Kaye S. Riley Sandford

Kaye was born on Sept. 29, 1942, to Don and Lois Riley in Pittsburgh, Kansas. Kaye passed away on Jan. 20, 2026, at Lakeside Rehabilitation Center with her daughters by her side.

Kaye married the love of her life, Frank Sandford, on May 31, 1963. Together they raised 4 Kids, Tonya, Jodi, Brent and Shawna. Frank Passed away in 2022 and 10 months later, her only son, Brent, passed away. Kaye was in the care of Lakeside Rehab Center for 4 years. Dementia stole all Kaye’s memories except for those of her beloved Frank. She never forgot him and she continued to look for him and watch through windows for him to pull in to take her home. This was painful for her daughters to watch, and they hoped one day his memory would fade away. It never did. We know now how fortunate we were to have a mother who loved so deeply that she was able to retain that memory. It has become her legacy and an inspiration to us all.

Kaye devoted her life to helping others. Her and Frank took in over 100 foster kids, many of those kids kept in touch with touch with them for years. Kaye also brought home many stray animals - Frank used to joke, saying that she went out looking for strays!

Kaye’s life revolved around her grandkids; she loved to travel and took her grandkids 2 at a time on most of their trips. She also loved to shop- for the grandkids. She never showed up empty handed. She used to say, “I would be rich if I didn’t have grandkids!” She loved watching her grandkids play sports and she was proudly at every important event of their lives.

Kaye was a simple person, with a heart of gold who didn't need much to be happy. She found her greatest joy being with her family and helping others. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and never forgotten. Her family is at peace knowing she finally found her beloved Frank.

Kaye was preceded in death by her parents, Lois and Don, her brother Don Riley Jr, Frank Sandford and Brent Sandford.

She is survived by her daughters, Tonya (Rob) Smith, Jodi (Eric) Rawlins, and Shawna (Ed) Bluemer, 10 Grandkids, 19 Great Grandkids and 2 Great-Great Grandkids.

Kaye’s service will be at Bell Tower Funeral Home in Post Falls, Idaho on January 31st at 11:00 a.m. The family would like to thank all those at Lakeside Rehab center who loved and cared for Kaye.