Sandy Lee Johnson

Sandy Lee Johnson was born January 17, 1968, in Ocala, Florida, the second daughter of Susan and Steven Turney. She was a beautiful little sweetheart who grew into a lovely, compassionate woman, sensitive, funny, intelligent and kind-hearted. She was creative and enjoyed writing, especially humorous material. She played guitar, sang, wrote some songs, and enjoyed karaoke, dancing, and many types of music with her friends and family. She loved walks in the park, hiking in the mountains, biking, and visiting places of beauty, such as Moab, the high desert in Utah. She was passionate regarding issues and concerns she cared about. She hated injustice and cruelty of any kind. She cared for the environment, and for unfortunate beings, such as stray, abused, or neglected animals. Her rescued cat, ""De"", now searches for her and grieves her absence. Sandy earned a degree in accounting from the U. of Iowa, having been inspired by her ""best"" math teacher in junior high school. Because she was a caring person, she worked primarily for non-profit organizations whose missions she believed in, such as helping children with difficult lives and problems. Sandy enjoyed many friends, some close, whom she truly cared for, and who cared for her. She was a grateful member of Alanon. She was loving, sensitive and thoughtful to the needs of others, always thinking of what she could do to brighten someone else's day. She would create meaningful, loving, ""just-right"" gifts for family and friends. She gave of herself, her time, and her talents. Sandy's death is tragic to us who knew and loved her, and she will live forever in our hearts. Left to grieve and to honor Sandy's memory are her mother Susan (William) Pence, of Davenport, Ia; her brother Sam Turney, of SanFrancisco, CA; her sister Stephanie smith, of Asheville, NC; her sister Kathleen Crose of Iowa City, Ia, to whom she was like a ""second Mom""; her father Steven (Michelle) Turney, of Bassfield, Miss; her uncle Michael (Thea) Walker of Pawley's Island, SC; her aunt Kathy Walker and cousin Christian Walker of Lisle, Ill; her brother Doug (Jamie) Crose and their two young sons, of Naperville, Ill; her aunt and uncle, Joyce and Tom Turney, of Ft. Myers, Fla; her nephew Andrew Eubank and his young son, Killian, of Asheville, NC; her niece Lynsie (Ben) Gutierrez and her young daughter, Samantha, of Las Cruces, NM; her great-aunt Dorothy McCoy, of Belvidere, Ill; and Norm Acker, her beloved man, of Littleton, CO.. Sandy was preceded in death by her step-father, Richard Crose; maternal grandparents, Ruth McCardle and Herbert Walker; paternal grand-parents, Gerry and Bob Turney; great-uncle, Clif McCoy, and great-grandparents, Cora and Larry Knott.. Sandy's family hopes that anyone wishing to make a donation in her honor, please consider giving to NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness), or to Air Life Memorial Fund of Denver, CO (or to any other worthy charity of your choice). We wish to thank all the first responders, as well as staff of Swedish Hospital Trauma Center, Engelwood, CO, who worked so hard trying to save Sandy's life. We know you did everything you possibly could. Special thanks to Dave Brase, her special friend, of Denver, as well as to Norm Acker, who have gone above and beyond to help us, making lodging arrangements, helping with funeral arrangements, and being wonderfully supportive, kind and loving. To all of you who have been an important, loving part of Sandy's life here on Earth, we may not know all of you, but we love you and will pray for you to be comforted. And thank you to all our (her family's) friends for your love, support, kindness, and prayers during this, our darkest time. We love you all.