Sandra Quenett, lovingly referred to as Sue, passed away peacefully at home February 26, 2024, at the age of 75.

She is survived by two sons: Scott (Sharon) Strader and Jason (Wendy) Strader. Also surviving her are three sisters: Sheila Sax, Sister Jean Marie of the Cross, and Ruby (Tim) Leonhart. She also leaves a brother, Lloyd Quenett. Her surviving grandchildren are: Zachary, Joshua, Jacob, Nathan, Kaalie, Nichole, and Oliver Brian; and her many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding her in death were her parents: Lloyd and Florene Quenett; her daughter, Carla (Chris) Price; and her sister, Cynthia Poncek.

Sandra grew up in the Glen Park area of Gary, Indiana, graduating from Lew Wallace High School in 1966. She lived in a home just one block away from Lew Wallace for most of her school life. This was during the glory days of Lew Wallace High School and the Glen Park subdivision of Gary.
Sue became best friends with Theckla Johnson during high school, and they spent many years together on Johnson’s parents’ boat while attending high school. This would prove to be a very important relationship in her life because she would meet her future husband after one of their boat excursions on Lake Michigan and shopping in downtown Michigan City. She met her future husband, Charles Strader, after one of these cruises when they enjoyed a meal at the McDonald’s Restaurant in downtown Michigan City.
Sue spent a very brief time working at First United Life Insurance in downtown Gary, and this was the time when her relationship with her future husband became serious. Charles and Sue were married in 1968 and became active members of The Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints. They welcomed their first two children and two years later moved to Provo, Utah, where Charles became a student at Brigham Young University. Their third son, Jason, was born in Omaha, Nebraska, and they would spend 25 years living and raising a family together in that state. After her divorce in 1997, Sue became an employee of Omaha Steaks. She enjoyed friendships through social activities and cruises. There would be a lot of time spent with her grandchildren and she enjoyed watching them grow. Tragedy would strike in 2016 when Sue lost her daughter, Carla, to cancer. It was a devastating loss for the entire family.
Beginning in 2017, Sue’s dementia and other health issues became a concern. She would move to Lowell, Indiana, to stay with her sister and brother-in-law, Ruby and Tim Leonhart. They became her caregivers for four years, taking her to church in Hebron and doing all that was needed. In 2020, Sue’s condition required that she move to assisted living to Spring Mill Campus in Merrillville, Indiana. She would spend her remaining years there. Again, Ruby and Tim would be closely involved with her daily life for doctor appointments and other caregiving tasks.

Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Geisen Funeral, Cremation & Reception Centre, 606 E. 113th Ave., Crown Point, IN 46307 from 2:00 PM until the time of Memorial Service at 5:00 PM. All are invited to attend.

Visit Sue’s online guestbook at www.GeisenFuneralHome.com 219-663-2500.