Obituary of Sandra "Sandy" Axtell

Sandra “Sandy” Axtell, 78, of Muscatine, passed away on Friday, April 19, 2019 at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House.    Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Home for Funeral and Cremation Services.  Private family graveside services will be held in Island Cemetery at a later date.   A memorial has been established at the funeral home in Sandy’s name.  Sympathy notes may be left for the family at www.lewisfuneralhomes.com.

Sandra Joyce Strause was born on May 2, 1940 in Muscatine, Iowa, the daughter of Merle and Arlene (Witkowski) Strause.  Sandy graduated from Pella High School.  On February 24, 1983, she was united in marriage to Randy Axtell in Muscatine.  Sandy worked for many years as a janitor for Island United Methodist Church.  She was a lifetime registered Girl Scout and enjoyed camping, going to the rodeo and listening to country music. 

Sandy will be deeply missed by her husband, Randy of Muscatine; brother, Merle (Bev) Strause of Rolland, MO; half-sister, Sherry (Gene) Coyle of Osceola; half-brother, Glenn Stanton of Muscatine; brother-in-law, Tommy (Bonnie) Axtell of Fruitland; sister-in-law, Penny (Jim) Lane; nieces, Kay Chapman, Kim Thompson, Tina (Felix) Colon, Crystal Stroupe, Vicky Stroupe and Wendy Stroupe; great-nephew, Ben Chapman; great-niece, Kelsey Chapman and many other nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. 

Sandy was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Carl Strause; sister, Char Thompson and great-great nephew, Isiac Martinez.