Sandra “Sandy” Lavern Schmalstieg, 78, of Easton, Kansas, died Friday, October 30, 2026.
Sandra was born October 3, 1948, in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of Marvin and Barbara (Burton) Trader. She graduated from Easton High School in 1966 and married Rudolph “Buddy” Schmalstieg on January 14, 1967. The couple had four children before their marriage ended in 1985.
For more than 40 years, Sandra shared her life with her longtime companion, Lewis Roediger.
Sandra worked for more than 30 years as the laundry supervisor at Easton Nursing Home, where she enjoyed visiting with residents and staff.
Family was the center of Sandra's life. She especially enjoyed celebrating holidays, with Halloween holding a special place in her heart. She decorated her yard and hosted Halloween parties and hayrides, creating lasting memories for her family.
She also enjoyed baking and canning and was known for making personalized Valentine's Day sugar cookies, decorated cakes and baklava for family and friends.
Sandra loved tending to the flowers in front of her home and watching hummingbirds during the spring and summer. Even as her health declined, she continued to enjoy spending time outdoors in her garden.
Survivors include her longtime companion, Lewis Roediger; two sons, Randolph Schmalstieg and his wife, Joelen, and Robert Schmalstieg; a daughter, Stephanie Herken and her husband, Scott; three sisters, Gloria Schmalstieg and her husband, David, Wanda Tittle and her husband, Mark, and Linda Roediger; two brothers, Jesse Trader and his wife, Tammy, and Keith Trader; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Russell Schmalstieg; a brother, Leslie Trader; and two grandchildren, Kaitlyn Schmalstieg and Blake Hobbs.
Funeral services will be Thursday, November 5, at 11:00 a.m. at Easton Methodist Church, 201 N. Fourth St., Easton. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., one hour before the service.
Graveside services will follow the funeral.
Barnett Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
