Sandy N. Bellville

Sandy N. Bellville, 68, of rural Independence, died unexpectedly on Thursday, March 13, 2014 at her home. Sandy was born June 8, 1945 in San Diego, Calif., to Donald and Kay (Peters) Driese). She married John L. Bellville on November 7, 1964 in San Diego. Sandy died in her home doing one of her favorite things- reading, on her couch, with a view of her beautiful valley. Sandy was the light. She found joy and pleasure in her family and friends. She loved people and people loved her. She made "friends" wherever she went. It was not unusual to find her in a store laughing and carrying on like old friends with someone, only to discover she just met the person. She was extremely talented and creative. She ran a successful craft business for over 25 years; people came from miles around to purchase the latest edition to her Santa collection. Her "sewing room" was her paradise and many gorgeous handmade cards and crafts came from her heart and hands in that room. Creating a beautiful Victorian home and perennial gardens were her lifelong passion. Her stunning flower beds were her pride and joy and left those who saw them awestruck by her talent and skill. Her lovely home that she shared with her husband for over 40 years is filled with carefully selected antiques both large and small. Together she and John displayed this collection throughout every nook and cranny in their home. The home she thoroughly loved at the end of a country road in Sunshine Valley. All her life she loved reading. This transformed into developing a love of reading in children. She loved the Independence Public Library where she led Story Hour and Summer Reading Programs for many years. She could often be found picking out a special craft or snack she knew would be perfect for the upcoming story hour theme. She always had a cute story to share with John or Chelsea about one of the children. The twinkle in her eye as she shared the stories was blinding. Above all, her family was her joy; she loved her family deeply. Her children and grandchildren were one of the highlights of her life. She and her daughter were as close as two people could be; they shared unspoken thoughts, finished each other sentences and could make each other laugh so hard that they couldn't breathe. Her sister was also one of her favorite people. In fact, you could often hear Sandy's laughter echoing through the house as she was on yet another phone call to Susie. She was just so much fun to be around; everyone wanted more time with her, to be silly, to laugh, to be infected with her love of life. Sandy lived her life with honor, passion, and humor. She filled us all with her love. She spent 50 years loving and being loved by her husband. She was looking forward to a big party on the farm to celebrate their marriage and love. Sandy's outlook on life was always positive. She was vivacious, hilarious, quick-witted, and incredibly smart. She was the best listener this world has ever known and had more patience than anyone. She believed in angels and never realized what her family and friends always knew- she was our angel. Those left to carry on include her husband, John of rural Independence (Chimney Rock); son, Brian (Tammy) Bellville of Fall Creek; daughter, Chelsea Bellville of Altoona; sister, Susie (Bob) Robeson of Lakeside, Calif.; sister-in-law, Gloria (Victor) Bell of Encinitas, Calif.; four grandchildren, Maizie, Tessa, and A.J. Bellville and Rachel Roskos and a great-granddaughter, Emmelia Bellville. Sandy was preceded in death by her parents. Memorial services will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2014, at Edison Funeral Home, Independence. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until time of services. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Sandy N. Bellville, please visit our flower store.