Sandi D. Howard

Sandi, 74, of Springfield Township, left this life on Friday, January 27, 2017 – surrounded by her loving family. Sandi started her career at the Lucas County Sheriff’s Dept., as matron in 1974. In 1977, while raising 6 children on her own, she not only worked full-time in the jail, but also completed training at the Criminal Justice Training Center to become a law enforcement officer. Upon her graduation that year, she was named a deputy sheriff and was promoted to Corporal the following year. Helping pave the way for women today, she went on to become a Sergeant; and was the first woman in the agency’s history to be assigned road patrol duties. She retired as a Lieutenant after 25 years of service. Sandi met John Howard while both were employed at the Sheriff’s Dept. They married on February 14, 2012, making her life more fulfilled. Being an avid Ohio State Buckeye and Detroit Tigers fans, they never missed a game together. She will forever be remembered for her wicked sense of humor and feistiness: Passionate about her politics, always speaking her mind. Never being one to mince words, you knew exactly where you stood with Sandi. On the softer side, nature brought her great joy. She will be deeply missed by countless friends and “adopted” family members. She helped many folks in need over the years; foregoing her own health in the process. Left to honor and cherish her memory is husband, John Howard; children, Tamara (Jon Wiegand) Hudson, Ronda (Tom) Cooper, Sandra Guess, Russ (Michelle) Guess, Dennis (Ann) Guess and Michael (Michelle) Guess; siblings, Joan Johnson and Roy (Darlene) Kennedy; 13 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Beverly Kennedy and special “sister” Karen Radsick. Sandi was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Mamie Kennedy; brothers, Richard and Gary, and sister, Loreen. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 from 2:00 to 8:00 P.M. in Neville Funeral Home, Southwest Chapel, 7438 Airport Highway, Holland, Ohio 43528 (419-865-8879). Funeral services will be Thursday, February 2, 2017 at 10:30 A.M. at the funeral home, with interment at Springfield Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Metroparks Toledo.