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Sandra Carole Knapp, 74

Sandra Carole Knapp, 74, of Post Falls, Idaho, passed away Friday, June 23, 2017, at Hospice of North Idaho’s Schneidmiller House in Hayden Lake, Idaho.

Sandy was born Sandra Carole Butts in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on May 31, 1943. Her family later moved to the Spokane Valley where she attended Central Valley High School. She was employed as bakery manager at Rosauers Supermarket in Veradale, Wash., and was an active member of Liberty Lake Community Church before moving back to North Idaho.

She was a gentle person with a welcoming spirit and a servant’s heart who always took an interest in others. She never tired of hearing their stories and welcomed them as members of her extended family. She was happiest when surrounded by family and friends; gathering for coffee, visiting over a meal, quilting with friends, or taking road trips and traveling with “the girls.” She loved God, and in addition to her ministry was the matriarch of her immediate family and those she “adopted.” She found inspiration in nature and had a special affection for butterflies.

Sandy persisted through many disappointments and challenges in her life, yet retained a beautiful spirit and a deep concern for others. She is a cherished daughter, sister, mother, wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, niece, cousin and friend.

Sandy is survived by her children, Dennis (Trina) Trotter of Philadelphia, Pa., Dorthy (Tim) Simmons of Boise, Idaho, and Deanne (Frank) Belote of Worley, Idaho; and her brothers, Fred (Carol) Root of Coeur d’Alene, and Terry (Trudi) Root of Spokane, Wash.; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and many others who considered Sandy their mom and grandma. She is preceded in death by two women who shaped her life and inspired her service to others: her mother, Dorthy Granberg, with whom she lived and provided care for seven years; and her great-grandmother, Cora Jacobson.

The family wishes to extend their special gratitude to Dr. Danko Martincic and the staff at Cancer Care Northwest, the 7th Floor Oncology staff at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center for the humor and joy they brought to her life during her cancer treatment, and to Hospice of North Idaho for an honorable and peaceful death.

An open house to celebrate Sandy’s life will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 29, 2017, at Post Falls Senior Center, 1215 E. Third Ave., Post Falls.

Donations in Sandy’s honor can be made to: Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835, (208) 772-7994, www.hospiceofnorthidaho.org.