LaRae Sandin, 85

LaRae Sandin, 85, of Hampton passed away peacefully February 28th 2022 at Franklin Country View Nursing Facility in Hampton before taking up residence in her new home in Heaven. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, March 12, 2022, at Faith Baptist Church in Hampton. A private burial will take place in the Hampton Cemetery. Counsell Woodley Funeral Home of Hampton is caring for LaRae and her family.



Fern LaRae Sandin was born September 26, 1936 to Earl and Mary Jones of Hampton. She graduated from Hampton High School in 1955 and married her High School sweetheart Lowell Sandin on June 10th 1956. Lowell and LaRae remained in Hampton and were married for 63 years. To this union Lowell and LaRae had two children, Kathie and Dennis.



She was a loyal wife and mother. She made Jesus Christ the Lord of her life as a teenager. LaRae and Lowell enjoyed hosting Bible Studies and fellowship gatherings in their home while continuing to serve in their church.



After working several years as a secretary for the Coonley Law Firm, LaRae felt a calling to open a Christian Book, Bible and Gift store in Hampton. It became known as Cornerstone Christian Books. She eventually opened up a second store in Iowa Falls. She continued to serve the spiritual needs of the community for 40 years until she retired in 2006.



LaRae had the heart of hospitality. It was always a delight inviting her friends over for coffee and oven baked cookies. She loved having family come and visit during holidays and weekends preparing special meals including everyone’s favorite, homemade pizza. She enjoyed playing games and often initiated a card or board game at each gathering.



LaRae cherished her garden and flowers and became a member of the Hampton Garden Club. She would surround herself with special flowers while relaxing on the deck. Her other favorite pastime was the continued research in Genealogy. She eventually became an active board member for D.A.R.- Daughters of the American Revolution.



Traveling became an ongoing dream for LaRae and Lowell. They eventually traveled to 49 states within the U.S. and abroad to Canada, Europe and the Caribbean.



LaRae is survived by her brother, Donald Jones of Webster City; sister-in-law, Judith Kramer (Tom) of Arizona; daughter, Kathie Rabe Negley (Dan Rabe, David Negley deceased) of Maryland; son, Dennis Sandin (Bonnie) of Coulter; grandchildren, Nathan Rabe (Christie); Ariel Rabe and Sarah Rabe Mahmoud (Nagaty, “Prince”) of Maryland; great grandchildren, Yohannah, Shoshie, Abby Rabe, Sophie Mahmoud of Maryland and many nieces and nephews.



She was preceded in death by her husband, Lowell; her parents, Earl and Mary Jones; her grandparents, Roy and Mae Jones; James and Elizabeth Westaby.