Clara Jean 'Jean' Wintch Sandstrom

Feb. 4, 1942 – Aug. 6, 2026

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Jean Sandstrom passed away peacefully Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, in Albany, Ore., where she lived near her youngest daughter, reuniting with her husband, parents and siblings.

Born in Manti, Utah, to Emma Louise Ventris Wintch and Frederick William Wintch, Jean was the youngest of nine children. She married Don A. Sandstrom on May 11, 1963. They were sealed in the Manti Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1970, they settled in Lewiston, where they raised their family.

Jean was a woman of remarkable talents and generosity. A gifted professional seamstress, she crafted business suits, an award-winning wedding dress that earned recognition at the Nez Perce County Fair and created countless treasured quilts. She earned honorary Thespian recognition from the Lewiston Civic Theatre and Lewiston High School for her outstanding costume design work.

Jean loved horseback riding, baking and serving others. She was a member of the Lewiston Women’s Horse Drill Team and completed the renowned 100-mile trail ride from Asotin County three times. She was deeply involved in Scouting and DECA alongside her sons and dedicated decades of service to her church, where she taught, organized activities and lovingly prepared meals. She was famous for her homemade bread and spudnut doughnuts.

Of all her accomplishments, Jean considered motherhood her greatest blessing. She cherished her seven children and took immense joy in caring for her family through the generations.

Jean is survived by her brother, James Wayne Wintch; her sister, Alice Louise Christensen; her seven children, Polley (Scott) Snelson, Julia (Rick) Von Bargen, Bill (Jen) Sandstrom, Emily (Joe) Conragan, Corey Sandstrom, Evan Sandstrom and Abby (Jake) Blinn; and her beloved 21 “Grandstroms.”

She is deeply missed and will remain forever in our hearts.

A viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, at Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home, 920 21st Ave., Lewiston.

Her funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3810 16th St., Lewiston.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dementia Society of America at dementiasociety.org/donate.