Sandra "Sandy" Smith - Roper and Sons

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Sandy, my Beautiful Bride, passed away on the afternoon of April 21^st. She was the most amazing and courageous woman I have ever known, and she was the ABSOLUTE love of my life.

From the moment anyone met Sandy, they noticed the light, the spark, the thing that was immediately noticeable and unmistakably her. She showed up in the world to play, fully herself and without pretense or filters. As she loved to say, she would tell anyone exactly “how the cow ate the cabbage,” If they needed it, and at the same time she could do it with honesty, warmth, and always with a twinkle in her eye.
Sandy loved deeply and without limits. She loved spending time with me, with family (actual and chosen), with friends, and with all the people she held closest. She adored her seven siblings with her whole heart. She embraced life as an adventure, whether that meant moving to Oregon for a Pacific Northwest chapter or heading to Nebraska when she simply said, “a Midwest adventure, we don’t have one of those yet.”

She lived life full blast, pedal to the metal all the time. Sandy never held back, never let obstacles slow her down, and never installed a governor on any aspect of her life. She laughed easily, especially at the chaos and absurdities of life, at smart aleck humor, and at the simple happiness that Larry O brought her. We loved people watching, building a whole life story for each person, we’d then pass judgement on that made up life, based on nothing more than a glance as someone walked by.

Sandy was the bravest and most courageous human I have ever known. She faced immense challenges with strength and determination, overcoming addiction born from prescription pain medication after back surgery, battling bipolar disorder with the constant chasing for the right cocktail of medicines to make life work for her, and enduring a series of serious health issues in recent years. Every day, she got up, faced what was in front of her, pushed back the demons, and refused to let anything stop her, or even slow her down, from living her life on her terms. Her perseverance was equal parts quiet determination, loud obstinance and relentlessness. And it was all inspiring to those who knew her.

We met while stationed at a small Navy base in Annapolis, Maryland. From there we built a life together that spanned 38 years, a life full of movement, laughter, and love. I spent every one of those years doing my best to keep her on a pedestal, where she belonged. To me, she was beautiful inside and out, my Beautiful Bride in every sense of the word.

Sandy made rooms brighter just by being in them. She made people feel seen, told the truth with heart, and loved without reservation. Her life was a reminder to live boldly, love fiercely, tell the truth, and keep going, even when the road is hard as hell.
She leaves behind a love that was expansive, an absence that is immense, and a legacy of authenticity, courage, and joy that will continue to ripple through everyone who was lucky enough to know her. She made me a better man, husband and friend.

She is survived, and will be missed, by countless friends and family.

Memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. CT on Tuesday June 9^th, 2026, at Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel (4300 ‘O’ St).

Service Recording:

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June9

Memorial Service

3:00 pm CT

Roper & Sons Midtown Chapel

4300 O St.
Lincoln, NE 68510

(402) 476-1225

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June 13, 2026

I am very pleased to share another memory of Sandy. Bear with me, like many memories worth sharing, there isn’t exactly a “long story, short” version. August 1996, Sandy and I joined each other in Louisiana to visit our friend Linda for what we accurately felt would be our last visit with our cherished mentor. After 40 years, it is the story I tell most often, even to people who never met Sandy or Linda. It was that impactful. Sandy flew from Florida and I came from Washington State. The circumstances of her making that trip won’t surprise Sandy’s family and friends. I think it was a Thursday, two days before the eventual trip, when the mind meld happened. We both learned later that each of us were facing a busy workday ahead. On my 20 minute drive to work, a thought popped in my mind that I should call airlines with a general , thought about a possible goodbye visit to Linda before it became too late to share earthly hugs, kisses, tears and the ever present laughter, By the time I arrived at my desk at 7am and picked up phone to call a familiar travel agent, the thought had become a solid decision. Mid-conversation, I put that call on hold to answer an incoming call. What came next won’t surprise Sandy’s family and many close friends. It was Sandy calling. It was 10am her time. She said, “Hey, Jude, I know it’s last minute, but I just booked a spur of the moment flight to Louisiana; I’m letting you know in case you wanted to come, too.” Sandy’s heart and mind were equal in measure. Over the years, I learned that her big-hearted thoughts jumped into many of our heads. It was 40 years ago, and we talked about that loss, love and memories of our friend every visit since. I have similar head-smacking “thought bomb” memories involving Sandy, but thinking back of all the times she and I reminisced, this one, a joint favorite, seemed a good one to share.

– Judy Moller

June 9, 2026

What a beautiful tribute for a one of a kind person. ❤️ I can remember going to visit Aunt Sam & Uncle Smitty when I was 10 or 11 in Baltimore, Maryland. It was my first flight by myself (or ever). I had a blast! We went to the Smithsonian, Washington, DC, and I got to see a delorean, up close & personal. I cherished the time spent with y’all and still have very fond memories of my time with y’all. I’ve always thought it was exceptional that she knew that kiddos weren’t for her, but she loved me when I was a kid so much, she would’ve been great at that too. I know I miss her.