Saundra "Sandy" Rainwater

Gracious, compassionate, and selfless, Saundra Rainwater was a gift in the lives of those around her. Through her life we are reminded that happiness is not found in what we have, rather, it is in the love we share with the ones who mean the most that we are richly blessed. Sandy was a loving, devoted, and nurturing wife and mother who was filled with unspeakable joy to become a grandmother to the grandchildren who were her richest reward. Friendly, kindhearted, and generous, she went out of her way to help others no matter the personal cost. Sandy touched the hearts of countless people who will be forever changed for the better because of her love.

It was on March 31, 1935, that Marcus and Frida (Spycher) Riddle were pleased to announce the birth of their baby girl in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Saundra Kay was the younger of two children born to her parents, and she was raised in the family home in the Milwood neighborhood during her earliest years alongside her brother, Robert. The Riddle family later moved to a home in the Westnedge Hill neighborhood.

In many ways Saundra, or Sandy as she was often known, was a young girl of her generation. Her father worked as a butcher and owned Harts Market on Westnedge while her mother was a homemaker who also was a part-time election worker. As a family they looked forward to spending time at their family cottage on Gun Lake during the summers, and Sandy was very close to her cousins. While growing up she was also close to her best friend, Carol Vis. Sandy was a student at local schools who graduated from Kalamazoo Central and Nazareth Academy in 1954. She then took some general education classes at Western Michigan University

New and exciting changes were in store for Sandy when she met the young man with whom she would write a love story that would span 52 years. His name was Robert Rainwater, and they were set up on a blind date by Sandy’s friend Marlea Hanichen. They found they shared some of the same interests as they both liked to dance and loved both the water and the beach. After dating for a time they found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Sandy and Robert were married on June 23, 1962, at a Presbyterian church in Kalamazoo with a reception that followed at the cottage on Gun Lake. Together Sandy and Robert were blessed with the births of two children, Rhonda and Robert. From the moment she became a mother Sandy fully immersed herself in the role as she made caring for her children her primary focus. She offered her children unconditional love, and she was always there for them in whatever they needed. Over the years Sandy’s dogs were like additional members of the family, and she treasured their companionship.

In addition to her roles as a wife, mother, and homemaker, Sandy kept busy in other ways as well. For a time she was the playground supervisor at Sunset Lake Elementary in Vicksburg. In addition, Sandy worked as a home health aide and babysat children in her home while her own children were in school. She officially retired in 1990. Sandy enjoyed camping, traveling, and walking along the beach collecting seashells. During their retirement years Sandy was able to satiate her love for the beach all the more as they spent their winters on Pine Island, Florida. For years she and her husband were members of the Holiday Rambler Recreational Vehicle Club.

With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around her, Saundra Rainwater created a priceless collection of memories with the family she cherished more than life itself. She had such a kind heart coupled with a free spirit that made her so much fun to be around. Described as a true lady, Sandy was humble and soft-spoken with a fun-loving sense of humor and a genuine interest in the lives of others. She was an extraordinary woman who was so easy to love and will be deeply missed.

Saundra “Sandy” Kay Rainwater, of Vicksburg, died on Wednesday, October 1, 2014. Sandy is survived by her husband, Robert; two children: Rhonda (Gerrit) VanderKamp, of Vicksburg; Robert (Maben) Rainwater, of CA; five grandchildren: Andrea and RJ VanderKamp, Alexandru, Nicholas and Kira Rainwater; one brother: Robert (Darlene) Riddle, of MD. Sandy was preceded in death by her parents. There will be a graveside service on Friday, July 10, 2015 at 2 p.m. at Vicksburg Cemetery. Please visit Sandy’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign her guestbook, share a memory and photo. Those who wish may make a contribution to Fairview Nursing and Rehab, Vicksburg Historical Society and/or Vicksburg Community School Foundation Endowment Fund.