Sandra Louise Clemons

Sandra Louise (Greer) Clemons was born on September 10, 1962 to Merle and Margorie Greer of Harlan, Iowa. She was the eighth of ten children. Growing up on a farm with nine siblings meant that privacy and solitude were rare. Learning to share, cooperate, work hard, and care for others were skills Sandy developed during childhood that she would exercise throughout her life.

Sandy attended elementary school at St. Michael's in Harlan. She then attended Irwin-Kirkman Schools and graduated in a class of 24 students in 1980. During her high school years, she achieved the honors of senior class president, homecoming queen, and salutatorian. Sandy enjoyed extracurricular activities including basketball, speech, chorus and band.

Sandy was the first in her family to attended college. She graduated from Iowa State University in Ames in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. After graduation, she accepted a job with Hewlett Packard which brought her to San Jose, California. After leaving Hewlett Packard, Sandy chose to follow her heart and use her compassion by working as a caretaker for adults with developmental disabilities at Hope Rehabilitation Services and taking care of animals at the ASPCA.

During her time in California, Sandy cultivated lifelong relationships with friends with whom she enjoyed various hobbies, including running, backpacking, and skiing. Other important people in Sandy's life included Jose Martinez Romero and family, who she loved very much. From this relationship, in the year 2000, Sandy welcomed her most precious gift from God, her son Fidel Enrique Martinez-Greer. She and Fidel moved to Iowa in 2006 to be closer to her family.

Sandy bought a house in Harlan where she and Fidel lived along with their dog and cat, Ginny and Popcorn. Since returning home to Iowa, Sandy worked various jobs including caring for adults with developmental disabilities at WESCO in Denison and CASS Incorporated in Atlantic; assisting with technical support at Harlan Community High School; and leading activities for residents at Elm Crest Senior Living Community in Harlan. She shared her nurturing qualities in her everyday life.

In 2012, there was a new sparkle in Sandy's eyes when she met a very special man named Craig Clemons. Craig and Sandy were united in marriage in 2014. As a new family, Sandy, Craig, and Fidel made their home on Craig's family farm near Prairie Rose Lake.

The name "Sandra" means Helper to Mankind. She lived up to her name by teaching Sunday school to youth at First United Methodist Church in Harlan and was involved in Stephens' Ministry and Lean into Life, offering support, encouragement, and hope to those in crisis. Sandy's faith was very important to her and she spent time with God in her morning devotion and journaled each day. Sandy loved photography and being outdoors. She found peace in going on walks, gardening, hiking, fishing, and sitting on the porch while admiring God's Creation. Sandy documented these moments with her photography, often pairing them with scripture. From these two passions, Sandy created "Colors of Faith," her line of Christian-based prints and greeting cards.

Sandy's most joyful moments were shared with family playing games, going on walks, traveling, and praying together. Particularly happy memories were made during sister weekends and brother time which included watching movies, eating, shopping, laughing, and crying together. Sandy shared her love and spirit with everyone she crossed paths with in life.

Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, Merle and Margorie Greer; nephew, Terry McKeon; nieces, April Blum and Mary Lonowski; brothers-in-law, Jim McKeon and Bob Smith. She leaves behind her husband, Craig Clemons; her son, Fidel Martinez-Greer (Sheridan); brothers, Dennis Greer (Nancy)of Harlan, IA; Brian Greer (Shelley)of Boise, ID; sisters, Shari Nash (Doug) of Rutledge, TN; Kay Smith of Hawarden, IA; Vicky Blum (Mike) of Council Bluffs, IA; Donna Bruck (Bruce) of Louisville, NE; Peggy Merkle (Brian) of Idaho Falls, ID; Patty Steenhusen (Paul) of Harlan, IA; Dale Lonowski (Doug) of Ellensburg, WA; sister-in-law, Nancy Ehrecke (Mark) of Lakeville, MN; brother-in-law, Calvin Clemons (Jenifer) of Winona, MN; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.