Sandra Wheat

Sandra Kay (Meade) Wheat, 82 of Allegan, Michigan, passed away peacefully Monday, July 19, 2021 at her home surrounded by her family. Born June 1, 1939 in Allegan, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late Lynn and Lillian (Waanders) Meade and the wife of Dr. James R. Wheat. Sandy graduated from Allegan High School and then went to Blodgett Nursing School in Grand Rapids. She worked as a nurse while Jim was in medical school and then focused on her boys and family. She worked as a volunteer nurse for Planned Parenthood, an organization whose mission she felt passionate about. Sandy gave to her community through politics as a member of the city council and as the first female mayor of Allegan. She was deeply involved in saving the Second Street Bridge in Allegan and the redevelopment of the waterfront. She had the honor of going to Washington DC to receive the National Historic Preservation Award for saving the bridge and shook hands with Ronald Reagan at the White House. She was a long-time member of her infamous bridge club that actually hadn't played bridge for years. These were a group of women who were dear friends, some since kindergarten. Sandy was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. To know Sandy was to love her, and the memory of her will forever be in the hearts of her family and friends. Along with her loving husband of 60 years, Jim, she is survived by her sons, Mike (Beth) Wheat and Tom (Julie) Wheat; four grandchildren, Bill (Kim) Wheat, Tom (Heather) Wheat, Rachel Wheat and Evan Wheat; four great-grandchildren, Korbin, Colten, Owen and Evelyn; her brother, Gary (Debra) Meade; her sister, Linda Wilson; and many special nieces and nephews. Sandra was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Margaret (Tom) Gaby. Memorial donations may be made in Sandy's name to Wings of Hope Hospice, 530 Linn Street, Allegan, MI 49010. A Celebration of Life is being planned and will be posted on the Gorden Funeral Residence website (https://www.gordenfuneral.com/) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/gordenandchappellfuneral) once final arrangements are complete. Inurnment will take place in Oakwood Cemetery, Allegan, Michigan.