Sandy Jean Immel

Sandy Jean (LaRue) Immel, 77, passed away peacefully at home in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, on Sunday, April 6, 2025.

She was born in Akron, Ohio, on July 12, 1947, to B. Jean (Melson) LaRue Samples and Albert LaRue.

Sandy leaves behind her devoted husband of 58 years, Ken Immel, and their five daughters: Judy (Forrest Blackburn) Immel-Blackburn, Debbie (Jon) Truax, Susan (Ron) Secrist, Kristy (Jack) Dugan, and Patti (Adam) Lee.

She is also survived by 15 grandchildren: Daniel Truax, Bethany (Jimmy) Campbell, Jocelyn Blackburn, Katie (Travis) Davis, Jillian Blackburn, Quinn Dugan, Benjamin Blackburn, Zachary Blackburn, Joshua Boyd, Molly Secrist, Makena Dugan, Addison Lee, Carter Dugan, Kinley Dugan, and Megan Lee. She was elated to learn that a great-grandchild is expected this summer.

Sandy leaves behind a sister, Kathy (John) Norman; a brother, Albert (Vonnie) LaRue; and numerous brothers- and sisters-in law and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her stepfather, Ron Samples.

Sandy graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School in 1965. She then joined the work force as a clerk-typist at BFGoodrich in Akron. There, she met her best friend for life, Judi Hayes. She also met her soon-to-be husband through the Goodrich bowling league.

Sandy and Ken were married on November 12, 1966, at First United Methodist Church of Cuyahoga Falls. She then devoted herself to mothering and homemaking, clipping coupons, crafting home decor and canning their homegrown apples and garden tomatoes.

Sandy volunteered for 20 years as the coordinator of the crib/toddler room at First United Methodist Church of Cuyahoga Falls. She earned her realtor's license in 1987 and worked for Sanders Home Realtors. She subsequently worked as a teacher's aide for Woodridge Local Schools. She was a member at Science Hill Community Church in Alliance, Ohio.

Her favorite pastime, a life-long hobby, was sewing and crocheting for her family and local craft shows. Her young daughters often appeared in matching outfits she sewed, and they received hats and mittens in their favorite colors. Beautifully crocheted afghans were another of her specialties. Her handmade aprons, bowl cozies and doll clothes were popular at craft shows, and also sold at The Craft Shoppe at Quirk Cultural Center in Cuyahoga Falls, where she volunteered.

Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Friday, April 18, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at the Billow FALLS Memorial Chapel of Billow Funeral Home, 1907 23rd St., Cuyahoga Falls. Pastor Jonathan Truax will officiate. Interment will follow at Northampton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Science Hill Community Church, 12316 Beeson St. NE, Alliance, Ohio 44601.

The family thanks the nurses and aides of Summa Hospice and the home health aides of Gardens of Western Reserve Home Care. Special thanks go to Angela, Linda, Rita, Leann, Sonet and Cassandra who were exceptional in Sandy's care.

Services in care of the Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, 1907 23rd St. Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223