Sandra S. Libby of Clinton, Iowa passed away on Friday, December 10, 2021 at the age of 80. Following Sandra’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 9:30 to 10:30 AM Monday, December 27, 2021 at the Pape Funeral. A memorial service will begin at 10:30 AM at the Pape Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Victory Center Rescue Mission or the Bickelhaupt Arboretum. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.
Sandra was born in Sabula, Iowa on September 17, 1941. She was the daughter of Paul and Jeanette (Gregersen) McClusky. She graduated from Clinton High School and attended Mt. St. Clare College. Sandra married Richard Libby on August 13, 1966 in Clinton. Early in her professional life, she exercised her creativity and eye for design by opening Etc. gift shop with her friend Sue Tiesing. Later, before her sons were of school age, she ran plant store Hang Ups/Put Downs from her home. When her children started school, she began a fulfilling 20-year career in job training with the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) programs, eventually becoming supervisor of the Clinton Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) office of the Eastern Iowa Community College District. She found immense fulfillment in helping those who sought job training and her giving nature and generosity extended well past office hours – it was rare for Sandra to find a charity she didn’t support! She actively volunteered for many years with various organizations such as the Clinton County Democrats, Clinton Symphony Orchestra, Gateway Contemporary Ballet, the Felix Adler Children’s Discovery Center and the Bickelhaupt Arboretum. In retirement, Sandra and husband Richard enjoyed traveling, particularly exploring the Western United States including a memorable night sleeping in their car at the Grand Canyon. Other trip highlights were Hong Kong, Great Britain and the Caribbean, as well as several trips to Austin, TX for South by Southwest. Sandra was a member of the Church of Christ, Scientist.
Sandra is survived by her husband Richard; son Jeffrey Libby and his partner Lora Lee Tucker of Austin, TX; granddaughter and adopted daughter, Kharma Libby and her partner Brendan Smith of North Liberty, IA; great grandchildren, Tatum Libby, Atreus Smith and Raven Marie Smith; her two brothers, James McClusky of Clinton and Tom McClusky of Peoria; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Matthew; her sister, Paulette Ezring (McClusky); and sisters-in-law, Patricia McClusky and Linda McClusky.