Sandra Sue White Leeper

February 10, 1935 - January 2, 2025

Sandra (Sandy) Leeper, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend to many, died on January 2, 2025, from natural causes in Nevada, Iowa. She was 89.

Sandy’s parents were Linville R. White and Mable Told White of Nevada, and she was the middle child between siblings Betty and Jim. Her parents owned and operated the family business, White Jewelry Company in Nevada, for over 50 years, starting in 1938.

Sandy attended school in Nevada and graduated from Nevada High School in 1953, where she was a member of the pep drill team. She also attended Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa. In May 1955, Sandy married Robert L. (Bob) Leeper in Nevada, and they had two sons, Mike and Steve. When her boys participated in high school sports, Sandy was their biggest fan.

Sandy worked at the USDA Story County Farm Services Agency in Nevada until her retirement. Her upbeat, friendly personality allowed her to be a helpful, social member of her community. She volunteered with Meals on Wheels and school mentorship programs. As a longtime member of the Central Presbyterian Church, Sandy was involved in church activities and was a proud member of the church choir. Her curious nature took her on visits to places such as Arizona, Nashville, and Las Vegas. A travel highlight was her fall trip to enjoy the foliage in New England. Her artistic and creative talents led her to play piano, visit museums, read, take photos, and collect vintage jewelry and family heirlooms. She enjoyed caring for her cat Pepper, and dogs Jack and Max, both Schnauzers. 

Sandy cherished her granddaughter Danielle and was excited to do “girly” things with her, after so many years surrounded by men. Together they baked Christmas cookies, went to musicals, sculpture gardens, children’s theater, the tearoom in Ames, the library, out for lunches and dinners, appreciating every minute spent together. Sandy enjoyed sharing stories of her childhood and memories of her extended family with Danielle.

Sandy is survived by her sons Mike Leeper and Steve Leeper; granddaughter Danielle Leeper; nieces Martha Gennarelli, Mary Coxson-Jones, Laura King, Kitty Sheehan, and Brittany Partridge; nephews Jim White, Wendell Johnson, and Jared Leeper; great-nieces and nephews, and other relatives.

Sandy was preceded in death by her parents Linville and Mable; husband Bob in 2019; brother Jim White and wife Mary Ann; sister, Betty White Johnson and husband Wendell Johnson; brother-in-law Dave Leeper; sister-in-law Betty Leeper Sheehan and husband Tom Sheehan; sister-in-law Janice Leeper Egland, parents-in-law Robert Lewis Leeper and Florence Leeper; nephew Dan Sheehan; niece Mary Elaine White; aunts, uncles, and other relatives.

Sandy is interred at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa, with her husband, Bob.

“And if I didn't know better

I'd think you were singing to me now

If I didn't know better

I'd think you were still around

I know better

But I still feel you all around

I know better

But you're still around.”

Taylor Swift