Obituaries : Sandra Kay Cox

Sandra Kay Cox was born on October 15, 1952 in Vinton, Iowa, to Eugene and Ima Jean Powers. She passed away on April 24, 2024, at the age of 71.

Sandra cherished spending time with family and friends; she was never too busy or tired for those whom she loved. She was gifted with an exceptional ability to empathize with others, and even new acquaintances were treated like family, receiving warm expressions of her kindness and generosity. Her hospitality not only spread happiness because of the comforting, delicious food she offered, but because she created a warm and welcoming home atmosphere that reminded others of how important they were to her.

The affectionate bond between her and her husband, Michael, created an inseparable and beautiful partnership. Having grandchildren was truly one of her greatest joys in her life; she enjoyed an amazing connection with each and treasured every moment with them. Her intense interest in people made her passionate about relating funny stories and amusing memories.

Her good qualities were a reflection of her strong faith. For more than 35 years she spent time regularly sharing the truths she came to appreciate about her loving God, Jehovah, and her greatest desire was to help others to benefit in the same way she had from applying Bible principles.

Known as a skilled gardener, she eagerly anticipated warmer weather each spring, until the time was right to start planning and planting. She found great satisfaction in sharing her harvest, often setting up a free vegetable stand in her yard and loading down visitors with overflowing baskets of produce and fresh flowers. These are just a few of the gifts we will all remember with gratitude as we look back on our time with her.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, and four siblings: Vicky Turner, Roger Powers, Gary Turner, and Marc Smalley, and her youngest son, Clayton Cox.

She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Michael Cox; her siblings: Robin Powers of Vinton, Iowa; Cheryl (Harold) Knaack of Vinton, Iowa; Betty (Mark) Shea of Iowa City, Iowa; Patty Powers of Iowa City, Iowa; Robert Smalley of Seaside, Oregon; her children: Jason (Leah) Cox of Vera, Almería (Spain); Carlos (Katie) Cox of Brandon, Iowa; Ivan (Denise) Cox of Crescent Springs, Kentucky; Juliette (Andy) Huntsman of Fishkill, New York; her stepson Mark (Sara) Cox of Manhattan, Kansas; her grandchildren: Emily, Olivia, Logan (Liz), Sarah, Elijah, Evan, Oliver, Ivy, Ava, and Levi Cox, and many nephews and nieces.

Sandra loved her neighbors and the Vinton community, and the family would like to invite all to attend a memorial service at 6:00pm on Friday, May 3, 2024 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 307 North K Avenue, Vinton, Iowa.

Friends and family can share condolences at: Cedar Memorial