Sandra Leota Clark

Life-long Cortez resident, Sandra Leota Clark passed away peacefully on the evening of May 3, 2025, at the BeeHive Homes. Sandy was born on July 12, 1942, in Utah to Herbert and Willma (Rowe) Flaugh.

Sandy grew up in Cortez, with her younger twin brothers, Don and Von. Sandy graduated from Montezuma-Cortez High School and went on to attend Fort Lewis College, where she met Bruce Clark. The couple married on August 28, 1965, and made their home in Cortez. Their family grew, first welcoming their son Herb, and later their daughter, Sara. Sandy’s children were one of the greatest joys in her life. Sandy loved gardening and tended a beautiful flower and rose garden at their home on Empire Street. She worked for the Cortez School District, in various roles, exceeding 30 years of service. She loved teaching and helping children of all ages; in addition to her own family, her students were very important to her. One of her favorite positions was the Kemper Elementary School Librarian. Sandy enjoyed sharing her love of books and reading with children.

Surviving Sandy are her son, Herb Clark and wife, Vanessa Benally; her daughter, Sara and husband, Andrew Thomas, and Sandy’s five grandchildren. Sandy’s memory will also be carried on by her dear cousin, Jane Campbell, as well as her beloved nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins. Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Willma Flaugh; husband, Bruce Clark; and brothers Don Flaugh and Von Flaugh.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 16 at Ertel Funeral Home, followed by a private interment at the Cortez Cemetery. A gathering of friends and family will follow at the Parque de Vita Amphitheatre from 4-8pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Moving Mountains Foundation, PASCO/SW Health Care, 2208 E. Main St. Cortez, CO 81321  https://pascosw.com/moving-mountains-foundation/