Saundra Rae Larson

Saundra Rae Larson, 78, of Sioux City, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family, on Monday, February 10, 2025, at Embassy Care Center in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. A Memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 14, 2025, at Christy-Smith Funeral Homes, Larkin Chapel (2320 Outer Drive North) with a visitation taking place one hour prior. A luncheon will be held after the service. 

Saundra, “Sandy”, the daughter of Evonne and Jean Larson, was born on August 5, 1946, in Sioux City, Iowa. She attended Cooper Elementary School, East Junior, and East High School. Following graduation, Saundra made her home in Chicago, Illinois, and spent the next few years working for Continental Airlines and the Marriott Hotel Chain. Sandy later suffered from a brain aneurysm, where upon it became necessary to return home to Sioux City to live. Sandy lived many years back home on the block she grew up on, enjoying the companionship of the many neighbors she knew and loved. Saundra will be very missed by her Leech Avenue childhood friend, Kim, who was also her legal guardian and played a pivotal role in Saundra’s upbringing. Kim took great care of Saundra, and her family would like to express their eternal gratitude. Sandy loved spending time in the backyard gazebo enjoying the outdoors, feeding the birds, and many animals, including several goldfish she knew by name in the fishpond. She dearly adored the many children on the block she had a hand in raising and playing with them as they grew.

Sandy moved to Embassy Care in her later years, spending many fun and happy hours with her beloved roommate, Anita Berg. There was never a better afternoon spent than with these two great friends munching on caramel corn and watching westerns and football together.

Saundra is survived by her sister, Barbara Ricenbaw, her son, Korey (Rick), and daughter, Lezli, all of Denver, Colorado. There are numerous nieces and nephews scattered throughout the country who will miss her.

Saundra was preceded in death by her parents, and two sisters, Gayle and Suzie, with Sandy joining them at Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date.