Sandra (Sandy) Starner went peacefully to be with our Lord on December 19, 2020. Sandy was born May 22, 1942 in Gore, Ohio to the late Stanley Woodrow and Dorothy (Erwin) Nutter. A 1960 graduate from Logan High School, she married her High School sweetheart, Gary Keith Starner. They were married for 55 years until his death in 2015.
While married and raising four children she graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor Degree in Special Education. She obtained her Master’s Degree of Education from Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1971 Sandy was given the job through which would impact so many lives in Hocking County. She was hired by the Logan School System as a Multiple Handicap teacher at West-Logan Elementary. Her love for her students and teaching bloomed! The following year, Sandy became a 6th grade teacher at Rockbridge Elementary where she formed a special family bond with the staff, students, families and community. During that time one of her many accomplishments that her and her students were responsible for included the preservation project of the Lift Lock #12, also known as the Sheep Pen Canal Lock located in Rockbridge. This accomplishment was awarded at the State Historical Society and was even published in a McGraw Hill Social Studies 6th grade textbook. When the Logan-Hocking Middle School opened in 1992, Sandy moved her supplies and students to the new building and continued to be a 6th grade teacher until her retirement in 2001. Thirty years as an educator, mentor, counselor and mother to many of hundreds of students, this would become the legacy of Mrs. Starner. Sandy was a strong active member in the Logan Education Association. In 2002 she was honored with the Logan Education Educator Hall of Fame award.
Sandy was a past member of the Sigma Phi Gamma International Sorority, Logan Chapter. She was also an active past member of the Hocking County Genealogy Society and loved researching and tracing her ancestors. Even though it was Gary that became a politician, it was Sandy that enjoyed debating and talking politics. She was a member of the Hocking County Democrat Society. She and Gary were members of the Hocking County Soil and Water and even after Gary’s death, Sandy continued to be a supportive member.
Sandy attended UMC Mt. Olive in Gibsonville, Ohio. Her faith was strong and she enjoyed sharing her love of Jesus with others.
Sandy recently held the position as President of the Hocking County Board of Developmental Disability of which she was a passionate advocate. She believed that everyone had the ability to do something to make the world a better place.
Sandy was a donor and supporter of St. Jude Children’s Hospital, the United Way of Hocking County and the HVCH auction.
Sandy was a past board member of Bishop Educational Gardens where she and Gary shared a love and special relationship with this organization.
Sandy was a loving, kind and giving mother and grandmother. She is survived by her four children, Bryan (Rebekah) Starner of Logan, Mike (Lynn) Starner of Delaware, Lori (Mike) Schrader of Logan and Cara Starner of Logan. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Clinton (Jessica) Schrader of Carrol, Ohio and Hannah Schrader of Logan, Stephen Starner of Logan, Rachel and Michele Starner of Delaware. Also surviving are her sister, Lona (David) Graham of Logan and Sister-n-law, Cheryl (Curt) Hilton of Grove City.
Sandy was preceded in death by her Parents, Woody and Dot Nutter, her husband, Gary, granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth Starner and in-laws Harold and Eileen Starner.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations in honor of Sandy to be made to Hocking County Board of Developmental Disabilities (HCBDD) PO Box 387 Logan, Ohio 43138.
The family held a personal memorial service on December 28, 2020. A celebration of Sandy’s life will be held in late Spring/early Summer to include all of her friends and loved ones. Notice of date, place and time will be published at a later date.
Arrangements are by the Heinlein-Brown Funeral Home, Logan, Ohio.