Sandra L. Horsfall

Sandra L. Horsfall, a loving mother, caring grandmother, best friend to her sisters, an angel of a daughter to her parents, and a gracious caregiver to many in her community, entered her heavenly reward late Monday afternoon, July 24, 2006, following a lengthy illness and courageous struggle with cancer. Born at Dover, February 19, 1952, Sandra was a daughter of Harold and Florence Regula Rothenstine who now reside at Canal Winchester, Ohio. A lifelong resident of the New Philadelphia area, she graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1970. A talented basketball player, Sandra was affectionately known as her dad’s “Tom-Boy” because she so enjoyed the time they spent together, not only playing sports, but fishing and relaxing. An active member of the First United Methodist Church, and its singles ministry, Sandra took a leadership role within the group, often leading by sharing and listening to others. She enjoyed spending time fishing and swimming from her pontoon boat on Tappan Lake, and playing sports of all kinds. A 14 year veteran of Gradall, Sandra leaves behind many lasting friendships where her likeable spirit made her a favorite among those with whom she worked. Sandra brought a sense of light and wonder to her friends and family. Always an optimist, Sandra was known to share words of encouragement, an attentive ear, and a warm smile to family, friends and soon-to-be friends alike. A mother to three daughters, Sandra will be dearly missed by Rebecca (husband Bill) Haney of Scio, and Jonalee (husband Mike) Lesjak of New Philadelphia, and welcomed to heaven by the late Rachel Horsfall, her daughter who died in infancy.Sandra’s family, in addition to her parents and daughters, include a granddaughter, Brittany Smith of Scio, and five sisters, Julia (husband Melvin) White of LaPorte, Indiana, Diana (husband Dave) Groh of Pickerington, Ohio, Cindy (husband Dave) Keitch of Carmel, Indiana, Wendy (husband Bret) Harshey of New Philadelphia, and Kim (husband Eric) Belknap of Pickerington, Ohio. Numerous nieces and nephews complete the family. Friends are invited to call Thursday afternoon from 2-4 and from 6-8 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. The Reverend Marlene Peterson will lead a celebration of Sandra’s life Friday morning at 11AM in the funeral home’s chapel. Burial will follow in Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia. Following the committal service, a reception will be given in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the funeral home. Sandra was passionate about the care she received and gave to others through the work of the Singles Ministry at First United Methodist Church. In gratitude for the well-lived life she lead, her family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Singles Ministry, in care of FUMC, 201 West High Avenue, New Philadelphia, OH 44663 or Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 West Third St, Dover, OH 44622.