Sandra Jo (Myers) Amstutz passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026, at the age of 79, just shy of her 80th birthday, following a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. Above all else, Sandy was a devoted wife, mother, and a doting grandmother whose greatest joy was her family. She leaves behind a legacy of profound warmth and creativity, a lifelong dedication to shaping young minds, and beautiful stories that will be passed down for generations.
Born on June 12, 1946, in Orrville, Ohio, Sandy grew up with a deep appreciation for community and learning. She was always proud of her hometown being the historic home of The J.M. Smucker Company, known for its jams and jellies. A 1964 graduate of Orrville High School, she went on to pursue her passion for education at Kent State University, earning her Bachelor of Science in Education in 1968.
It was during her time at Kent State that she met the love of her life and future husband of 41 years, Paul Amstutz. They were married in 1969 at the Orrville Church of Christ. Paul’s career in the U.S. Navy eventually brought them to Alameda, where they built their family. Together, they enjoyed traveling the world and frequenting Graeagle, California for cherished vacations.
Sandy dedicated her 41-year professional career to elementary education, touching the lives of countless children with her patience, kindness, and dedication. In Alameda, she taught first grade at Porter Elementary School, and later taught first, second, and third grades at Lum Elementary School. She also served as a trusted literacy coach at Woodstock and Haight (now Love) elementary schools. Always striving to better support her students, she returned to her own studies later in life, earning a Master’s in Teaching Leadership from St. Mary’s College of California in 2008, and was also a certified literacy and reading specialist before retiring that same year.
Affectionately known as “The Purple Lady” throughout the Alameda Unified School District, Sandy was a vibrant presence who frequently mentored and supported new teachers. Colleagues warmly recalled how she would wear her favorite color, purple, and enthusiastically dress up for holidays and special occasions, complete with matching jewelry. Even after stepping out of the classroom, she continued to tutor neighborhood children in reading and writing from her Bay Farm home for many years.
Outside the classroom, Sandy’s hands were rarely still and her artistic talents flourished. She was an avid crafter and a passionate gardener who found great joy in bringing beauty to life—from handmade wreaths and baskets to custom card-making and tending to the brilliant purple and blue hydrangeas in her backyard. To those who knew her best, she was also a master pie baker; her kitchen was routinely filled with the comforting scents of home-baked goods shared generously with friends and family. Her love of music ranged from holiday carols to singing in a local choir, and she always looked forward to attending musicals and plays at the Altarena Playhouse.
Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, Mardell and Orin Myers; her sister, Darla Myers; and her beloved husband, Paul Amstutz.
Her memory will be forever cherished and kept alive by her loving family, including her son Scott Amstutz, her daughter-in-law Lisa, and her adored grandchildren, Amber and Tilden Amstutz, who brought immense light to her life. She is also survived by her sister, Cindy Perlic.
The Amstutz family extends their deepest gratitude to those who supported her throughout her journey with Alzheimer’s. A celebration of life will be held at a later date; please contact the family for details. Interment will be at the Crown Hill Cemetery in Orrville, Ohio.
To honor Sandy’s lifelong commitment to education, the family requests that donations in lieu of flowers be made in her memory to Alameda Unified School District (AUSD), Special Education Department, 2060 Challenger Drive, Alameda, CA 94501.
