Sandra VanOrmer

Sandra Joy VanOrmer passed away on November 6, 2025 in her home in Central Lake, Michigan. She waited until her husband John fell asleep at her side before she slipped away peacefully.

She leaves behind a gallery's worth of paintings and other artistic projects. She is survived by her son Michael VanOrmer of Red River, New Mexico; her daughter Gretchen VanOrmer of Central Lake, Michigan; and seven grandchildren, plus one great-grandchild expected by Christmas. She will be deeply missed by her husband John, a Korean war veteran aged 93.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Josephine Williams Michaels and Ray Michaels, her brothers Dennis and Pete Michaels, her son Scott VanOrmer, and her granddaughter Katie VanOrmer.

Sandy was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1934, although her roots stem back to Bainbridge, Indiana. She had art hanging in every room of her house; often, John would build things for her to paint, or he would frame her paintings himself. Her pride and joy was the family cottage, where Sandy hosted family near and far for much of her life, serving as the glue that held them together. She lived a life of creative pursuits which deeply inspired those around her, and her whimsical art style will be sorely missed.

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