Sandra Gies

Sandra Ann Gies passed away peacefully with family by her side on October 4, 2026 in Grand Junction, CO at the HopeWest Ferris Hospice Care Center. Sandra was 75.

Sandra was born in Loveland and raised in Ft. Collins by Ottie and Martha Fuqua. Sandra was affectionately known as “Little Sis” to three older brothers and two older sisters. After graduating from Poudre High School in 1969, she married Arthur Gies.

Together, in Ft. Collins, they raised their two children Gretchen and Brian. Sandra was Art’s navigator for many years in the Poudre Valley Chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America and a supporter of the Boy Scouts of America Troop 12.

Sandra worked part-time in a handful of service jobs including a King Soopers pharmacy technician, van driver for Good Samaritan (Ft. Collins), and bookkeeper for Priority Payroll.

In support of her family and friends, her time and heart were freely given as a volunteer for the O’Dea Elementary Library, Alzheimer’s Association, Girl Scout Brownies; and hosting spaghetti dinners for the Rocky Mountain High School Cross County team.

In 2004, Sandra and Art relocated to Fruita CO, so they could help raise their grandson Tyler. In 2011, after Art’s unexpected passing in 2009, Sandra returned home, closer to her family and friends. Back in Loveland, her life was blessed by family, friends, and co-workers who cared for and supported her; she particularly enjoyed scenic drives and visiting others on her back patio. She continued to give back by folding bulletins as a member of Trinity Lutheran and as a McKee Medical Center daycare volunteer. There, Sandra was affectionately known as the “Baby Whisperer,” as she loved all babies and children.

After an official dementia diagnosis and for support, Sandra accepted a move back to the Western Slope in 2021. While in Fruita, she enjoyed her yard, others’ pets, Palisade Peaches, The Colorado National Monument, a big blue sky, puzzles, crafting, visiting her granddaughters in California, postcards from loved ones, making others laugh, and dressing up her front porch goose.

Sandra’s life calling was one of selfless, dedicated love for her children, her family, her friends, and especially her grandchildren. They will miss her “night-night song,” back tickles, horse lap rides, zucchini bread, krautburgers, “frog eye salad,” nature walks, and soft serve/frozen yogurt treats.

Sandra’s life reminds us to live in love, faith, and laughter.

Sandra’s is survived by her adoring daughter Gretchen (Douglas) McLaughlin and granddaughters Maggie and Ellie; dedicated son Brian (April) Gies and grandchildren Tyler (engaged to Faith), Christian, Alyssa, Miguel and Dazia; siblings Charlene Sackschewsky, Janice (Kenneth) Schwindt, and sisters-in-law Beverly Fuqua and Judy Fuqua; nephews and nieces and their beloved partners; and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Ottie and Martha Fuqua; husband Arthur Paul Gies; and brothers Wesley, Marvin, and Richard; and sister-in-law Patricia Fuqua.

To remember Sandra’s spirit, please consider donating to the organizations which provided her supportive care and dignity during her dementia journey which include Grand Junction’s Hilltop Senior Daybreak program, Hope Habor at The Commons, and HopeWest hospice care.

Family and friends will give thanks for Sandra’s life on November 24, 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Loveland, CO and, later, will be laid to rest next to her husband Art, of 40 years, in the Loveland Burial Park.