Sandra Lee Balkema, 77, of Whitehall, formerly of Montague, passed away Thursday, March 2, 2017, at Heartland Health Care Center in Whitehall.  She was born July 8, 1939, in Shelby, the daughter of Edward and Esther (Ladegast) Sanford.

Sandra retired from Howmet, in Whitehall, where she had been employed for 28 years.  She was an active member of the Lebanon Lutheran Church, in Whitehall, and a former member of the White Lakes Eagles Aerie #3214.  In her spare time, Sandra enjoyed reading, solving crossword puzzles and traveling.  Most of all, Sandra loved spending time with her family, especially with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Sandra is survived by: her daughters, Kim (Terry) Plummer of New Era, Tracey (Jim) Anderson of New Era, and Lorey (Rob) Montgomery of Whitehall; the father of her children, Fred Schultz of Shelby; 5 step-children, Mike (Kathy) Balkema, Jan (Jim) Higginson, Marty (Diane) Balkema, Mary (Art) Caswell and Marshall Balkema Jr.; 5 grandchildren, Toni (Phil Lorenson) Plummer, Shawn Plummer, Gabriel Anderson, Caleb Anderson and Logan Montgomery; 3 great-grandchildren, Dayton, Nola and Lincoln; her sister, Cheryl (Keith) Burmeister of Shelby; several nieces and nephews; and numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

On September 13, 1985, Sandra married the love of her life, Marshall Balkema who preceded her in death in 2013.  She was also preceded in death by: her son, Tony Schultz; and her sister, Elaine Nelson.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at the Lebanon Lutheran Church, in Whitehall, with Reverend Douglas Ogden officiating.  Interment will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in Montague.  Visitation will be held Wednesday from 12:00 PM until time of services at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lebanon Lutheran Church.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, in Whitehall, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com