Sandy Shimako

In Memorium

Sandra Sue Idol Shimko

August 5, 1941 - March 2, 2024

With hair streaming in the wind, she rode her horse with skill and purpose, even side-saddle in a long skirt for the 4th of July parade! That same passion is reflected in her fascination with the history of the Old West, especially her infectious enthusiasm for the history of Meeker and her commitment as a docent in the White River Museum. She read widely — history, archeology and novels, one of her favorites being ‘The Virginians’ — and she was an enthusiast of family genealogy.  She loved her children, her grandchildren, her siblings, her parents, her grandmother and her mother to whom she gave dedicated care for many years. She was brave, plain-speaking, occasionally pugnacious, and she admired courage in others, especially the American military. She supported us in moments of crisis, was as honest as the day she was born and was never envious of those who chose a different path. A fine artist, she deserved blue ribbons galore for her pencil sketches, especially those of horses. As for music, she listened to everything from classical to rock and she loved singing church music, especially duets. A happy memory is of her sitting in front of the record player with her teen-age friends, weeping over Elvis Presley’s ‘Old Shep’, the last lines of which are “But if dogs have a heaven, there’s one thing I know, Old Shep has a wonderful home.” So does Sandy. 

A celebration of Life and Burial will be In September