Sandra Lee Partlo

A loving soul that, "lived a life well lived," has embraced the heavenly Father. Sandra Partlo age 84 years, passed away on January 28, 2026 with family by her side. Sandra was born in Bay City MI, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Francis and Vivian Whalen. She'll be remembered for her generous spirit that permeated everything she did. Her family and friends will remember her steadfast faith, dedication, cheerful smile, compassion, positive attitude and pure joy of living a simple life to the fullest. Richard (Dick) Partlo and Sandra Whalen united in marriage on June 24, 1961, at Akron United Methodist Church. She resided with Richard and their four children, on a forty-acre centennial farm in Akron prior to moving to Bay City. She is a 1959 graduate of the Akron High School where she was on student council, band/snare drum, glee club & the legendary cheerleader winning the coin toss to name the consolidated Public Schools Akron-Fairgrove. Sandra obtained her dream of a college degree with Business Studies majoring in Fashion Merchandising from Delta College 1993. 

She was an active member of Akron, Caro United Methodist and Aldersgate Churches. Sandra constantly sought ways to make a difference in the world, whether at home, at work or in the community. Sandra was employed at Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant MI as Administrative Assistant, Akron-Fairgrove Schools for 32 years as a receptionist and bookkeeper which awarded her Employee of the Year. Most recently she worked at the Bay City and Midland Michigan Works offices up until 2012. She consciously worked to bring more gratitude, simplicity, order, harmony, beauty and joy for herself and others in her daily journey. Sandra served on numerous committees and boards. She was a 4-H Club leader, Tuscola County Bean Queen Committee, Caro Adult Education, Bishop Sewing Teacher and Teacher at Tuscola Area Skill Center. A Tuscola Rotary hostess of foreign exchange students, Primrose of Midland charter and resident ambassador, Bay Shore Camp and Family Ministries and Thumb Youth for Christ Boards. In addition, she was a member of the Bay City Twins Club, Bible Studies & Liberal Arts Club of Midland. Sandra educated her talents to others through her interest in avid gardening, pie/baking contest, decorating gingerbread houses and sewing. She was a tap dancer in her teens and adulthood and loved to read. She supported all Performing Arts and Athletics with being most passionate about basketball and football. Her family knows that her spirit lives on in all who knew, saved and loved her and are grateful to her heroes, including MyMichigan Midland Health, Covenant Healthcare, McLaren Bay Region and Yale New Haven Health Hospital Teams for Cardiovascular and Breast Cancer.

Left to cherish her memory is her four children: Teri Lee (Jerry) Best, Kurt (Cheryl) Partlo, Lori (Dan) Miller, Lisa (Fred) Wasco; grandchildren: Ashley Partlo (Dejan) Korkut, Kyle (Gabby) Partlo, Chad (Ali) Wasco, Kaylee (fiancée Max Russo) Wasco, Chelsea Best, Julia Miller; great grandchildren: Marcel, Vivian, Crew, Quinn, Natalee and Corbin; several nieces and nephews; many special extended family and devoted Primrose Retirement Communities Villa residents, Bay Shore Camp & family Ministries friends. Sandra was preceded in death by her husband, Richard B. Partlo and parents Francis and Vivian Whalen; brother Kim F. Whalen; sister Judy I. Beach; mother-in-law, Beth Tobias Partlo, June Partlo; father-in-law, Raymond Partlo and brother-in-law, Larry Beach,

At the request of Sandra, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life for Sandra Partlo will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Aldersgate Church, 2206 Airfield Ln, Midland Michigan with Paster Mike T. Sawicki officiating. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. up until the service at 11:00 a.m. A repast following the memorial will be provided. Sandra will be laid to rest with a committal service at Demorest Cemetery, Akron Township, MI on a later date. Those who desire may direct memorial contributions to Aldersgate Church or Pulse 3 Endowment (AED funds) 1632 Stone Street, Saginaw MI. (please make checks payable to: Pulse 3 Endowment).