Sandra Jean Rodriguez

Sandra Jean Rodriguez

Our world lost its light as we announce that Sandra (Sandy) Jean Rodriguez, 82 of Missoula, Montana passed away on Thursday, October 29, 2026 in Missoula.

Sandy was born on May 28, 1944 in Missoula, Montana to Luella and Arthur Needles. On September 6, 1960, Sandy was married to Roy C. Rodriguez in a Missoula ceremony, beginning a marriage filled with a large family and many cherished memories.

Sandy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend who had a great love for her family and her faith. She was known for her kind and loving heart, always believing in the importance of keeping her family close together. Sandy had a special fondness for animals, particularly horses and she enjoyed riding, and spending time with her beloved dogs. She was a romantic at heart and loved reading, listening to music and writing letters, as well as writing beautiful poetry. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures and the company of those she loved.

Sandy was preceded in death by her husband, Roy C. Rodriguez in May of 2021 and her newborn daughter Tammy Luella Maria Rodriguez in 1962.

Our wonderful mom and sister is survived by her sister, Joann Barney and brother Gary Needles, daughter Betsy (Christian), Abbey, Kaitlyn and Alex; Tammy (Gene) Mandy, Brandon, Josh and Tyler; Diana (Jerry) Mat, Megan and Jami; Thomas, Bella, Lanie, Will and Maggie, along with numerous other family members and friends who will cherish her beautiful memory.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at Garden City Funeral Home in Missoula. The Celebration of Life service will take place from 10:30am to 11am, with a reception to follow from 11am to 1pm.

Burial will take place at 1:30pm at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care of Garden City Funeral Home.