worship celebration times:
Sandy was born September 8, 1946, to parents William and Gloria Bricker, who preceded her in death. She was a graduate of Eaton High School, class of 1964, and a long time member of Ginghamsburg Church.
Sandy was survived by her husband of 32 years, Russell B. Bogner, her daughter Cyd Louise Bogner of Dayton, Ohio, and son Weslely J. Bogner, also of Dayton. Sandy was survived by two sisters and brothers-in-law, Judy and Ray Sambrosky of Fairborn, and Majel and Gary Kutche of Richmond, Indiana -- and a grandson -- whom she adored, Douglas Austin Bogner.
Sandy was employed for a long time by Sherwin Williams Paint, and then Angel Manufacturing. She worked for several years at Ginghamsburg Church, but was for the most part a dedicated and loving wife, mother and homemaker.
She was married for 32 years to her friend and companion, Russ Bogner -- a real accomplishment in this day and age. The met at a family reunion -- sounds like a line out of "You Know You're a Redneck When..." His brother dated her first, but Russ won her heart. Russ described her as the "love of his life" and said that he considered her to be a gift to him from God. Where you saw one of them, you usually saw the other. They shared most of life together. They both liked to work in the garden. Russ said they used the "point and plant" method. of gardening -- Sandy would point, and Russ would plant it. That's how things were with Russ and Sandy.
Her family described her as a warm, caring, encouraging woman dedicated to her family. She loved family meals and "get-togethers", and Christmas was always at her house. She loved all the kids in the family. She remembered birthdays and special occasions for nieces and nephews, as wee as for her own children, and especially for grandson, Douglas. She loved being a grandmother. She was a fiercely loving mother -- you didn't want to wound one of her children -- and a loving, devoted, caring daughter and sister.
A long time member of Ginghamsburg Church, Sandy was a Stephen Minister, and an active Home Group leader -- actively participating in the birthing of several Home Groups over the years. She and Russ were partners in the Ginghamsburg Church Tape ministry for many years. Together with Jackie Hill, Sandy started a menopause support group called Seasons of Change as a ministry to women throughout the community.
Sandy was also a part of the Emmaus Community. In fact, on Monday evening, just before she died, the entire Emmaus Community gathered and prayer that her passing would be peaceful -- which it was. Christine. from Tipp City, sang His Eye Is On the Sparrow, just for her, and Sandy was moved by that.
Even though cancer is a terrible, hideous disease, Sandy put up a brave and valiant fight against it. She remained positive and optimistic till the very end. Sandy was a woman of deep faith in God -- and she clung to the verse in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." When the video team approached her about sharing her story for the video Dancing with Pain she readily agreed -- hoping that the story of her struggle and journey through her illness could help someone else along the way. An avid reader, Sandy filled her days with books on devotion and healing -- and passed them on to others to share in their blessing. Hers was a faith of word and action.
Sandy was a loving, caring, dedicated woman. She loved God. She loved her family. She loved those around her. She would be honored to know that you read her on-line memorial, not to morn her death, but to celebrate her life. This memorial is a celebration of Sandy's life.
