Sandra Kinser

Sandra Lee Riggs Kinser, age 79, passed away peacefully at her home in Taylorsville, Utah on November 16, 2024.

She was born on March 6, 1945, in Monrovia, California to Hiram Joseph Riggs and Irene (Barrett) Riggs. She graduated from Murray High School and shortly after, married James Rice. They had one daughter together, Cynthia, but ultimately ended the marriage. On August 18, 1972, Sandy married the love of her life and soul mate, Harley G. Kinser. Sandy was an avid skier and bowler in her younger years. She and Harley enjoyed many years of camping, boating (Timp Marina Boat Club), "buggying with the bums" (this was before ATV's were a thing), and golfing with their blended family and many lifelong friends. Harley and Sandy also enjoyed many road trip adventures on their motorcycle. In their retired years, they appreciated 20 winters in Yuma Arizona with several "snowbird" friends.

Sandy spent 25 years working in the banking industry and made many lasting friendships with her co-workers. She spent the majority of those years at Valley Bank & Trust where she was the Executive Secretary to the President of Valley Bank. After that, she worked at Bank One, ARUP, and then Olympus Bank before she retired. Sandy chose to retire early so she could help take care of her beloved grandsons, Garrett and Connor. Sandy adored the boys and was a wonderful grandmother to them. She thoroughly enjoyed weekly adventures taking the boys to Hogle Zoo, Tracy Aviary, the airport to watch the planes take off, and, of course, golf lessons at the Ridge Golf Course, as soon as they could stand and swing a club.

Sandy took great pride in taking care of her yard and flowers. Even after having knees and hips replaced, she couldn't wait for spring to arrive so she could get her hands in the dirt and plant her flowers.

Did I mention Sandy liked golf? After teasing her daughter, Cynthia, for years, poking "why would you waste your weekends playing a silly game where you chase a little white ball around", Sandy decided to try the game herself. After taking lessons, she was hooked! From then on, her preferred way to celebrate Mother's Day was to golf with her family. (No boring Mother's Day brunch for this spunky lady!)

Sandy's passion for the last several years has been the ladies golf league at Riverbend golf courses. A big "thank you" to her besties, Jan, Marlene, Lola, Magna, Diane, Ginny, and Judy. You ladies were her lifeline after Harley passed away and she loved each and every one of you.

Preceded in death by her parents Hiram and Irene Riggs, brother Don Riggs (Ila), brother Norman Riggs (Faye), sister Lois Smith (Willis), and husband Harley Kinser.

Sandy was a loving wife, mother, step-mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. She is survived by her daughter, Cynthia Schoonover (Jody), grandson William Garrett Schoonover (Cortney), grandson Connor James Schoonover (Julia); step-son Harley Chris Kinser (Char), step-daughter Teri Kinser (Lee Brimhall), step-son Russell Kinser. Step-grandchildren: Ashley Kinser, Staci Fielding (Braxon), Hailey Reyna (Eric), Becca Royer, Morgan Niel (Miguel), Baylee Davis, Kelson Kinser, and several great-grandchildren.

Sandy will forever be next to her sweetheart, Harley, at the Utah Veterans Memorial Park at Camp Williams. A celebration of life will be held sometime in the spring 2025. In lieu of sending flowers, we ask that you invite a friend to lunch, or to play a round of golf, and tell her or him all the reasons you appreciate having them in your life.

"Don't cry because it's over. Be happy that it happened!"