Sandra "Sandy" Kaye Thompson

Sandra (Sandy) Kaye Sickbert Thompson, 77, a longtime resident of Colorado Springs, passed peacefully in hospice care at UCHealth Memorial Central Hospital on Monday, April 8, 2024. She was born on August 16, 1946 in Culver City, California to Lt. Col. Murl J. Sickbert and Keturah (Stelzriede) Sickbert.

Sandy’s life was defined by her Methodist faith, her 30+ year teaching career, and her musical talents. Born into an Air Force family, Sandy’s childhood included time in Germany and multiple states before her family settled in Colorado Springs in 1956. Another family move brought Sandy to Oklahoma City where she graduated from Del City High School in 1964. Sandy completed her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and flute performance at Oklahoma City University in 1968.

During her time at OCU, Sandy met her first husband, fellow musician Ted Ryals. They married in 1969. Sandy began her elementary teaching career in Oklahoma City but the Vietnam War drew Ted into service with the U.S. Navy in 1970. Sandy and her husband moved several times during the 1970s and welcomed twin daughters, Hilarie and Melissa, during that time. Sandy supported her Navy husband and daughters through clerical work and flute lessons. Her family settled in Colorado Springs in 1981.

After returning to Colorado Springs, Sandy taught preschool and nursery school through her church, First United Methodist Church. She returned to elementary school education, mostly first grade, in 1985. She enjoyed a 23-year career with Colorado Springs School District 11. Sandy’s specialty was teaching underprivileged and learning-challenged first-graders. She loved children and helped them reach their fullest potential in all subjects, especially reading. She earned her Master’s in Education through the University of Phoenix in 1993. Sandy retired from District 11 in 2008. In later years, many of Sandy’s former students would remember her fondly and greet her with joy when they happened to see her around town.

Sandy and Ted were divorced in 1989. Through mutual friends, Sandy met her true love Ken Thompson in 1992. Sandy and Ken were married in 1993. They enjoyed their many years together sharing travel, Nuggets, Rockies, and Avalanche games, favorite TV shows, gardening, and time with family and friends. They shared a quiet retirement at home, taking care of the garden and yard while trying to stop the “deer posse” from eating all of the roses.

Sandy’s music and Methodist faith were the keys to her rich and full life. Sandy played flute for over 60 years, sharing her talents through many church and community groups. Sandy loved classical music and always had it playing at home or in the car. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

Sandy is survived by her beloved husband Ken Thompson; her twin daughters Hilarie (Michael) Quispe of Aurora, CO, and Melissa (Scotty) James of Harker Heights, TX; her brothers Murl Jr. (Dawn) and Ross (Joan Carter); her sister Ginger (Bill Bennett); her cherished cousin Dr. Scot Sickbert (Elana Hanson); and several nieces and nephews.

No service will be held. Private inurnment. Memorial contributions may be made to Pikes Peak Hospice Foundation, KCME 88.7 FM or the Colorado Springs Chorale.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChapelofMemoriesfh.com for the Thompson family.