankful to them and their respective staff for all their hard work. These individuals made a devastating situation the best it could possibly be!
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the worldwide work of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Pat Mullenbach
06/22/2017
Sandy was a member of my accounting team at Goodwill, a part of our Goodwill family. There are no words that describe the sadness I feel in my heart. I miss her so much! She was the strongest woman I have ever known, had the best sense of humor and was a great friend! We had many long talks over the last few months of her life and I will cherish that time forever. And I also miss hearing the Hey Buddy when she first saw or spoke to someone. It still brings a smile to my face when I think about it. She is finally at peace and the pain is gone. She will never be forgotten and will forever have a special place in my heart. Love ya buddy!!!
Chris Mansker
06/22/2017
I didn't know Sandy very long as she was switched to a different part of the accounting department shortly after I started with Goodwill in late 2015. For the time I did know Sandy, she was very kind-hearted and patient with me while I learned my job role (and made many mistakes in the process, especially on the administrative side of things). Although our paths did not cross much after she changed jobs, I have never forgotten that tender approach that she used to help me adjust to my new role. Thank you Sandy, for your gracious and generous contributions to Goodwill and for making it more than just a place to work.
Prayers and thoughts of peace and strength for the family she leaves behind.
Deb Bogle
06/22/2017
Hey Buddy!
I miss hearing Sandy say that when she placed a call.
Sandy had a smile for everyone and made everyone feel at ease when they were with her.
She will always have a place in my heart.
Karin carver
06/22/2017
I met Sandy when I started working at Goodwill. She made me feel welcomed right away. I'll miss her smiles and sense of humor. Heaven is a lot more fun with Sandy there. Be happy Sandy and see you when I get there.
Dr. Rico Bertagnolli Family Dentistry
06/20/2017
Hugs to all Sandy's family. She was so sweet and nice to us all when she came in our office. She was taken from you all way too soon, for sure. I pray she is at peace and out of any pain. I know she will be missing get sisters and will be waiting for them one day... take care
Dr. Rico, Vicki, Katy, Tiffany, Jules and Beth