Sandra Louise McVay was born October 24, 1942, in Boone, Iowa, the daughter of Audrey Martin and Mae Ione Lantz McVay. She attended Luther Consolidated School and graduated from United Community School District, followed by a year at the University of Iowa. She played for dance classes at the University of Iowa as a part-time job.

Sandy met Robert Max "Bob" Malone at a summer job at Winona Lake, Indiana, and they were married on September 9, 1962, at the First United Methodist Church in Boone, Iowa. They were the parents of three daughters, Robin Louise, Lori Kay, and Lisa Marie. They lived in Luther, Webster City, Carroll, many years in Woodward, and finally, Perry; all in Iowa. She worked at the Woodward State Hospital-School, now known as the Woodward Resource Center, beginning in resident care and then as a teacher aide and speech aide.

Sandra had the equivalent of an Associate Degree when she was an education aide and later a speech assistant with Special Ed students. Her supervisors discovered that she liked doing music and variety shows with the students. She was able to teach Music Therapy. Sandra discovered that, after she left college, there were courses in Music Therapy; she said that would have been her choice for a degree.

After retirement, Sandra developed an interest in genealogy, being very active on FindaGrave.com and Ancestry.com. She reached out to and developed relationships with many distant relatives. She was a member of Bethel Church in rural Boone; Heartland Church of Christ in Perry; the Minburn American Legion Auxiliary, Minburn Osborne Post 99; and a past member of Woodward Fire Auxiliary when Bob was a fireman.

Sandy enjoyed her family above all. She was always ready for a game with the grandkids and was especially loved at all the family parties where she usually provided potato salad and scrumptious deserts.

Piano playing was Sandra's most special gift; she could play either with music or by ear. She considered it her ministry and shared her talent by leading Memory Care singalongs at nursing and retirement homes with a friend. She also played at churches, community events, and for anyone else wanting to hear. On July 4, 2022, she played the finale at a patriotic variety show in Perry and received a standing ovation.

Being legally blind, she did not drive, but logged many miles sightseeing, visiting historical sites, and going to fairs and concerts with the many friends and family who provided a ride. Her grandma taught her that if you wanted good friends you had to be a good friend, and she was - just ask anyone who met her.

Friday night, July 15, 2022, the grandchildren were called into the hospital to say their goodbyes. Sandra asked for hymns to be sung. Her paperback hymnal was used. Daughter Robin started with her favorite, "Blessed Assurance." Daughter Lisa came in and joined in singing "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms." Granddaughters Sara and Rachel sang "Amazing Grace" and a few other hymns.

Sandra "Sandy" Louise McVay Malone, age 79, of Perry, passed away on Saturday, July 16, 2022, at 9:35 a.m. at the Dallas County Hospital in Perry, Iowa. Her husband, Bob, and daughters, Robin and Lisa, were with her when she passed very peacefully. The song playing at the moment she passed was "I'll Fly Away." Her faith in Jesus Christ was strong, and we know she flew home.

Sandra is survived by her husband, Robert Max Malone; daughters Robin (Phil) Conklin, Perry, Iowa; and Lisa Malone, Woodward, Iowa. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Brad (Nikedda) Conklin, Scranton; Erica Kilmer, Perry; Sara (Chris) Carmichael, Yale; Rachel (Brian) Long, Granger; Adam (Molly) Harrington, Des Moines; Sean Harrington, Des Moines; Megan (Jesse) Harrington, Ankeny; and Kali McCoy, Woodward; all in Iowa. Her great-grandchildren are: Jenna, Lilyanna, Alyce, Liam, Greyson, Brianna (Joey), Joseph, Nicholas, Jasmine, Brandon (Makenzi), Zachary, Valerie, Delyla, William, Arianna, Jackson, Noah, Charlie, Gracelynn, Alley, and Jesse. Finally, she is survived by her great-great-grandchildren Elias and Amaria; as well as many other relatives and friends. Sandra was preceded in death by her parents; her infant brother, James Ronald McVay; her sister, Margaret Ann Sharp; and her daughter, Lori Kay Harrington.

Visitation was from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at Iles Sundberg Kirkpatrick Chapel. The funeral home website featured a video of family photos, a video of Sandra playing the piano pieces which she had played at the July 4, 2022, patriotic variety show in Perry, and a video of her funeral service.

Funeral services were celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at Bethel Church, 1726 L. Avenue, in rural Boone. The presider was the Pastor of Bethel Church, Pastor Josh McFarland. The vocalist was JoAnne Korpi, and the pianist was Tracy Nation, both members of Bethel Church. At the service, granddaughters Rachel Long and Sara Carmichael read her obituary, the video tribute from the funeral home was played, and many relatives and friends shared their memories of Sandra. The lyrics to Sandra's favorite hymn, "Blessed Assurance" were shown on the screen, and the Pastor's sermon related how that hymn connected to Sandra's life and her spiritual confidence. Other hymns were "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" and "I'm Yours," a special love ballad from husband Bob to Sandra. Psalm 23 was read. The service concluded with the lyrics on the screen and the congregation singing "I'll Fly Away," the hymn that was played when Sandra passed away. Pallbearers were Adam and Sean Harrington, Chris and Nic Carmichael, Brad Conklin, and Brian Thompson.

Interment followed at Rose Hill (Clark) Cemetery, southeast of Luther, Iowa. A luncheon was held at the church following the interment. Memorials were encouraged to Bethel Church, Heartland Church of Christ, the Minburn Legion Auxiliary, or the cancer charity of your choice.

Information from the funeral home website, courtesy of the family; from daughter, Robin Conklin; and from Sandra herself. Submitted by 1st cousin Angela, Member #48520699.