Sandra Ann Coates

Sandra Ann Coates, 57, from Indian Valley, Idaho passed away in her home in the early morning of Sept. 8, 2015, after battling bile duct cancer. 

She was born on Jan. 13, 1958 in Buffalo, Mo. to the late Ruth Righter. She moved to Wyoming in her 20s where her son, Matthew, and daughter, Leannda, were born. Sandy was married to her soulmate Glen Coates on June 11, 1994, in Green River and they both retired to Indian Valley in 1997. 

Sandy spent the next several years building her home with her husband and family. She was a dedicated community member and spent more than a decade volunteering at the The Thrifty Shoppe in Council.

In her spare time she enjoyed spending time with her family, gardening, craftwork, and the great outdoors.

She also enjoyed traveling. Her travels led her to most of the states including Hawaii and Alaska, as well as Italy, Africa and the Virgin Islands.  

She was preceded in death by her mother Ruth Righter, both sets of grandparents, and her father-in-law. 

Survivors include her husband Glen Coates of Indian Valley, Idaho; her son Matthew Gustke of Bellingham, Wash .; her daughter Leannda Coates of Port Angeles, Wash .; her granddaughters Cadence and Sydnie Gustke; her step-daughter Sara Coates of Kapolei, Hawaii; her brother Roscoe Righter of Blue Springs, Mo .; her sister Marlene Keene of Springfield, Mo .; her sister Gaylene Dryer of St. Louis; her brother George Righter of Hutto, Texas and several aunts, uncles and cousins. 

A celebration of life service took place for all friends and family at the Community Hall in Indian Valley, Idaho Sept.12.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Sandy Coates Memorial Fund online at http://thencancerhappened.org.

Arrangements are under the direction of Thomason Funeral Home, 221 E. Court Street, Weiser, Idaho.