Sandra "Sandy" Elaine (Backus) Entsminger

Sandra “Sandy” Elaine Entsminger, age 79, of Grand Haven, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, October 10, 2024. She was born on October 26, 1944, in Stevenson, Maryland, to the late John and Dorothy (Lafferty) Backus. In 1945, the family moved to Hesperia, MI.

Sandy married Leroy “Lee” Entsminger on October 23, 1965, and together, they raised three children. They were married for almost 51 years before his passing on October 10, 2016, eight years ago to the day of her passing.

During the years of Sandy and Lee raising their children, the family enjoyed camping, dune buggying, and get-togethers with family and friends. Sandy attended Hesperia United Methodist Church and enjoyed crafting, reading, crocheting, and traveling. Most important to her was her grandchildren, who she especially enjoyed spending time with.

Sandy graduated from Hesperia High School, and then, Muskegon Business School (Baker College), where she earned a Clerk Typist degree. She worked at Gerber Memorial Hospital, Mercy Hospital, and later, she earned her phlebotomist certification and worked for North Ottawa Community Hospital, retiring in 2009 after almost forty years of service.

Sandy is lovingly remembered and missed by her children, Dawn (Mike) Van Asperen of Holland, Debra (Todd) Behm of Grand Haven; son, Allen (Mary) Entsminger of Grand Haven; six grandchildren: Alex (Emma) Van Asperen, Megan (Tyler) Cover, Jacob Van Asperen, Mason and Parker Behm, and Carter Entsminger; special sister-in-law, Betty (Jack) Pelkey of Florida; sister-in-law, Janice Entsminger; brother-in-law, Wayne (Pattie) Entsminger of Florida; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Lee.

The Memorial Service for Sandy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 18, 2024, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home, with Chaplain Judy Van Dyke officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at the funeral home. Interment will be with her husband at Lake Forest Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Hesperia United Methodist Church, Hesperia Community Library, or Trinity Health at Home Hospice Grand Haven.

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