Sandra Maxine Reding

Sandra Maxine (Larson) Reding, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, mentor, and friend, went home to be with her Lord on March 23, 2025, in West Des Moines, Iowa, at the age of 81. Born on February 2, 1944, in Wilmington, North Carolina, Sandy lived a life marked by courage, compassion, and unwavering faith.

She was the oldest of two children born to AJ and Vera Larson. Her father, a World War II Army medic, affectionately called her “Pal.” After the war, AJ moved the family to Geneva, Iowa, where he partnered in a John Deere dealership. Vera, originally from the South, worked as an administrative assistant for the public school superintendent. Though their early home was small—just a one-bedroom with an outdoor bathroom—it was filled with love, laughter, and community.

Sandy had a bright, social spirit. She described herself as gregarious and extroverted, a tomboy who loved monkey bars, baseball, and climbing trees with her loyal dog Skippy always by her side. Her favorite childhood memories included riding the train to North Carolina in the summers, where she embraced her Southern heritage and relished time with extended family.

In high school, Sandy played varsity softball and basketball at Ackley-Geneva High School and excelled in art, her favorite subject.
Sandy pursued a degree in elementary education with a minor in art. Although her college journey began with uncertainty, she found her stride after marrying Larry Reding on June 6, 1964. They met on a blind date in Algona, Iowa, and quickly built a life together rooted in friendship and deep love. She often said it was the divine sovereignty of God that brought them together. With a cackle, she’d add, “It was his looks that attracted me to Larry… he was VERY handsome.”

After completing her degree at Buena Vista College, Sandy was invited to start an art program at a community school in Lytton, Iowa. Teaching art became one of her greatest joys. She especially cherished helping students who struggled to find their place, giving them space to thrive creatively and personally. She taught with structure and high expectations, but always with warmth and encouragement.

Sandy found her greatest fulfillment in her family. She was a devoted mother to Rod (Jill) Reding, and Eric Blake Reding (Beth Kramer Reding), and a proud grandmom “GMom” to Mikayla (Brian) Allender, Shayla (Ethan) Weis, AJ (McKenna) Reding, Eric (Anna) Reding, Charlie Reding, and John Reding; and great-grandson, Colton Weis. She delighted in art projects with her grandchildren, Okoboji vacations, birthday celebrations, sporting events, and heartfelt conversations about faith. Her love knew no bounds and no favorites—just the deep, steady warmth of a mother and grandmother who saw each child and spouse as a gift.

Sandy and Larry welcomed Marci Johnson into their home and lived with them for over a year, and they came to consider her their daughter. Their bond was built on grace, redemption, and unconditional love.

Sandy’s relationship with Jesus Christ transformed her life. Though she grew up believing God was distant, her heart changed after attending a Christian Women’s Club, where she learned what it meant to have a personal relationship with Him. That encounter lit a lifelong passion for sharing the gospel. Sandy led Bible studies, mentored women, and faithfully carried the light of Christ into some of the darkest places—including the Rockwell City Women’s Reformatory. There, she brought hope and truth to incarcerated women, forming deep, lifelong connections.

Her ministry caught the attention of state and national leaders. Sandy received the Governor of Iowa’s Distinguished Volunteer Service Award, and Chuck Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship and former advisor to President Nixon, once wrote to her: “I know you are impacting the lives of many inmates in a way that you are not even aware of, and I pray that the Lord will continue to bless your ministry in the institution.”

Sandy never hesitated to share her faith. “We just did it because God wanted us to,” she’d say simply. Her life was a living testimony to the transforming power of grace.

In 1983, the Reding family moved from Sac City, Iowa, to Des Moines, where Sandy pursued and earned her Master's Degree in Family Counseling from Drake University. She spent over 30 years walking alongside individuals navigating some of life’s most painful seasons. “It was the joy of my life,” she said. “It was a privilege to watch God heal the hearts of those who were broken.”

Even after she retired from professional counseling, Sandy’s calling to minister to others never faded. Together with Larry, she continued to walk alongside married couples, offering them biblical wisdom, empathy, and encouragement. Their partnership in this work reflected the strength of their own marriage and their shared devotion to serving others.

In her final decade, Sandy lived with courage through the trials of Sjögren's Disease, a chronic and painful illness. Through it all, her faith remained her anchor. She held tightly to Acts 20:24, her life verse: “I consider my life worth nothing to me; if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace.”

Sandy’s deepest desire was always to follow Christ as Christ followed the Father. The wisdom that came with age, she said, was a gift—and if she could go back, she’d tell her younger self to live without fear and love herself more.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Larry Reding; her sons and their spouses, Rod (Jill) Reding and Eric Blake Reding (Beth Kramer Reding); her grandchildren and their spouses, Mikayla (Brian) Allender, Shayla (Ethan) Weis, AJ (McKenna) Reding, Eric (Anna) Reding, Charlie Reding, and John Reding; and her great-grandson, Colton Weis. She is also survived by her dear friend and daughter-by-love, Marci Johnson; her brother, John Larson, and his wife, Judy; and Larry’s siblings, Steve (Paula) Reding, Doreen Petersen, Jaeleen (Jerry) Starman, and Galen (Cyndi) Reding. Sandy was deeply loved by many nieces, nephews, and friends who brought great joy and encouragement to her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, AJ and Vera Larson; her parents-in-law, Lawrence and Evelyn Reding; and her brother-in-law, Everett Petersen.

Sandy and her family were deeply encouraged and profoundly impacted by the many individuals who poured into their lives over the years. The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to all who walked alongside them with love, prayer, and unwavering support. Your presence and influence have been a lasting gift.

A visitation will be held at 9:30 AM, followed by a celebration of Sandy’s life at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at Valley Church, 4343 Fuller Road in West Des Moines, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to mysheepgate.org, continuing Sandy’s legacy of love, faith, and unwavering hope.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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