Sandra Lynn Osterman

Sandy was born February 20th, 1949, in Michigan City, Indiana, to Raymond Charles and Thelma Jane White. During her youth she was active in 4 H clubs, showing her horse, Midnight, at the Michigan State Fair. She was involved in Girl Scouts for many years and eventually volunteered to teach horsemanship at the Girl Scout National Campground in Colorado. Sandy graduated from Edwardsburg, Michigan high school in 1967 and from Western Michigan University with a masters in Special Education. She taught special needs children in Bangor, Michigan for many years. In 1976 she married Manly “ Lee” Osterman in Bangor. Lee and Sandy moved to Colorado 1981 where they started a business in antiques and making wooden collectibles. Their business, NOT ALWAYS THE SAME, thrived as they traveled to many states and art fairs. In 2003 they moved to Estes Park to more fully enjoy the great outdoors. Unfortunately, just 5 years later, Lee passed away on September 8, 2008. Sandy was an accomplished photographer of her beloved Colorado Rocky Mountains and it’s wildlife. Those photos were often framed and given as gifts to family and friends. She was also an avid hiker and loved the outdoors. This way of life led her to become a volunteer in many capacities for Rocky Mountain National Park. She led many tourist group explorations and was known for her vast knowledge of the Rockies. Her favorite places to serve were at the Alpine visitor center at nearly 12,000 feet, and she loved patrolling the tundra. Sandy was also an activist in the Estes Park community where she served on various committees, being recognized as a valuable volunteer. She loved trains and railroads and studied the history of railroading and could often be found operating miniature trains with her friends. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Estes Park. She developed innumerable friendships within the Church and the overall Estes community. She is survived by her brother, Raymond Gene White (and sister-in-law, Nourma Jean) of Edwardsburg, Michigan, and her sister, Margery Dutton, of Oklahoma, along with many nieces and nephews. A memorial service for Sandy will take place at the Estes Park Valley Community Center at 12 noon, June 14th after which her ashes will be buried along side her husband, Lee’s burial site at Estes Park Cemetery.