Sandra Mekus

No Services are planned at this time.

Sandra Louise Mekus was born on May 16, 1942 to Louise (Blades) and Kenneth Hussman in her parent’s home in Des Moines, Iowa. She was raised with her older brother Clark and a younger sister Kay. Sandra grew up surrounded by her grandparents, uncles, aunts and numerous cousins. The importance of family became prevalent at a young age and was a value that would remain a priority for the rest of her life. She loved to paint, draw and decorate her home. She enjoyed swimming, golf and walks in the neighborhood. She also loved to care for her flowers and plants. Sandra always had a full bird feeder, especially for hummingbirds, and enjoyed watching wildlife. Sandra’s first priority was always her family. Her career as a mother and wife was a genuine commitment to the success of her family.

Sandra attended East High School in Des Moines, where she was active in clubs and earned recognition for her artistic drawings, including drawing a state poster for “Hire the Handicapped” contest. In August of 1959, before her senior year, Sandra met Max Mekus at the Iowa State Fair. Sandra graduated in 1960 from East High School, and on October 8th of that year, she married Max in Des Moines. 

Sandra and Max welcomed their first child, Lee, in 1961 in Des Moines. She took art classes at Drake University in 1963. From 1964-1969 Sandra worked at Bourn’s Inc. and the ISU Computation Center. After Max graduated from ISU Veterinary College, the family moved to Mount Ayr, IA in 1969. In 1970, Joel, her second son was born. A year later in 1971, her daughter Andrea was born. 

Sandra’s love for learning inspired her to take college classes at Southwestern Community College, Iowa State University and the University of Wisconsin. She often stressed the value of education to her children and supported them in their academic pursuits. Besides taking classes, Sandra worked part-time at the Mt. Ayr Veterinary Clinic, Glendenning Motor Co, and the ISU Extension. 

Sandra was actively involved in her community. She volunteered in the 4-H Clubs in Ringgold County, organized and supervised the pet shows at the Ringgold County Fair from 1982-1992, and was a founding member of the Ringgold County Awareness Team in 1984. Sandra served on the Ringgold County Tobacco Coalition and the Ringgold County Judicial Magistrate Commission. Sandra enjoyed serving for twenty years on the Ringgold County Civil Service Commission. She was a member of the Mt. Ayr Golf & Country Club. Sandra was also a Hospice volunteer. She was always interested in the weather. She volunteered for several years as a “weather watcher” for WHO-13 News in which she sent in daily reports for Mount Ayr. 

At home, Sandra maintained a large garden where she canned fruits and vegetables. She always did an impeccable job of trimming her miniature schnauzers and keeping a spotless home. Above all, “Grandma Sandy” adored spending time with her grandchildren. She loved taking them to the swimming pool, teaching them how to paint and to do crafts, cooking, mowing and shopping. She loved playing board games and card games with her family. Sandra also enjoyed attending Iowa State football and basketball games.

Sandra is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Clark Hussman, and her father-in-law and mother-in-law. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Max Mekus; her children, Lee (Charlotte) Mekus of Lawrence, KS, Joel Mekus of Prairieville, LA and Andrea (Joe) Bevington of Corning, IA; and her grandchildren, Jana Mekus, Jeffrey Mekus, Zoe Mekus, Henry Bevington and Madeline Bevington. Sandra is also survived by her sister, Kay Hill of Pleasant Hill, IA., her nephew Ryan Hill, and many cousins.

Sandra’s warmth, generosity, and love for her family and her community will be deeply missed by all who knew her.