Sandra Lee Cleveland Critchlow

Our loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend danced her way to her precious son on Tuesday, April 25, surrounded by her family. 

Born November 5, 1958 to Harry Lee Cleveland and Edna Mae Pate, she was the oldest of five children. Growing up, she loved journaling and taking pictures and videos and spending time with her family. She loved serving as the Associate Editor for “The Highlander” newspaper for Ben Lomond High where she graduated the Class of ‘77.  She would also speak highly of her time as a “Candy-Striper” at the hospital. She was very inclusive and made friends everywhere she went. 

While working as a Purchasing Agent at W.R. White Pipe, she met the love of her life, Chris Critchlow in December 1980. After 6 short weeks, they were engaged and were married July 17, 1981.  Together, they planned to start their family. Due to some health complications, she was told to get pregnant and stay pregnant if she wanted a family. They welcomed their first daughter, Staci just a week after Sandra’s birthday in 1982. She found complete joy in being a mother. They welcomed their second daughter, Heidi, in February 1984 followed by a son, Troy in Sept 1985. They endured great loss 100 days later and lost Troy to SIDS. While heartbroken, she knew she needed to stay strong for her girls and chose to live and teach a “Life of Joy” in honor of Troy. She drew closer to the Lord and the Faith she had for His plan. They welcomed a second son, Spencer in March 1987. They were Sealed together as a Family in the LDS Ogden Temple on June 25, 1988. Another son, Colton was born in January 1990. This also changed Sandra’s role in life to open a Daycare in their home so she could be home with the kids. Last but not least, Holli joined to complete the family as the greatest surprise to everyone in December 1992. 

Sandra began having significant health issues while still raising a young family. This changed her go, go, go lifestyle that she loved. She always persevered with a smile on her face and so much gratitude for every day she got to be alive. She loved life. She was so grateful for the love and support she had at home and knew that not everyone was so lucky! 

Her joy of being a mother was expanded when she became a grandma. These kids were her joy. She loved them beyond measure and made sure they knew it. She was such an amazing emotional support and physically attended as much as she was able with dance recitals, soccer games, family trips to the condos, Comicon and anything else she could do. The love they each shared with her was amazing to watch. Whether physically or virtually, she was their greatest supporter! She loved being called “Grandma Crazy” and she held that title well as the fun, silly, crazy Grandma they all loved so much! 

Faith, Family & Friends describe Sandra. She has no other setting in her heart than kindness and love. She was the definition of a Peacemaker. She had the ability to lift others even when she wasn’t physically able to stand on her own. She emulated the Christlike attribute of loving unconditionally. She was the most giving, non-judgmental person with such a sense of empathy and love. To know her was to be loved by her. She was a second mom to so many friends and people that were complete strangers that she had only ever met online. She sincerely cared for them and prayed each for them and cheered them on in life. 

She is preceded in death by her sweet son, Troy; her mother and father; little brother, Brent Cleveland; sister-in-law, Joanie Critchlow; brother-in-law, Bart Critchlow; mother-in-law, Lois (Fred) Livingston; father-in-law, Leslie (Betty) Critchlow; and many, many, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. 

Sandra is survived by her loving husband; her children, Staci (Justin) Gaines, Heidi (Joseph) Fonnesbeck, Spencer Critchlow, Colton (Paige) Critchlow, and Holli Critchlow; her grandchildren, Broc and Sophia Gaines, Ryland and Dylan Patterson, Max Critchlow and her bonus grandchildren she loved just as much, Skylie Empey, Lincoln and Noelia Fonnesbeck, Korver and Karson Gray; her siblings, Barbara (Trish) Cleveland-Willams, Lisa (Brad) Lewis, and Brian (Jodi) Cleveland; in-laws, Steve (Ann) Critchlow, Pam Critchlow, Brad Edelman, and Fanny Jung; and many nieces, nephews and people she considered family.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 3 p.m. at Lindquist’s North Ogden Mortuary, 2140 N Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Monday, May 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the mortuary. Interment, Ben Lomond Cemetery, 526 E. 2850 N, North Ogden

Please wear bright colors!

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