Sandra Anne Mischke

Sandra Anne (McCarty) Mischke, 79, passed away on April 13, 2023, at the Washakie Medical Center with her loving husband by her side.

Sandra was born May 3, 1943, in Wichita, Kansas to Edwin Lyman and Vivian Ferne (Kilgore) McCarty. She graduated from Russell High School in 1961. Following graduation, she attended Westmar College in Le Mars, Iowa where she received her bachelor's degree in elementary education. During this time, she met a dashing young man, Charles Russell Mischke. They met in their "Introduction to the Bible" class where they were seated alphabetically. Chuck found creative ways to talk to Sandi, aka asking for her test and homework answers. Once he gained more confidence (and passed the class, thanks to Sandi) he asked her out for a coke and to play ping pong and the rest is history. Now, 58 years later they enjoyed Pepsi and watched game shows together.

Chuck and Sandi married in Chase, Kansas on June 13, 1964. Chuck wanted to go to somewhere there were mountains and limited people which lead them to Dubois, Wyoming. This is where they started their teaching careers. Even though she did not have her degree yet, Sandi was hired to teach a 1st grade class due to the large class sizes. This is also where Chuck taught Sandi how to hunt, fish, snowmobile, and camp. While living in Dubois, they would often visit Chuck's family farm in Crofton, Nebraska where Sandi learned firsthand what it took to be a farm hand. This included holding cow tails while Chuck milked and learning to drive a tractor.

They taught in Dubois for 6 years and then made their way to Worland in 1970 where they still reside. Sandi started her Worland teaching career at Northside Elementary School. She then taught 6th grade language arts until 1996 at the Worland Middle School. Sandi retired after 33 years of teaching the youth of the town she loved so much. She extended her teaching career by substituting for an additional 10 years. Sandi was also known for her involvement in the Boys and Girls Club, Good News Club and Vacation Bible School at Zion. A highlight for Chuck and Sandi was taking a mission trip to the Ukraine in 1995 to teach English and assist locals with building and maintenance. Sandi, one who was always prepared, packed an entire suitcase of toilet paper because she'd heard there was a shortage in Ukraine. If there was a way to teach and minister to children, she found it.

Chuck and Sandi welcomed their first child, Michelle Anne, on September 19, 1971 and then Matthew Arnold on July 10, 1974. Chuck and Sandi shared their love of the outdoors with their children, taking them hunting, fishing, rock hunting, skiing, camping and boating, but most of all teaching them a love for the Lord. Sandi also loved singing in the church choir, cooking, baking, playing games, doing puzzles and spending time with her 6 grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. Her life was full of love, happiness and joy and she radiated that everywhere she went. Sandi's creative way of teaching, outgoing personality, generous heart, and of course her peanut butter taffy, are just a few things for which she will be remembered.

Sandi's love for the Lord and dedication to her faith was visible in all aspects of her life. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, her motto was "count it all joy" and after having a double mastectomy was cancer free until her passing. As Alzheimer's/Dementia slowly started to take her from her family, her bright spirit and never-ending smile continued to radiate God's love to everyone she met.

She was preceded in death by her parents, who are welcoming her with open arms.

Survivors include her beloved husband, Charles and her devoted "therapy" dog, Gus; daughter, Michelle (Toby) Bowling of Kaysville, Utah; son, Matthew (Sally) Mischke of Missoula, Montana; grandchildren: Ashtyn (Tyler) Anderson of Commerce City, Colorado, Daylen Egger of Missoula, Raeganne and Wyatt Bowling, of Kaysville, and Cody Mischke and Ethan Baker of Missoula; brothers: Eddie (Vickie) McCarty of Charleston, Indiana, Max (Dee) McCarty of Norwalk, California, David (Tina) McCarty of Santa Fe Springs, California and sister, Debra (Carl) Manzella of Le Canto, Florida and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held 10:30 AM on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Zion Church with Pastor James Byers officiating. Please wear pink (for breast cancer awareness) or blue (her favorite color). Memorials may be made to "Backpacks in a Blessing" for back-to-school backpacks for kids or to the Z.E.S.T. Fund at Zion Church. Donations may be sent to PO Box 524, Worland, WY 82401. Online condolences may be made at http://www.bryantfuneralhome

online.com.