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Ethel Marie Sandstrom, age 90, of Arnot, PA, passed away on Monday, May 19, 2025, at Broad Acres Nursing Home in Wellsboro, PA. She was born on December 7, 1934, in Blossburg, PA, a daughter of Joseph and Marie (Staron) Brooks. Ethel was the wife of the late A. Ralph Sandstrom who died on January 8, 2015. She attended Blossburg Elementary School and graduated in 1952 from Blossburg Joint High School. Ethel worked in the office at JP Ward Foundry for 3 years until she married her husband on April 15, 1955. They lived in Corning for several years before returning to Arnot in May of 1960. She was a Librarian at Blossburg Memorial Library for 13 years.
They are parents to 3 sons, Rusty (Nancy), Randy (Shelly), and Tim (Carol). Their only daughter, Mary Jo, was born to Heaven in Sept. 1962.
Her Grandchildren are Chad (Jessi), Melissa (who passed in March1995), Jason (Renee), Michelle (Brian) and Ashlee. Great Grandchildren are Nevaeh, Jacob (Morgan), Ryland, & Weston, and great-great grandchild Grayson. Extended Grandchildren are Danielle (Jonah), Paige and extended great-grandchildren are Harley, Seneca, Elijah, Carter, Cayden, & Paxton.
She is also survived by many beloved cousins. Her wish is for the Brooks Reunion to continue with someone else filling her spot as the eldest Brooks.
Ethel was a crafter in her early days. She crocheted many Afghans, then turned to making angels and attended craft shows selling many items. She published a book of poetry and had a book signing for ANGELSTOUCH (A book of poetry honoring Melissa). She was published in several books, wrote a Journal Through Gramma's Eyes, (The story of Ashlee's Preemie birth), Pink Courage (her journey through Breast Cancer) and won the 2004 Who's Who in International Poetry Award. From over 200 entries, 4 were chosen as featured poetsÖItaly, Greece, Thailand and USA. Hers was the USA-featured poem and was first in the edition.
She also created one website that evolved into five websites. She made most of the backgrounds, graphics, and animated graphics. Her next passion was making handmade cards which she shared with many friends.
She was a member of St. Mary's Church, Bloss Babes, a Red Hat group, a lifetime member of Arnot Sportsman's Club, and a former Sec/Treas of the Arnot Recreation Committee for many years and held numerous other positions.
She was pre-deceased by her parents, daughter, and granddaughter.
Friends and family are invited to call from 1 to 2 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025, at Buckheit Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., 637 S. Main St., Mansfield, PA. A memorial service will immediately follow at 2 p.m. with Reverend Bryan Wright officiating. Burial will take place in Arnot Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ethel's memory to the Blossburg Memorial Library, 307 Main St., Blossburg, PA, 16912. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com.