Obituary of Sandra Ann Kegley

Sandra Ann Kegley was born in 1941 in Ottumwa, Iowa. Sandra passed away at the age of 82 on November 11, 2023 at her home in San Jose, CA. Sandra is survived by her loving husband, Richard D. Kegley, and her three daughters Helen, Rickie-Ann and Linda. Sandra is also survived by her two grandsons and one great-grandson. Sandra is predeceased by her mother Helen Ogawa and step-father Sam Ogawa. Sandra moved with her family from rural Iowa to Santa Cruz, CA in her early childhood. She resided in Santa Cruz for the remainder of her childhood. Sandra was an avid reader. After school, she could often be found at the beach reading a good book. Sandra graduated from Santa Cruz High School and went on to San Jose State University, where she obtained her degree and elementary school teaching credential. Sandra began her teaching career on September 1, 1962 at Bagby Elementary School in the Cambrian School District. In 1963 she met Richard D. Kegley at a drive-in diner where carhops brought out the food on roller skates in downtown San Jose. They were married on July 4, 1963 in Mexico. Throughout her career, Sandra was a mentor teacher and a valuable resource to many student teachers and those who were new to teaching. Sandra continued to teach in the Cambrian School District for 35 years. Sandra enjoyed working with students in the first, second and fifth grade classrooms. Sandra retired from teaching with the Cambrian School District on June 11, 1999. When she was not teaching, Sandra enjoyed reading novels, gardening, cross stitch, cooking and genealogy. She loved playing the piano - Beethoven’s Fur Elise was one of her favorites. In retirement, she took several trips with her husband in their RV to visit friends and explore new places. Sandra and her husband also went on a few cruises to Alaska, the Panama Canal and China. We will miss your presence and hold you close in our hearts! Services will be held at Oakwood Chapel at 3301 Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95065 on December 9, 2023 at 1:00pm. “In grateful remembrance of a teacher who made a difference.” - Anonymous