Sandra Lucille Fadness

Sandra Lucille Fadness, 88, of Lewistown, Montana left us peacefully on November 22, 2024 with her husband of 69 years by her side.  She was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother.

Born on September 8, 1936 in Anaconda, Montana, Sandra Mitchell or “Sandy” grew up the oldest of ten children and sister to nine brothers.  When she wasn’t attending school she was helping her mother with her large family, and in her later high school years she worked as a bookkeeper for a local business.

In June of 1955 she married LaVerne “Verne” Fadness, the love of her life.  They settled in Hamilton, Montana where they shared a life together that lasted nearly 70 years and yielded 2 children, 6 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Upon the early deaths of her mother and stepfather it became Sandy’s mission and heart’s desire that her 7 minor-age brothers not be separated.  At the tender ages of 20 and 26, Sandy and Verne, with a tiny baby of their own, brought her 7 brothers to Hamilton where each of them spent their younger years until graduation from Hamilton High School.  With love and sacrifice her mission was accomplished.

Sandy was an active member for the church community of Grace Lutheran Church and because of her love for little ones, she led the Cherub Choir and Children’s Christmas Program for many years.  She also sang in the church choir and served as church secretary.

She devoted many years to Hamilton High School and Daly Elementary School where she worked as the Secretary to the principal.  She had a heart for young people and children and when working at the elementary school would keep a drawer full of snacks for the kids that she would hand out with love and care.

Sandy loved the outdoors and would spend her free time golfing, hiking, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, mountain biking and travelling with her husband Verne by her side.  She was also an avid reader.  She loved her grandchildren fiercely and travelled many miles over the years to support their activities and interests and cheer them on in whatever they did.

Sandy is survived by her husband, LaVerne, Lewistown; son, Jamie (Dixie) Fadness, Lewistown; daughter, Kim (Doug) Anderson, Lewistown; grandchildren, Jeremy (Janet) Fadness, Helena, Sandra Ann (Randy) Jelly, Gillette, WY, Kasidy (Kaylee) Miller, Sam (Cheyenne) Anderson, and Lexie Anderson, all of Lewistown; great-grandchildren, Kyle (Libby) Fadness, Hailey (Mason) Fadness, Alex (Aimee) Fadness, Cassie Wharton, Ayanna Eney, Brilee Seyler, Zara Miller, Kaz Miller, Easton Anderson, Indy Anderson, and Jaxon Raney; brothers, Bill (Theresa) Mitchell, Peter (Lisa) Arnot, George (Jan) Arnot, David (Cathy) Arnot, Jim (Shari) Arnot, Stuart (MaryBeth) Arnot, Thomas Arnot, Bruce (Kristin) Ballweber, and Timothy Ballweber.  She is preceded in death by a grandson, Kolmyn Miller.

A service will be announced in the future in Hamilton, Montana.  Details will be announced at a later date.  Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.